Ruth, a 12-year-old aspiring journalist with her own weekly newsletter, is disturbed to find a dead fish and an unidentifiable black slime on the shores of a nearby lake. Sensing a story, and concerned about the pollution to boot, Ruth investigates. She’s mentored by her brother’s girlfriend, Sarita, who teaches her the rules of journalism known as OATH: objectivity, accuracy, transparency, and honesty. Already convinced the local country club is to blame for the lake pollution, Ruth struggles to maintain objectivity in her investigations. Her research leads her to the realization that several local businesses have violated the Clean Water Act. With the help of her science teacher, she tests the water for chemicals and finds it contaminated. When her efforts are covered by a popular blog, Ruth, who is brown-skinned with a multiracial family, finds herself suddenly in the spotlight; as a press conference approaches, local law-breaking companies pressure her to keep her discoveries under wraps. While Ruth’s ability to connect so many dots may come a bit too easily, this graphic novel delves into environmental issues and satisfyingly explores the struggles and successes of a proactive young investigative journalist. (Ages 9-12)

In this compelling middle-grade graphic novel The Leak, Ruth, a young journalist, is determined to uncover a secret that threatens her town.

Ruth Keller is brash and precocious; she argues with her dentist, her parents, and her teachers. So, when she discovers a strange black slime in the man-made lake of her suburban neighborhood, she decides to investigate. Fortified by the encouragement of those around her, Ruth seeks the truth at all costs, even if it means taking on the rich local country club owner, who she believes is responsible for the pollution.

Between the teasing of former friends, and a sudden viral spotlight, Ruth discovers how difficult it is for a journalist to take a stand for what's right in the face of critique and controversy. From writer Kate Reed Petty and illustrator Andrea Bell, comes a story about corruption, pollution, and freedom of the press, and the young journalist at the center of it all.