Ink Girls

“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.

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“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 . . . When Cinzia and Mestra are arrested for printing an unflattering truth about the corrupt Lord Magistrate . . 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. . . . 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“In the vibrant city of Siannerra . . . lives young printing apprentice Cinzia and her resilient mentor, Mestra Aronne. . . . When Mestra is imprisoned for exposing the corrupt royal family . . . 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. A strong, timely choice for fans of Jen Wang's The Prince and the Dressmaker.” — Booklist“Cinzia, apprentice printer . . . works with her master Aronne to print avvisi—newsletters. . . . When Cinzia and Aronne are detained after printing accusations against the magistrate . . . Cinzia flees into the private garden of the magistrate’s famously odd niece, Elena. . . . The two girls decide to sneak away from the palazzo to investigate. . . . Bravery and perseverance characterize the girls as they endeavor to uncover corruption and make new friends. . . . 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“11-year-old Cinzia knows that strength lies in telling the truth. Together, she and Mestra Aronne print avvisi: hand-created newspapers that update the bustling city of Siannerra on the latest news. . . . Censorship is the most obvious echo of our modern era, but other subplots—including how city leadership can fail to consider marginalized groups . . . make this historical fantasy graphic novel feel fresh and relevant. . . . Bi excels with spreads of the vast cityscape, and her charming illustrations feature inclusive character designs. . . . There is no doubt that readers will feel inspired.” — BookPage