Ink Girls

September 25, 2023
Small acts of intention and kindness propel this feel-good graphic novel about truth, friendship, and grassroots power by Nijkamp (At the End of Everything), which takes place in fictional city Siannerra. Tween apprentice Cinzia’s mentor, Mestra Arrone, taught Cinzia that “trust is the foundation of our city,” a belief that fuels the duo’s desire to spread truth via their avvisi, or news pamphlets. So when Cinzia and Mestra are arrested for printing an unflattering truth about the corrupt Lord Magistrate—whose reign has created widespread upheaval and distrust within Siannerra—Cinzia seeks their release; she manages to escape detainment but must leave Mestra behind. Cinzia soon finds allies in young Contessina Elena, pirate Carlotta, and hijabi Aneeqah; together they endeavor to free Mestra while also investigating the Magistrate’s corruption to restore trust throughout Siannerra. Debut artist Bi employs angled panels to emphasize action and detail, and renders a bustling medieval city via double-page, draftsman-like maps of the environment and cross-sections of buildings. Savvy readers will notice commentary on the contemporary political landscape in this high-stakes story of communal action. Characters are portrayed with varying skin tones. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. Author’s agent: Suzie Townsend, New Leaf Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Natascha Morris, Tobias Literary.

October 1, 2023
Cinzia loves Siannerra, a bustling city of diverse people and stories. She's especially passionate about her job as apprentice to printer Mestra Arrone and dreams of following in her footsteps. When they publish evidence of criminal activity within the royal family, and her mestra is imprisoned, Cinzia flees, encountering young Contessina Elena. The isolated Elena is considered odd and standoffish by her subjects, yet she longs to know her city and its people. The girls become caught in a web of political intrigue and urban corruption as they work to expose treachery and make a better world. They're helped by spirited pirate Carlotta and Aneeqah, a hijabi apprentice papermaker. The star of the show is Siannerra itself: Drawn in warm jewel tones and embellished with charming details, the Renaissance Italy-influenced metropolis is as alive and changeable as any of its people. Bi's meticulous, lively art captures the bustling streets and a sense of adventure around every corner. The character designs are endearing, and there's a dynamic sense of movement, particularly in the way Cinzia navigates her world as a cane user whose disability never excludes her from the action. Elena's neurodivergence is presented as an asset, her unique way of looking at the world a strength. The girls' connection is sweet, but too little time is spent developing it. Cinzia has light-brown skin; Elena has dark-brown skin, and the girls inhabit a racially diverse world. A topical ode to truth-telling and community. (author's note) (Graphic fantasy. 8-12)

COPYRIGHT(2023) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 1, 2023
This energetic and optimistic graphic novel overflows with collectivism and an activist spirit. In the fictional world of Siannerra (inspired by Italian city-states of the late Middle Ages and Renaissance), Mestra Aronne prints and distributes avvisi -- news-filled pamphlets -- for her community. She also serves as mentor and caregiver for apprentice Cinzia, who walks using a cane. When one of the pamphlets informs the community that their magistrate is lying and stealing, guards show up to arrest both printer and apprentice. Cinzia escapes, aided by Contessina Elena, the daughter of the principessa and niece of the corrupt magistrate. Rumors about Elena abound (people say she is "odd" and unfit to rule), but Cinzia and Elena become fast friends. When the magistrate announces that Mestra Aronne will be hanged for treason, the girls -- alongside like-minded allies -- race to locate the evidence against the magistrate and distribute the truth to the people. Friendship, family, home, and political risk-taking are thoughtfully presented through well-paced dialogue and inset boxes showcasing characters' inner thoughts. Line work is clear and consistent, especially in jam-packed spreads and in sun-drenched red-orange hues of chaotic city scenes. Atmosphere is further delineated through swirling song lyrics and chants, spread in cursive across expertly placed panels. This lively, inclusive, and engaging story is also a timely reminder of the value of a free press. Elisa Gall

(Copyright 2023 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

November 1, 2023
Grades 4-8 In the vibrant city of Siannerra, amid ink splatters and the scent of papyrus, lives young printing apprentice Cinzia and her resilient mentor, Mestra Aronne. Cinzia eagerly absorbs Mestra's wisdom on tending to the printing press and seeking truth in everything they write. Mestra Aronne dedicates her life to producing Avvisi, pamphlets bearing the latest town news. Their convictions are tested when Mestra is imprisoned for exposing the corrupt royal family. With newfound friend Elena, Siannerra's Principessa, Cinzia is determined to prove that truth prevails. This captivating adventure, filled with vivid colors and a vibrant sense of location, immerses readers in its golden pages. Nijkamp skillfully addresses topics like disability and censorship in a story that beautifully harmonizes with Bi's warm and expressive artwork. Cinzia, supported by her community, exemplifies the beauty of living truthfully with kindness and unity, a sentiment particularly powerful in our current historical moment marked by an increase in attempts to censor books. A strong, timely choice for fans of Jen Wang's The Prince and the Dressmaker (2018).

COPYRIGHT(2023) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

February 23, 2024

Gr 4-6-It doesn't take long for the titular Ink Girls to assemble into a mystery-cracking, government-changing force to be reckoned with in Nijkamp's and Bi's middle grade fantasy graphic novel. Set in the fictional town of Siannarra, Ink Girls tackles the modern, real world problems of corruption and censorship across a dreamy cityscape with a cast of engaging characters. When the town's printer, Mestra Aronne, publishes an expos� of a royal family member, she and her tween apprentice Cinzia are taken into custody by the royal guard. Cinzia escapes from the guards and happens upon Elena, Siannarra's unconventional princess, who wants to prove her worthiness as a leader. The two girls procure Mestra Aronne's article notes and jump into finding the sources used for the scandalous article. Carlotta, a young pirate, soon joins the gang and adventures abound as the girls seek to uncover the truth and stop those that wish to control and scare Siannarra's citizens. Nijkamp's main characters are well thought out, with each girl playing a critical role in the adventure and overcoming her own challenges to achieve growth. Maybe most importantly, Ink Girls doesn't spend a moment convincing readers that these girls are capable of solving the mystery and saving their village. It trusts the capability, tenacity, and determination of its main characters. Bi creates a world that will delight every fairy-tale lover with endless nooks and crannies; warm, jewel-toned vistas, and fancifully romantic fashions for every character. VERDICT A beautiful book about the beauty of friendship, determination, and speaking ones' truth. For fans of Amanda Castillo's and Cameron Chittock's "Mapmakers and the Lost Magic" series and Wendy Xu's Tidesong.-Jennie Law

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