Ink Girls

by Marieke Nijkamp, Sylvia Bi (Illustrator)

Overview

“In this vibrant story about the power of the printed word and the strength of found families, every page is bursting with life and detail.” —Ethan Aldridge, creator of the bestselling Estranged

“Fabulous!” —Dan Santat, award-winning author of A First Time for Everything

“Glorious! This empowering read is absolutely unforgettable.” —Ellen Oh, acclaimed author of Finding Junie Kim

Every secret is a story waiting to happen.

From New York Times bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp and illustrator Sylvia Bi, this debut middle grade graphic novel celebrates the power that everyone—even those often overlooked—has to create change. In a vibrant city, two girls from very different walks of life join forces to fight censorship and protect the people they love.

Eleven-year-old Cinzia is a printer’s apprentice. She adores Mestra Aronne for taking her in—most guilds don’t have room for apprentices with a crippled leg—and she loves life in the raggedy workshop that smells of paper and printing, where secrets and stories are always circulating. So when Mestra Aronne is imprisoned for publishing accusations against the ruling family, Cinzia will do anything to prove that Mestra Aronne only told the truth.

Elena is the exact same age as Cinzia, but she’s forced to keep to her rooms and garden. To protect her, according to her mother. To protect the city, according to her uncle. Because Elena is not the charming, powerful noble her family wants her to be. According to them, she doesn’t communicate well. She’s too gullible and literal and struggles to understand other people.

After unexpectedly meeting face-to-face, the girls follow a trail of clues through their golden city, drawing supporters and learning more about their home and each other than they ever could have imagined. If one person—no matter how young—can change the course of history, just imagine what a whole flock of them could do.

Bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp and debut illustrator Sylvia Bi have crafted an indelible, vibrant story about finding and using your voice, perfect for fans of Lightfall, Tidesong, and The Prince and the Dressmaker.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063027121
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	11/21/2023
Sold by:	HARPERCOLLINS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	288
Sales rank:	514,332
File size:	640 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Marieke Nijkamp (she/they/any) is the author of the middle grade graphic novel Ink Girls as well as  several books for young adults, which include #1 New York Times bestsellers, a critically acclaimed anthology, graphic novels, and comics. She studied philosophy and medieval history, and when she isn't writing, she loves to garden, roll dice, and daydream. Marieke Nijkamp lives and writes in Small Town, the Netherlands.

Sylvia Bi is an illustrator who loves drawing stories with expansive, vibrant worlds, an undercurrent of chaos, and girls running on rooftops. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she explores and shares diverse stories and experiences through the power of a (digital) pen. She is also a book designer, a frog enthusiast, and an avid earring collector. Sylvia Bi lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Editorial Reviews

09/25/2023

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. (Nov.)

Publishers Weekly

This fabulous mystery celebrates the importance of truth and transparency—and Sylvia Bi’s attention to detail is astonishing!” — Dan Santat, award-winning author of A First Time for Everything

“Glorious! With immersive world-building and brilliantly developed characters, this empowering read is absolutely unforgettable.” — Ellen Oh, acclaimed author of Finding Junie Kim

“In this vibrant story about the power of the printed word and the strength of found families, every page is bursting with life and detail.” — Ethan Aldridge, creator of the bestselling Estranged

“[Two] girls become caught in a web of political intrigue and urban corruption as they work to expose treachery and make a better world. . . . Drawn in warm jewel tones and embellished with charming details . . . Bi’s meticulous, lively art captures the bustling streets and a sense of adventure around every corner. . . . Cinzia navigates her world as a cane user whose disability never excludes her from the action. Elena’s neurodivergence is presented as an asset . . . A topical ode to truth-telling and community.” — Kirkus Reviews

“A feel-good graphic novel about truth, friendship, and grassroots power . . . Savvy readers will notice commentary on the contemporary political landscape in this high-stakes story of communal action.” — Publishers Weekly

“This energetic and optimistic graphic novel overflows with collectivism and an activist spirit. . . . Friendship, family, home, and political risk-taking are thoughtfully presented through well-paced dialogue and inset boxes showcasing characters’ inner thoughts. . . . This lively, inclusive, and engaging story is also a timely reminder of the value of a free press.” — Horn Book Magazine

“Ink Girls tackles the modern, real world problems of corruption and censorship across a dreamy cityscape. . . . When the town’s printer, Mestra Aronne, publishes an exposé of a royal family member, she and her tween apprentice Cinzia are taken into custody. . . . 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. . . . Bi creates a world that will delight every fairy-tale lover. . . . A beautiful book about the beauty of friendship, determination, and speaking ones’ truth.” — School Library Journal

“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. A strong, timely choice for fans of Jen Wang's The Prince and the Dressmaker.” — Booklist

“The inspiring message of empowerment, coupled with the stunning artwork, makes a worthwhile tale for young readers.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“Fresh and relevant. . . . There is no doubt that readers will feel inspired.” — BookPage

From the Publisher

02/23/2024

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 exposé 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

School Library Journal

2023-09-09
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)

Kirkus Reviews