Sword-swinging nonbinary protagonists return in the next volumes of two of my favorite middle grade fantasy series. Each is very different, but both explore issues of privilege, power, and social justice even as they give us rousing adventures.
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Splinter & Ash: City of Secrets, by Marieke Nijkamp (Greenwillow Books). The second volume of this fantasy adventure brings more intrigue, more adventure, and more insights into the characters, particularly the nonbinary squire and disabled princess whose alternating perspectives drive the story. The story picks up as Splinter is continuing squire training and Princess Adelisa (Ash) is trying to understand the threads of political intrigue and influence running through the realm. But treason is afoot and peace is a fragile thing. The protagonists must uncover secrets, avoid assassins, and decide whether new friends are trustworthy. Nijkamp also gives nuance to larger themes of social justice, power, and privilege that elevate the book beyond a simple action adventure (although there’s plenty of that) into a highly recommended novel with real depth. (Start the series here.)
Sir Callie and the Final Stand, by Esme Symes-Smith (Labyrinth Road). The fourth and final volume of the Sir Callie series is not only a satisfying conclusion to the sword-swinging adventures of Callie and friends Willow, Edwyn, and Elowen, but also the exact right story to offer queer youth hope and resilience at this particular moment of real-world history. Author Esme Symes-Smith wrote in the introduction to the first volume that they wanted the series to have a happy ending, so it is no spoiler to say that it does. But it is the how of the story that gives it power. This is not a simple story of good triumphing over evil, although there is some of that; it’s also a story of redemption and second chances and justice tempered with mercy. It’s a story of, as Willow says, “[creating] a new world from scratch that’ll be good for everyone.” And it’s about young queer people stepping into their identities and their power and choosing to fight and work for that world even as they heal from the wounds of the old one. It’s glorious and hopeful and highly recommended. (Start the series here.)