Ink Girls by Marieke Nijkamp (review)

Reviewed by: Ink Girls by Marieke Nijkamp Aaren Tucker Nijkamp, Marieke Ink Girls; illus. by Sylvia Bi. Greenwillow, 2023 [288p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780063027114 $24.99 Paper ed. ISBN 9780063027107 $15.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780063027121 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R Gr. 5-8 Cinzia, apprentice printer in the city of Siannerra, works with her master Aronne to print avvisi—newsletters—to inform the populace. Mestra Aronne taught Cinzia that cities are built on trust and the people of the city trust avvisi printers to tell the truth, even when it might be dangerous. That noble principle is tested when Cinzia and Aronne are detained after printing accusations against the magistrate, and Cinzia flees into the private garden of the magistrate's famously odd niece, Elena. Elena helps Cinzia hide from the guards, and the two girls decide to sneak away from the palazzo to investigate and find proof of Mestra Aronne's claims against Elena's uncle. Despite naysayers ("I'm not foolish enough to think that three girls can change the world"), bravery and perseverance characterize the girls as they endeavor to uncover corruption and make new friends along the way. This graphic novel depicts a gorgeously detailed, lushly colored European city, based on the medieval era Italian city-states according to the author's note. On their adventures, Cinzia and Elena learn more about their city and the people who live in it, from the powerful to the powerless, and discover the truth that a place is more than its idyllic surface may suggest. Although Siannerra has more depth than the plot, the inspiring message of empowerment, coupled with the stunning artwork, makes a worthwhile tale for young readers. Final art not seen. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois