Clock Hands

Gr 5-7–Nijkamp expands on the social commentary and world building of Ink Girls in this must-purchase companion graphic ­novel. Vale, 12 and nonbinary, has big dreams, but is pushed down by Siannerra’s rules and hierarchy. They get by on pennies in a society controlled by guilds, until a newcomer with interest in Vale’s help ­arrives from abroad with a mission to build an astronomical clock. What follows builds into a beautiful story about the power in raising voices together, community care, class ­issues, workers’ rights, and striking. The ­story is queernormative and doesn’t focus on or have conflict around Vale’s identity. Readers will be inspired to engage in their own protests and activism. Fans of the series will be excited to see cameos of characters from Ink Girls, but this title stands alone. The ­illustrations by Bi are depicted in bold colors and are detailed but clean and bright in a style that is currently trending with readers. The characters’ expressions are well depicted with excellent contrast between Stella’s animated personality and Vale’s more subdued nature. The cast is depicted diversely with varied skin color, hair and head coverings, and assistive ­devices. Give this to fans of Nora Neus’s ­Renegade Girls. ­