Review by Booklist Review
In the vibrant city of Siannerra, amid ink splatters and the scent of papyrus, lives young printing apprentice Cinzia and her resilient mentor, Mestra Aronne. Cinzia eagerly absorbs Mestra's wisdom on tending to the printing press and seeking truth in everything they write. Mestra Aronne dedicates her life to producing Avvisi, pamphlets bearing the latest town news. Their convictions are tested when Mestra is imprisoned for exposing the corrupt royal family. With newfound friend Elena, Siannerra's Principessa, Cinzia is determined to prove that truth prevails. This captivating adventure, filled with vivid colors and a vibrant sense of location, immerses readers in its golden pages. Nijkamp skillfully addresses topics like disability and censorship in a story that beautifully harmonizes with Bi's warm and expressive artwork. Cinzia, supported by her community, exemplifies the beauty of living truthfully with kindness and unity, a sentiment particularly powerful in our current historical moment marked by an increase in attempts to censor books. A strong, timely choice for fans of Jen Wang's The Prince and the Dressmaker (2018).
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Small acts of intention and kindness propel this feel-good graphic novel about truth, friendship, and grassroots power by Nijkamp (At the End of Everything), which takes place in fictional city Siannerra. Tween apprentice Cinzia's mentor, Mestra Arrone, taught Cinzia that "trust is the foundation of our city," a belief that fuels the duo's desire to spread truth via their avvisi, or news pamphlets. So when Cinzia and Mestra are arrested for printing an unflattering truth about the corrupt Lord Magistrate--whose reign has created widespread upheaval and distrust within Siannerra--Cinzia seeks their release; she manages to escape detainment but must leave Mestra behind. Cinzia soon finds allies in young Contessina Elena, pirate Carlotta, and hijabi Aneeqah; together they endeavor to free Mestra while also investigating the Magistrate's corruption to restore trust throughout Siannerra. Debut artist Bi employs angled panels to emphasize action and detail, and renders a bustling medieval city via double-page, draftsman-like maps of the environment and cross-sections of buildings. Savvy readers will notice commentary on the contemporary political landscape in this high-stakes story of communal action. Characters are portrayed with varying skin tones. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8--12. Author's agent: Suzie Townsend, New Leaf Literary. Illustrator's agent: Natascha Morris, Tobias Literary. (Nov.)
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Review by Horn Book Review
This energetic and optimistic graphic novel overflows with collectivism and an activist spirit. In the fictional world of Siannerra (inspired by Italian city-states of the late Middle Ages and Renaissance), Mestra Aronne prints and distributes avvisi -- news-filled pamphlets -- for her community. She also serves as mentor and caregiver for apprentice Cinzia, who walks using a cane. When one of the pamphlets informs the community that their magistrate is lying and stealing, guards show up to arrest both printer and apprentice. Cinzia escapes, aided by Contessina Elena, the daughter of the principessa and niece of the corrupt magistrate. Rumors about Elena abound (people say she is "odd" and unfit to rule), but Cinzia and Elena become fast friends. When the magistrate announces that Mestra Aronne will be hanged for treason, the girls -- alongside like-minded allies -- race to locate the evidence against the magistrate and distribute the truth to the people. Friendship, family, home, and political risk-taking are thoughtfully presented through well-paced dialogue and inset boxes showcasing characters' inner thoughts. Line work is clear and consistent, especially in jam-packed spreads and in sun-drenched red-orange hues of chaotic city scenes. Atmosphere is further delineated through swirling song lyrics and chants, spread in cursive across expertly placed panels. This lively, inclusive, and engaging story is also a timely reminder of the value of a free press. Elisa GallNovember/December 2023 p.87 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Cinzia loves Siannerra, a bustling city of diverse people and stories. She's especially passionate about her job as apprentice to printer Mestra Arrone and dreams of following in her footsteps. When they publish evidence of criminal activity within the royal family, and her mestra is imprisoned, Cinzia flees, encountering young Contessina Elena. The isolated Elena is considered odd and standoffish by her subjects, yet she longs to know her city and its people. The girls become caught in a web of political intrigue and urban corruption as they work to expose treachery and make a better world. They're helped by spirited pirate Carlotta and Aneeqah, a hijabi apprentice papermaker. The star of the show is Siannerra itself: Drawn in warm jewel tones and embellished with charming details, the Renaissance Italy--influenced metropolis is as alive and changeable as any of its people. Bi's meticulous, lively art captures the bustling streets and a sense of adventure around every corner. The character designs are endearing, and there's a dynamic sense of movement, particularly in the way Cinzia navigates her world as a cane user whose disability never excludes her from the action. Elena's neurodivergence is presented as an asset, her unique way of looking at the world a strength. The girls' connection is sweet, but too little time is spent developing it. Cinzia has light-brown skin; Elena has dark-brown skin, and the girls inhabit a racially diverse world. A topical ode to truth-telling and community. (author's note) (Graphic fantasy. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
