This was a fun, unique girl-forward adventure tale with enjoyable characters and illustrations. I enjoyed the bit of mystery mixed in and thought the author did a good job of weaving in the history of the fantasy world such that you understood the stakes the girls were up against.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

This book was so good! Filled with so much world-building for a graphic novel, a very complete story, and an uplifting message. I loved the spreads of the city map.

This was FANTASTIC. I absolutely loved it! A lot of girl power and it’s a digestible introduction to power dynamics and corruption for younger readers. I loved the friendship and the adventure and the bravery. Absolutely fantastic. And the illustrations were gorgeous!

I really enjoyed the story portrayed in this book. We need more stories that express how people can come together and how to set aside our prejudices and biases to actually learn about other people. We all have the ability to fight back against corrupt government.

This graphic novel takes storytelling to a whole new level with its stunning artwork and captivating narrative. The characters leap off the page. Whether you're a graphic novel enthusiast or just looking for an unforgettable read, this book is a must-have for your collection. 5 stars without a doubt!

A story about telling the truth and backing up claims with evidence seems especially important these days. Journalism is a dangerous profession wherever you are. I loved to see a group of girls take on someone of power who was abusing their position. More importantly, as they run through their city, they find people who are suffering and vow to help them. It's and important message: we can't just tear down the institutions that are harming our communities, we need to have a plan for how to replace them with something better. I would definitely recommend this for classrooms and school libraries.

The first in a middle grade historical graphic novel duology telling the story about the power and fearlessness of a group of little girls who fight for truth, justice, and freedom of press. The panels were absolutely stunning and vivid and the themes very inspiring. This graphic novel very easily translates collective activism into an easily digestible format for young readers. which is think is even more important in today’s political climate. I do wish the story itself was just a little more engaging but nonetheless I truly enjoyed this work of art. (+) disabled MC, casual POC rep, author (Nijkamp) is queer, non-binary, and disabled; illustrator (Bi) is Chinese-American

First off, the artwork in this is absolutely beautiful. I look forward to reading more stories that are illustrated by Sylvia Bi. The story showcased the power of media, the power of friendship, and the importance of not giving up. I really enjoyed the characters and relationships this book showcased. There were a few times that I was a little confused about what was happening in the story, but I enjoyed it overall. Ink Girls was cute and fun; everything I was looking for in a middle grade graphic novel. I have already recommended this book to some of my students and I can’t wait to see what they think of it.

This story was a little slow, but overall very solid. The art is gorgeous and the characters are all relatable and rounded out.

I adored this book! I really enjoyed the fact that there was such a diverse population of characters, both in ethnicity and ability. A protagonist with a cane is such an important step! I loved the world building and the art style, it was beautiful to read. I also really appreciated the resistance element.

This is a book that doesn't shy away from big ideas while remaining accessible for a middle grade audience. Nijkamp explores power, public perception, social stratification, and freedom of the press. It's a narrative that encourages the reader to think critically about government and what we're allowed to say. As a graphic novel it's a bit text heavy but has an excellent sense of movement and setting. It's the sort of book you'll want to give to fans of the Princeless series and budding dystopian fiction readers.

The art in this book was beautiful and colorful. I loved that the story was written in a light and easy to read way while still covering a powerful and deep topic. I enjoyed the adventure of looking for proof to back up the hard truth of the story. And I loved the constant reminder that the truth is powerful and while sometimes it might hurt or be tough to say, it’s important to always share the truth with people.

The art in this graphic novel is beautiful. I really liked the story line and having character perspectives that are both young and old. Well done.

This was a fun graphic novel, and while I enjoyed the plot overall, to me it was the art that was really the star. The illustrations are stunning, and I'm definitely going to look up everything that Sylvia Bi has ever drawn now. The story fell a bit flat to me at times and seemed a bit slow for a middle grade, but I did enjoy it overall. I also really appreciated the central message of the book, and I hope that it gets into the hands of young readers so they can be inspired to seek out their own power in the world!

(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)

A middle school graphic novel about the power of the press. It's set in the Italian Renaissance. It's about a girl who is learning to be a printer. Her Mestro is arrested for printing papers that implicate the city's magistrate for extortion. Her apprentice, Cincia, escapes meeting the Principesca along the way. The two sneak out of the palace in order to gather evidence to save Cincia's Mestro. From there it's all about tracking down sources and getting them to vet things while hiding from the palace guard in order to save the day. It's a great story of people rising up to take back the power from those exploiting them. The art is detailed and bright, propelling the story. This is an all out terrific read for kids.

This vivid historical fiction graphic novel contains strong female characters who fight against the corruption in their city to make it a better place. The exquisite illustrations add a magical quality to the setting - a fictional Italian coastal city during the Renaissance. Altogether, the story and the imagery in this novel remind readers that they can make a difference if they tell the truth.

This is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that is good for middle graders. At times, I found it difficult to follow but overall I think this is a pleasant and informative read.

"Ink Girls" by Marieke Nijkamp captivates readers with the enthralling tale of Cinzia, a printer's apprentice, and her mentor Mestra Aronne. As Aronne's attempt to expose government corruption leads to her capture, Cinzia navigates a web of deceit to find those behind the proof. The narrative takes an unexpected turn with the introduction of Elena, a nobleman's daughter, adding depth to the story.

The illustrations in "Ink Girls" by Sylvia Bi are a visual feast. Bi's art complements Nijkamp's words with perfection. The captivating blend of storytelling and stunning visuals makes "Ink Girls" a must-read graphic novel, showcasing the power of collaboration between author and illustrator. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this visually enchanting and narratively compelling work.

Ink Girls is a beautiful middle grade graphic novel. The illustrations are perfect and the story shares so many important messages. Ink Girls reminds readers to stand up for truth and justice and to use your voice. Recommended for all middle grade collections.