THE LEAK

Aspiring journalist Ruth investigates potential water pollution in her town.

On a fishing trip to her local lake, 13-year-old Ruth encounters an unusual slimelike substance and a dead fish on the shore. This unsettling discovery prompts her to initiate an investigation. Ruth spotlights the mystery in her self-published online newsletter, earning her more subscribers and pressure for bigger stories. As she dives deeper into the situation, she learns important lessons about sound journalistic practices. After a test reveals the town’s tap water is unsafe, Ruth starts to gather more evidence and reaches out to the community to collect personal accounts about the pollution’s harmful health effects. Eventually the culprit is exposed—and Ruth’s integrity is challenged when some adults try to manipulate the exposé to their advantage. Ruth is a strong, realistic protagonist. Her passionate determination for uncovering the truth sometimes negatively influences her choices, but she’s willing to learn and admit her mistakes. This environmentally focused story incorporates information about the water poisoning coverup in Flint, Michigan, and highlights the investigative process and ethics in journalism. The simple panel layouts with cartoonlike illustrations in muted, natural tones succeed in clearly portraying the action. Brown-skinned Ruth’s parents’ appearances cue her as biracial; secondary characters are ethnically diverse.

An engaging, empowering tale of journalistic activism and ecological awareness.