Ink Girls

In a vibrant city, two girls from different walks of life join forces to fight censorship and protect the people they love. Eleven-year-old Cinzia is a printer's apprentice who loves life in the raggedy workshop. Elena is forced to keep to her rooms and garden. 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.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2024
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

In this captivating tale about the potency of the printed word and the resilience of found families, every page brims with vitality and intricate detail. —Ethan Aldridge, the visionary mind behind the bestselling Estranged

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

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

Every secret holds the potential to unfold into a captivating story. From the New York Times bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp and the talented illustrator Sylvia Bi, this debut middle grade graphic novel pays homage to the remarkable ability of every individual, regardless of how often they may be overlooked, to bring about positive change. Set in a bustling city, two girls from vastly different backgrounds come together to combat censorship and safeguard the ones they cherish. Eleven-year-old Cinzia, an aspiring printer's apprentice, finds solace in Mestra Aronne, who accepts her into her guild, despite the guilds reluctance due to Cinzia's disabled leg. Cinzia thrives in the raucous workshop, where the air is filled with the scent of paper and printing, where secrets and tales circulate endlessly. When Mestra Aronne is unjustly imprisoned for publishing accusations against the ruling family, Cinzia is determined to prove her mentor's innocence, using every means at her disposal.

Elena, just like Cinzia, shares the same age but is confined to her rooms and garden, under the watchful eyes of her mother and uncle. They believe it is for her protection, but in reality, it is to uphold the image of a charming, powerful noble that her family desires. Elena, however, differs from their expectations. She struggles with communication, often being perceived as gullible and literal, and finds it challenging to comprehend the thoughts and emotions of others.

Unexpectedly, their paths cross, and the girls embark on a thrilling quest, following a trail of clues that leads them through the enchanting golden city. Along the way, they gather supporters and uncover profound insights about their homeland and each other, surpassing their wildest expectations.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780063027107