Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston

By: Esme Symes-Smith

Narrated by: Dani Martineck, Esme Symes-Smith

In a magical medieval world filled with dragons, shape-shifters, and witches, a twelve-year-old nonbinary hopeful knight battles for the heart of their kingdom. This USA Today bestselling series explores identity and gender amid sword fights and magic, and proves anyone can be a hero.

“These heroes come in all shapes and skills—I cheered for them throughout their exciting journey.” —#1 New York Times bestselling author Tamora Pierce

When their ex-hero dad is summoned back to the royal capital of Helston to train a hopeless crown prince, Callie lunges at the opportunity to finally prove themself worthy to the kingdom’s "great and powerful." Except the intolerant great and powerful look at nonbinary Callie and only see girl. But Callie has always known exactly what they want to be, and they’re not about to let anything stand in their way.

Trapped in Helston’s rigid hierarchy where girls learn magic and boys train as knights, Callie discovers they aren’t alone—there’s Elowen, the chancellor’s brilliant daughter, whose unparalleled power is being stifled; Edwyn, Elowen’s twin brother desperate to win his father’s approval; and Willow, the crown prince who was never meant to be king.

In this start to an epic series packed with action, humor, and heart, Callie and their new friends quickly find themselves embedded in an ancient war—and their only hope to defeat the threats outside the kingdom lies in first defeating the bigotry within.


"Everything you could possibly want from a middle grade fantasy." —The Nerd Daily

©2022 Esme Symes-Smith (P)2022 Listening Library

Critic reviews

3 STARRED REVIEWS!

★ "Tenacious, vulnerable, and gritty, Sir Callie is a hero that belongs on every library shelf. This is an important book that will capture every reader’s heart and imagination."—SLJ, starred review

★ "In this uplifting debut, Symes-Smith skillfully crafts an emotionally rich adventure starring an intersectionally inclusive cast of courageous characters."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "A can’t-miss, one-of-a-kind (for now!) page-turner, bursting with heart...Among the best of the year—and a debut, no less."—Booklist, starred review

Lovely story about how being yourself is powerful

This book is amazing and I highly recommend it. the fact that this book exists means the world is getting a little bit better. In this book Callie faces many challenges. This book is about a nonbinary kid and the challenges that ever nonbinary kid faces it’s hidden under a story but it’s there. But let this book help you find your true self and discover who you are. If you are a kid who is face if challenges with sexuality and or gender or your in the closet I just want you to know you are wonderful and who you are is amazing! Have a lovely day -the kid with no gender :)

Incredible story, give this a listen!

Wow.. what an incredible book! And the narrator did such a fantastic job with each character and their voices. I was so drawn in, each twist and turn these kids went through just had me wondering how they’d get through all the challenges they face. This is a wonderful book about how powerful it can be just being yourself in spite of everything that tries to make you change. I will always recommend this book to friends of all ages, as it is a story to be enjoyed by all.

realistic but safe

this book in all it's wonders and fantasies doesn't over do the abuse made or sugar coat it. it's all real, the problems, the homophobia, the everything. it shows you the good in the world but doesn't over do or down play the bad. a perfect blend of fantasy, drama, love, and adventure. I may or may not be biased cause the main character is nonbinary like me-

AMAZING

I love every part of this book. It has a hidden meaning. It is remarkable. I love the fact that Callie is non-binary. And I just love how Elowen’s character is made. I think anyone should have the chance to figure out how they are and Callie gave so many kids a chance to do just that.
Love who you are because you are beautiful.

Great book to listen to with your kid

A great book to listen to and discuss with your kid. All of us have felt the sting of rejection. And this is a beautiful book about empathy and giving people the space to be who they truly are and learning to accept them… and yourself