In the European-style city of Siannerra, Cinzia works as a printer’s apprentice. Her mentor, Mestra Aronne, writes and distributes avvisi, pamphlets with the latest news. When she distributes one that reports on the actions of the lord magistrate and reveals his secrets, Aronne and Cinzia draw his wrath. Cinzia manages to escape, but her Mestra is imprisoned.

Cinzia is determined to find proof to back up her Mestra’s words. Finding new and unlikely allies as she goes, the girls are up against the full might of the ruling family as they fight for truth and against censorship.

I was delighted to receive a copy of Ink Girls by Marieke Nijkamp to review, and it was everything I hoped it would be, and more. Illustrated beautifully by Sylvia Bi, Ink Girls is a graphic novel about friendship, being yourself and not allowing anyone to stop you from speaking the truth – including your own truth. In a time when so much censorship is happening, it is a topic that we should be ensuring the next generation understands what it means and what is at stake.

Nijkamp has created a wonderful story that does just that, and Bi brings her characters to life with her bold and colourful style. There is so much representation in Ink Girls, which comes hand in hand with telling a story about censorship. There is so much representation that I’m not quite sure how some readers managed to miss it. Cinzia is disabled and uses a mobility aid, Elena is neurodivergent, Aneeqah wears a headscarf suggesting she is a Muslim and I read Carlotta as non-binary, possibly trans based on their character design.

I was even more certain of Cartlotta’s identity when they explained to Cinzia that not every home is a home for some people. The two girls talk about building one’s own family and how Carlotta has built one for people like themselves. Found family is a common feature in many marginalised people’s lives, especially within the LGBTQIA+ community.

I was instantly drawn to Elena. I often say when talking about middle-grade books with disabled and neurodivergent representation that “I wish this had existed when I was younger” and for me, Elena particularly strikes a chord. I see a lot of her in myself. I hope seeing neurodiversity represented through her will help other girls learn about themselves and understand that there is nothing wrong with them.

It was thrilling to see such an active disabled character on the pages! A massive thank you to Bi for how joyously she portrays Cinzia’s disability. This is what young people need to see! To the reviewer who complained that the girl with the cane “didn’t do anything”; she was doing plenty, but your ableism prevented you from noticing.

I think it’s essential that Nijkamp included historical information at the end. Not just so that any interested children can learn more about our communities’ history, but so they know that if they identify with any of the characters, those feelings are valid and no one can take that away from them.

Ink Girls is a fabulous read for all ages, although please do keep in mind that this is designed for younger readers. There are plenty of comics and graphic novels aimed at adults that will probably suit your tastes a lot better, if you find this one too “easy”.