Recommended Ages: Gr. 4-7

Plot Summary: Ethan is in the middle of a giant group project at school. They need to write a graphic novel together. Everyone knows his dad is the author/illustrator of a famous graphic novel series so everyone expects Ethan to be a really good artist. The trouble is, he's not. He can only do stick figures. As the designated artist of the group he's hoping his dad will giving him lessons but his dad has been really grumpy since his mom died and he's had a writer's block. Ethan is shocked to discover this blob of ink in his home that is alive. It can communicate with him, and he names it Inkling. Inkling is the one helping Ethan through the project and they become friends. Ethan takes care of Inkling being sure to keep him healthy. Ethan shows Inkling to his friend Soren, but should he show his dad? What happens if Vika or others discover Inkling?

Setting: unknown

Characters:
Ethan - caring, authentic
Sarah - Ethan's little sister, has down syndrome, speaks about herself using third person despite her family's attempt to correct
Soren - Ethan's friend, part of the small group writing a graphic novel
Dad - is Coma Dad in the morning before his coffee, then generally grumpy most of the day especially when he's gotten very little done at work
Vika Rylance - wants to be a graphic novelist, stuck up and sour towards Ethan, archenemies even through their families have no idea
Mr. Rylance - dad's publisher, worried about his publishing company not doing well and maybe losing their house in the future if they don't get another book that sells

Recurring Themes: loss of mother, grief, down syndrome, pet, friendship, group work, collaboration, writing, moral dilemma, cheating

Controversial Issues: none

Personal Thoughts: The first few chapters do not represent the rest of the book. I fell asleep often at the very beginning but then became very interested in the relationships and family drama of the story. The book is well-written with lots of showing not telling. Ethan's feelings towards his dad are authentic. The characters are well-developed. Highly recommend to students who like the family drama of Harry Potter and not the action.

Genre: fantasy but reads more like realistic with a fantastical element

Pacing: medium-fast
Characters: very good character development
Frame:
Storyline:

Activity: ( )

(Review by Zoe, aged 6.) 'Inkling' is one of the best stories I have ever heard. It's really, really, really good because it has lots of adventure in it and I think it would be good for kids who are aged seven and over (because I'm a very good six year old). The story is about some ink which is alive, named Inkling. And Inkling makes friends with a boy called Ethan. ( )

A quick read about ink come to life out of an artist's sketchbook. The artist is Ethan's dad, drowning in a sea of grief and regret after the death of his wife. Inkling feeds on ink to learn and create. He helps Ethan with a school project and learn to draw. When Ethan trusts his dad with Inkling, his dad uses inkling in ways in which Ethan doesn't approve. The neighbor, VIka, is suspicious and she too tried to get Inkling.
Kind of charming. Very creative. ( )

I didn't expect to enjoy a story about an inkblot as much as I did. But this is sharply written & presents a compelling moral quandry for the human hero - with a dose of tragic/sadness (the loss of Ethan's mom). I found the magic of the living & communicating ink blot believable & LOVED the relationship between Ethan & his sister Sarah (who has Down Syndrome) & Sarah's relationship with Inkling.

Its a compelling & rich read - with enough drama & conflict to keep you really engaged.

I recommend it HIGHLY
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Please see my full review on Reading Rumpus: https://www.readingrumpus.com/2018/10/inkling-by-kenneth-oppel-book-review.html ( )