Dani Martineck shines in presenting a confident character who feels confined in a disapproving world. Listeners will travel to the royal capital of Helston with Callie, a nonbinary 12-year-old who is determined to become a knight in a forbidding place with strict boundaries between genders. In this intolerant kingdom only girls can study magic, and boys must stick to swordplay. Martineck’s narration makes it easy to differentiate the large cast of characters who are expressing emotions that range from despair to hope. They also capture the comforting voices of Callie’s dads. An introductory author's note provides a content warning and a list of resources for those who may be uncomfortable with Callie’s journey. E.J.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston
Narrated by Dani Martineck, Esme Symes-Smith
Esme Symes-SmithUnabridged — 9 hours, 34 minutes
Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston
Narrated by Dani Martineck, Esme Symes-Smith
Esme Symes-SmithUnabridged — 9 hours, 34 minutes
Overview
“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
Editorial Reviews
★ 10/31/2022
Nonbinary 12-year-old Callie dreams of becoming a knight in service to the royal court of Helston. When their retired knight father—formerly champion to Helston’s king, who vanished years ago under mysterious circumstances—is recalled to help train the 12-year-old crown prince for an upcoming tournament and a future as ruler, Callie joins him. Helston’s court frowns upon anyone deviating from strict gender norms: magic-less knights are expected to fight, ladies to “sit still and be quiet and make pretty, useless things with their magic.” Confined to their chamber by the cruel Lord Chancellor Peran, Callie nonetheless continues to secretly train as a squire, soon befriending the nervous prince as well as Peran’s defiant daughter. Together, the trio, each of whom flout Helston’s gender norms, fight to be recognized for who they are in an increasingly oppressive system, all in the shadow of a looming war. In this uplifting debut, Symes-Smith skillfully crafts an emotionally rich adventure starring an intersectionally inclusive cast of courageous characters. With narrative undercurrents addressing identity, found family, and healing, there’s a lot to unpack and appreciate, all for the better, in this character-driven fantasy series starter. Ages 8–12. Agent: Megan Manzano, D4EO Literary. (Nov.)
ALA Rainbow Book Top 10 List
"Everything you could possibly want from a middle grade fantasy....Fierce, sharp-witted and unapologetically queer."
—The Nerd Daily
★ "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
“Fierce, heartfelt and determined....Callie and their friends refuse to give up or stop questioning the discrimination within their society.”
—Kirkus Reviews
"Young readers will find a worthy hero in Callie."
—Bookpage
"Symes-Smith has forged a razor-sharp story of bravery, emotional resilience, deep honor, and adventure!'
— Ash Van Otterloo, author of CATTYWAMPUS
"This warm hug of a book is a love letter to classic fantasy novels and a joyous celebration of found families, finding your place, and making your way in the world on your terms (and with your chosen pronouns). It's thoughtful, inclusive, and an absolute joy."
— Jamie Pacton, author of THE LIFE AND (MEDIEVAL) TIMES OF KIT SWEETLY
"A groundbreaking, magical story about fighting for who you are...Callie is a character every middle grade reader deserves to have on their shelves."
— Nicole Melleby, author of HURRICANE SEASON
"A groundbreaking story with engaging, unforgettable characters, whose personal journeys will mean the world to so many young readers."
— A. J. Sass, author of ANA ON THE EDGE
“Sir Callie is the hero I needed while growing up, and I am so grateful this story exists for kids today.”
—H.E Edgmon, Author of THE WITCH KING
★ 12/01/2022
Gr 5 Up—When their champion knight father is called back to serve the crown, Callie is excited to live out their dream of becoming a knight. Upon arriving in legendary Helston, nonbinary Callie's ambition is cruelly stifled by the intolerant Chancellor and the palace's rigid gender norms; they are expected to forfeit their sword and practice magic with the girls instead. Callie's friendship with Elowen, the Chancellor's magical daughter, and Prince Willow, the crown prince who is being bullied into submission, provides enough hope to continue their fight. Yet when the three uncover a devious plot to oust Prince Willow as the rightful heir to the throne, the trio teams up with Elowen's twin brother, Edwyn, to fight the injustices of their world. Tenacious, vulnerable, and gritty, Sir Callie is a hero that belongs on every library shelf. The writing is empowering, expertly creating an inclusive tale that affirms everyone's right to define themselves. Readers are thrust into the action scenes of this fantasy novel, dodging dragons and magical spells while cheering for the protagonist, their family, and friends. Characters are cued white. VERDICT A must-have for every library. This is an important book that will capture every reader's heart and imagination.—Amy McInerney
Dani Martineck shines in presenting a confident character who feels confined in a disapproving world. Listeners will travel to the royal capital of Helston with Callie, a nonbinary 12-year-old who is determined to become a knight in a forbidding place with strict boundaries between genders. In this intolerant kingdom only girls can study magic, and boys must stick to swordplay. Martineck’s narration makes it easy to differentiate the large cast of characters who are expressing emotions that range from despair to hope. They also capture the comforting voices of Callie’s dads. An introductory author's note provides a content warning and a list of resources for those who may be uncomfortable with Callie’s journey. E.J.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
2022-09-14
An aspiring knight stands against the injustice at work in their own kingdom even as war with a vengeful witch looms on the horizon.
Twelve-year-old Callie longs to train in the royal capital of Helston, but the rigid laws of the realm forbid it. Only boys may pursue knighthood, and only girls may learn magic, but Callie isn’t either. When the lord chancellor demands that Callie’s father, the former king’s champion, return to Helston to train the crown prince for an upcoming tournament and the rising threat of war, Callie seizes the chance to go with him, determined to prove their worth. With the help of two unexpected new friends—the lord chancellor’s daughter and the crown prince—Callie rallies the courage to fight for change. Passing descriptions of background characters indicate diversity in the wider world; the central characters are White. Callie confronts transphobia and internalized shame. When well-meaning but flawed adults try to press for insubstantial change and unfair compromises, Callie and their friends refuse to give up or stop questioning the discrimination within their society. Gentle and affirming romance blossoms gradually throughout the story. A frank and vivid acknowledgement of menstruation stands out as an important moment of inclusion within the coming-of-age narrative. The resolution balances hope with the lingering suspense of lurking danger awaiting Callie in future adventures.
Fierce, heartfelt, and determined. (Fantasy. 8-12)
Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940178447086 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Penguin Random House |
| Publication date: | 11/08/2022 |
| Series: | Sir Callie , #1 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
| Sales rank: | 1,030,135 |
| Age Range: | 8 - 11 Years |
Read an Excerpt
Chapter One
Eyrewood, Two Years Later
“Hiyah!”
I lunge at the offending tree, swinging the too-big sword with both hands. The tree hasn’t really done anything to deserve such abuse, but everyone else is asleep, so it’s the only dueling partner I’m gonna find at this hour of the morning. Neal’s sword is nearly as long as I am tall, and so heavy every blow makes me sweat, but it’s the best I can do for the foreseeable future.
It doesn’t count as stealing if I return it before Neal’s awake. Right?
I sink deep into my favorite dreams, imagining myself in Helston colors—all clean scarlet and gold—striking out at classmates dressed up the same instead of stuck in dirt colors, fencing a tree. Two years and miles away from Clystwell, it feels a little more possible. At least I’m with people who want to help me, who see my potential and let me chase my dreams.
Eyrewood life is about as different from Clystwell as it’s possible to be; we live in a clearing in the middle of the thick forest of hazel trees, a mismatched muddle of people who have somehow found each other and made a home. There’s Josh, a man the size of a mountain with dark skin and flowers in his long hair. He’s the self-appointed cook, and quite frankly it’s lucky we’re not all dead. Faolan’s the youngest apart from me, with a copper complexion warm as the evening sun, and so weedy he looks like a breeze could knock him right over. He doesn’t have magic in his fingers, but he’s got a way with animals that calms even the most nervous rabbit. Rowena’s pale like me and Papa, and just as likely to burn in the sun, and once upon a time everyone thought she was a boy. Don’t know how anyone could’ve got that so wrong, looking at her now, but I guess it’s the same way people call me “girl.” Then there’s Pasco the pirate, who got sick of the sea but longs for real sunshine and decent food, and promises to take me to his homeland one day.
Most important of all is Neal. Sun-blessed, even in the deepest winter, he’s the one who found me and Papa wandering homeless after fleeing Clystwell. He’s the one who welcomed us in and gave us a home, who can grow flowers in the palm of his hand and fight with a sword just as well as Papa, who tells me every day that I’m more than enough exactly as I am. Who loves me and Papa without condition.
“Family are the people who love you,” he told me once. “Exactly as you are, regardless of blood and bond.”
And home is the place where those people are, even if it’s a cluster of tents around a campfire. I wouldn’t swap it for anything.
Well, maybe one thing.
I strike a chunk of bark off the tree and stumble back, sweating. I’ve got great stamina, but Neal’s sword takes it right out of me. There’s a reason why people learn with practice weapons and gradually grow up into full-sized ones. I don’t have that luxury. If I hadn’t started with grown-up weapons, I’d never have started at all.
I prop Neal’s sword against the abused tree and stand back, wiping sweat from my forehead with a satisfying flourish. It’s only early spring, and the air is chilled pretty much anytime before midday, so sweating means I’m doing something right.
I’m about to go at it again when I feel thunder in my feet.
Thunder means horses, and horses mean—
New sun catches on gold the moment before the rider thunders through the trees and into the clearing where our camp’s set up.
Gold and scarlet, and a flash of tempered steel.
My pulse spikes in a heady clash of dread and desire.
Helston.
So Papa’s retired the same way I’m his squire—in all ways except the ones that actually matter. Even though he hasn’t been to court in years and gave up his title of king’s champion after the king disappeared, Helston still has the right to call him to duty and take him away from me. It doesn’t matter how far we go or how well we hide, Helston can always find us.
By rights I should hate them. They’re the reason I was left alone with Mama so much, and they’re the gatekeepers locking me out of my dreams. But I want it so bad. I want to wear that uniform, and get all polished up and learn all the rules, and be part of something glorious. I want the same access to the same chances any boy gets if he wants it, no questions asked.
I want to be a knight.
The enormous black horse pulls up so close, his hot breath whuffling through my hair. He’s dressed up just like his master in the bright scarlet and gold of the palace, and he fixes me with the same disinterested eye.
I draw myself up tall and salute just the way Papa taught me, posture perfect. Maybe this is my moment. Maybe the Helston messenger will be so impressed, he’ll invite me to ride back with him because obviously my potential is wasted here, and he’ll personally make sure that my name gets added to the list of pages, and—
The messenger’s lip curls. “I have an urgent message for Sir Nicholas. Please fetch someone who can deliver it directly to him.”
The beginning of a very specific and way-too-familiar feeling starts in the bottom of my gut.
I keep my chin up and my demeanor pleasant. “I can take it,” I tell the messenger confidently, reaching up for the letter.
It stays in the messenger’s hand.
The uncomfortable feeling winds its way up into my throat as his eyes sweep over me, taking me in, disregarding everything that makes me me. So much for this being my moment.
“Don’t mess with me, girl. This is royal correspondence of the highest consequence. To stand in the way of its delivery is nothing less than treason—”
“I’m not a girl—I’m Sir Nick’s squire,” I say, trying not to show how much I want to knock him off his stupid horse with Neal’s sword. I’m a rubbish liar, even just with my face. “I can take it to him.”
The horse shifts restlessly with a jingle of gold tack, reading his master’s mood. I’m not worried. That sword looks like it’s never seen a day’s use in its life.
“I won’t tell you again—”
“Hey.” A hand falls onto my rigid shoulder and squeezes. “Everything all right here?” Neal grins easily down at me, but I can read his expression better than anyone’s, and he knows what’s going on. He salutes cheerily up at the messenger. “I’m Captain Neal—how can I help?”
The messenger turns his contempt onto Neal. “Captain, is it? You’re as much a captain as that girl is a squire. I don’t know what kind of farce is being played out here, but I don’t have time for it.”
Neal tilts his head with a pleasant frown. “Girl? You’re talking about this one here? This is Sir Nick’s squire. You’ve misinterpreted. No worries, happens all the time. We’ll just take the letter and an apology for Callie and call it quits with no hard feelings, okay?”
Neal might as well have asked for the souls of the messenger’s entire extended family from the look we’re getting. It’s delicious. The uncomfortable knot untwists a little and I fold my arms, waiting for the apology I know I’m not going to get.
Finally, through gritted teeth, the messenger asks, “Where is Sir Nicholas?”
“Sleeping,” says Neal. “You were probably anxious, assuming that loud growl was one of the wolves that have a particular taste for horse, but don’t worry—just the king’s champion, hero of Helston. I can wake him if you want, but I’d rather take on a pack of wolves if I were you.”
I bite my lip against a laugh. Papa’s the least scary person in the whole world, despite sounding like a bear when he sleeps. Thankfully, the messenger doesn’t know that.
“See the response is delivered by your fastest bird.” He shoves the letter at Neal and pulls his horse roughly around, kicking it straight into a thundering gallop in the opposite direction.
Once he’s out of sight, Neal exhales a tight breath and squeezes my shoulder. “Well, that was a fun start to the day. You okay, kiddo?” Now that the messenger’s gone, the easy act drops away and Neal looks down at me all sorry and concerned. He knows what it’s like, to be seen as something you’re not, no matter how hard you try to appear otherwise. It’s not like I’m not used to it. And it’s not like that makes it easier.
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