A young printer's apprentice finds herself in deep trouble when her press releases a pamphlet telling the shocking truth about a high-ranking local official. She manages to escape when the guards come to see that the printer and apprentice face punishment, but without proof that the accusations are true, the printer is unlikely to be released anytime soon. The apprentice meets some unlikely friends, but what can a few young girls do against an armed government?

I like the concept better than I like the story. I'm always a fan of books that give me a glimpse into a little bit different perspective, and I love the way this story explores the renaissance in a way contrary to the so-called dark age rhetoric we commonly get. The story itself is action-packed, and the characters are a lot of fun. I also enjoyed the art style and the imaginative architecture and clothing. That said, the moral of the story is a bit preachy. I'm also confused at the protagonist's use of a cane. There was a hint that she has a mobility disability, and the princess character might have a hidden disability, but neither seems to affect their actions. The protagonist can run and climb perfectly well, and the princess doesn't seem to have trouble beyond a few rumors about her. The idea is there, but it didn't have room to blossom and feel really inclusive.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Nijkamp and Bi present you with a beautiful graphic novel where a group of girls stand up for fairness and the truth in a world where most adults are more likely to just let things slide. Cinzia is a printer’s apprentice who looks up Mestra Aronne not only for her willingness to take Cinzia in but also her dedication to the truth. When Mestra Aronne and Cinzia are arrested in the middle of the night for publishing an issue calling out corruption in the ruling family Cinzia ends up escaping with the help of a new friend, Elena, the daughter of the princessa. Together these two will find their flock in the most unlikely of places and bring fairness back to their city-state.
I loved this graphic novel both for the story it told and the art style that truly brought this world to life. Watching the friendship between Elena and Cinzia grow over the course of the story was a wonderful arc that helped to keep things from getting too dark, which was perfect for this middle grade tale. Even when the adults around them let them down over and over again this group of girls keep pushing on and believing in the truth’s ability to set their city free from the corruption it was weakening under. Overall, a fantastic tale perfect for the young truth seekers out there.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins Children’s Books for early access to this title in exchange for an honest review.

Ink Girls is full of girl power and the power of the press. After the arrest of the town’s printer for spreading truth about the misdeeds of a high authority, her appearance befriends several young women of different classes to fight for her freedom and the freedom to tell the truth in the paper going forward. Although set in a fictional, old fashion styled city, the same challenges as today apply: people with less power and wealth are treated as “less than,” women are underestimated, and many people fear spreading the truth if it throws off the current status of the world. Anyone looking for some girls speaking out and kicking metaphorical butt will enjoy this read. Plus, the art is colorful and had a really diverse cast of characters, including a main character with a physical disability.

Cinzia is a printer’s apprentice, taken in by Mestra Aronne when most other guilds wouldn’t give her a second glance because of her crippled leg. When Mestra Aronne is arrested for publishing the truthful accusations against the royal family, it is up to Cinzia to find proof. Without it, Mestra Aronne is in danger of being put to death.

Cinzia finds an unlikely ally in Elena, the daughter of the princessa. Together, they follow a trail of clues throughout the city to get to the truth. As they learn more about their city, they realize that though one person can make a difference, what they really need is the rest of the city behind them.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advanced copy of Ink Girls by Marieke Nijkamp to review! I am always on the lookout for new graphic novels to read, and this one is quite the adventure!

Set in an Italian Renaissance setting, one of my favorite things about this book was the way that maps were incorporated into the main story. It was easy to see where the girls were going and get a good sense of the city in a graphic novel format. Because who isn’t a fan of maps in books, anyway? It also added to the overall world building in what I thought was a clever way.

So much diverse representation as well, which we have come to expect from Nijkamp honestly. All of the characters are well fleshed out and add to the overall story. The message is also a really timely one, about the fact that one person working towards the truth can really make a difference, even if they’re just a kid. Especially if they can convince a larger voice to stand behind them.

All in all, fans of middle grade adventure graphic novels will definitely enjoy this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the e-arc!

Ink Girls is about Cinzia, a printer's apprentice who loves her job, and her teacher Mestra Aronne. Unfortunately, a situation happens that causes them to be separated and Cinzia has to figure out a way to rescue her teacher and bring to light the truth about the ruling family. I enjoyed reading this and loved watching Cinzia's journey as she learns to trust in herself and others. Ink Girls is hopeful while being honest about journalism and politics. I would recommend checking this out when it is published in November 2023!

First, Dante the cat gets five stars.

There's a critically important message about reliable media here, but the message feels quite direct and preachy. I also can't speak to the historical accuracy of this book, even though there is a brief author's note at the back. Pretty good representation around racial diversity, but character growth feels kind of limited.

However, there are no other books like it that I've seen - and I would strongly recommend it for its uniqueness and its strong female leads.

Also Dante the cat.

Cinzia is a printer’s apprentice who teams up with new friends in high places and old friends in low places to vindicate her imprisoned mentor. The illustrations and color in this vibrant historical graphic novel are fantastic. The story is compelling and full of problem solving, free speech, righting wrongs, disability rep, and girl power. I’m grateful to have read an advanced digital copy via NetGalley.

Cinzia works as a printer’s apprentice. Her mentor, Mestra Aronne prints a newspaper, where she tries to show there is corruption at the top of the government, and she has proof. The problem is, when the government soldier’s raid the shop, and haul her away, Cinzia has to find those people who gave the proof of corruption. But now, no one will talk.
Cinzia needs to tell the people in the palace that they have made a mistake that her employer would never print something that isn’t true. While trying to figure out how to get int, she means Elena, who is the daughter of the nobility, and when she hears what is going on, she agrees to help get to the bottom of it all.

Good story. Great illustrations, as a good graphic novel should have. Good adventure. The power of friendship, as always, and determination to make things right.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be out on the 21st of November 2023.

Ink Girls, by Marieke Nijkamp, is a story about the freedom of the press and what happens when that freedom is threatened. Cinzia is the young apprentice to Mestra Aronne, the printer in the city of Siannerra. She loves her job and what she is learning, but when her teacher publishes information calling out the Lord Magistrate (brother of the Principessa) abusing his power, her world suddenly changes. Cinzia is determined to prove that what they printed was the truth and she finds unexpected help from Elena, the contessina who is the young daughter of the Principessa. Together with a several other strong female friends, the two girls bring the truth to the forefront and change the city.

I absolutely LOVED the artwork in Ink Girls! The color and details throughout the story were fantastic and it absolutely was the star of the show. It truly made the story come alive. I also enjoyed that the book felt longer than other graphic novels, allowing the storyline to fully develop. The cast of characters was diverse and unique, with the female leads showcasing how strong they were when they worked together. Overall, this was a fantastic read!

A fabulous reminder of the importance of truth and the written word. Set in a fictional town, a printer is accused of treason for printing the truth of the magistrate. When fear has ruled, does truth have a chance?
A group of girls that don't the traditional box team up to save their city.
Stunning artwork and diverse representation. Unique panels add to the esthetic and story.

Ink Girls is a fairly straightforward story about free speech and journalism, told through the story of a young apprentice whose boss is arrested for printing credible accusations about an unjust ruler. Though set in a fictional world, it is all too important to introduce these ideals to the young people of today.

This was gorgeous! Every page had so much detail and color. The characters were fun and I loved the architecture and setting. The plot was pretty exciting, although I did find myself a little bored around the 60% point. But it has a great message about freedom of the press and sharing the truth.

Perfect for middle-grade girls.

Actual Stars: 3

What I loved: I love anytime publishers supply books for a needed gap. There are some amazing graphic novels for middle-grade girls out there, but not many and this one has a fun historical/people of color space that I think is fresh and new. I liked the adventure, the girls, and the art is fantastic.

Who I'd recommend it for: 4th-8th grade graphic novel readers who like adventure

My review system is as follows:

5 stars - unbelievable, I am still talking about it, a book I'll recommend to everyone and refuse to hear any critiques of it (these are very rare)
4 stars - better than a typical read, I'll keep reading the series, really enjoyed but there were some minor issues
3 stars - average read (my most common rating)
2 stars - I didn't enjoy it, but I finished it
1 star - DNF or finished but it was awful

What a beautiful book! I was entranced by the illustrations and drawn in by the multi-layered story of young people in a fictional society, fighting back against oppression and interference with the freedom to publish. This is a critical storyline for young people growing up in an age where these is simultaneously a deluge of mass communication and increasing difficulty in distinguishing the true from the false. This would be a great read for any kid interested in writing, journalism, and storytelling of any kind. It’s also a great commentary on the power of community and working with people who come from different backgrounds. Loved it.

Ink Girls is an all around phenomenal graphic novel. It will be a clear winner for middle grades readers as well as older readers (YA+). This is the story of a disabled girl named Cinzia who becomes apprentice to a printer, her disability is not a focus but it is not hidden either- perfect representation of how capable she is despite limitations and the expectations of others.

As the story begins in this middle ages city, the printer Mestra Aronne is writing an avissi to reveal the corruption of the local ruling family. Mestra and Cinzia are quickly on the lam from authorities, and when Mestra is apprehended it becomes Cinzia's mission to evade capture and get her teacher released. Throughout this quest, Cinzia makes unlikely friendships with other girls and learns the power of the written word and fact based reporting regardless of intimidation.

I loved the written story as well as the illustrations, which are honestly breathtaking. The way sea shanties swirl in the background reminds us that this is a port city and the illustrations occasionally see through walls like blueprints, almost reminding me of a puzzle. There are so many fun and creative elements to this story with a central message of the importance of facts, bravery, and reporting the truth. I think this has secured my top spot for graphic novel of 2023. A must read, in my opinion!

Ink Girls was a fantastic middle grade graphic novel about the importance of honest journalism and the dangers of censorship and corruption. it is also the story of bravery, friendship, girls being capable of doing great things, and that things aren't always as they appear. The main character (who uses a cane!) is an apprentice to a printer who prints honest happenings that go on in the city. When they print a story about a corrupt politician and the printer is taken and held captive, a group of girls fight to reveal the truth and for justice for the printer.
The Italian Renaissance setting was fantastic, and the bold artwork and style gave live to the bustling Italian city and the the characters. The characters were diverse and represented a multitude of skin tones and different physical abilities. The information the author included in the back of the book about the history was informative and a great addition for kids who want to learn more.

An Italian vibes graphic novel? Sign me up! While the Italian town and plot are largely fictional, both are loosely based on history per the author's note at the end of this stunning graphic novel!

Cinzia is a printer's apprentice and she loves her job and her teacher. But it's hard to take a stand against corruption and evil when those in power can shut down your press, arrest you and even kill you. The city harbors a corrupt magistrate and all those who point out his evils wind up disappearing or dead or shunned. Cinzia's teacher publishes about it after gathering evidence from various reliable sources and is arrested for treason. Cinzia manages to escape the palace with the very unlikely help of the princess herself! Can Elena and Cinzia work together to expose the truth, save her mestra and weed out all that's wrong in the city?

What I loved most: the power of voice and words that glows throughout this novel, the empowerment to take a stand against what is wrong, ways to peacefully and legally stand up for what is wrong it the world, how young people have the power to change the world, and the girl power friendships in this novel

*This is one of the first graphic novels I've read where the protagonist has an impairment. Cinzia uses a cane throughout this novel and it shows her strengths and struggles without highlighting the use of it. It's utterly brilliant!*

Ink Girls is not just about speaking truth to power; it is a story of how and why people risk their lives to fight for what is right. Combining the nuance of Muhammad Najem, War Reporter with the heart and soul of Squire; Nijkamp and Bi have crafted an epic tale of political corruption and grassroots resistance. This graphic novel is a love letter to an open and free press, without glossing over the risks of opposing people in power.

Ink Girls is a visually and narratively inviting comics world. I would gladly add this book to my classroom library and appreciate the fantastic space the author provides.

The artwork in this book was gorgeous. An interesting read - not quite what I expected. Still, a story that kept my attention.