The Leak is about a 12 year old aspiring journalist who discovers something weird in some lake water and goes on a search for the truth. Her journey was a joy to watch unfold, from grown ups not believing her to discovering what it means to always tell the truth. I enjoyed this book a lot and would recommend to anyone!

Ruthie writes an online newsletter about local events. She becomes an investigative reporter when she discovers weird stuff in the shoreline water in her town. Bringing environmental issues to the younger reader, this graphic novel is just the right combination of adventure, tween angst, and activism.

The strengths in this for me are in the education of writing fair and true journalism. So important, especially now. But it was also really fun to read!

The Leak is a cute graphic novel about a young aspiring journalist, Ruthie, and her search for the truth behind contaminated water. This story follows Ruthie through her investigative process and even mistakes she makes along the way (not consulting people to ask questions, but makes assumptions).

I really enjoyed this book. I like the lessons Ruthie learns through the process and the challenges involved. The Afterwards written by the author, also offers some important information for readers to consider as they try to navigate this digital era. Where anything and everything is at your fingertips, but it’s still important to research and draw conclusions based on facts and interviews. There is a section in the beginning about remaining unbiased and objective when evaluating stories and media. This is so important nowadays for our youth.

Thank you Netgalley and First Second for this ARC. This is an excellent graphic novel and I look forward to adding it to our library after its release.

It starts at the dentist's office. Ruth, an aspiring young journalist, is frustrated when her dentist scolds her for not brushing and flossing, and scoffing when she insists that she does. Shortly after the dentist visit, she and her friend Jonathan go fishing, only to discover dead fish and a thick, oily sludge by the water. Ruth decides to investigate and report her findings, with the help of her brother's girlfriend - an intern at the New York Times - and finds herself on the radar of the local country club owner and the power company. Dealing with frenemies, a middle school crush, and finding herself thrust into the spotlight and being intimidated by people who have a lot to lose, Ruth has to choose between personal and journalistic integrity or getting out of the way of controversy. A brilliantly done story about freedom of the press, pollution, and integrity, readers will cheer Ruth on. Artwork is vivid and characters are expressive. This is the kind of art my library kids love; it's super middle grade friendly and has so much to say. The dialogue keeps pace with the action and readers will get to challenge themselves by wondering what they would do in a similar situation. Give this to readers along with Kayla Miller's Act and Dress Coded by Carrie Firestone for a surefire primer in activism.

A delight. My students will love this book that deftly handles the all-too-common experience of a child with a good point being disregarded by adults just for being young.

Graphic Novel
I received an electronic ARC from First Second Books through NetGalley.
Readers meet Ruthie as she sits in a dentist chair with yet another cavity. Right away, Reed Petty sets up a situation where adults do not believe her. This plays out throughout the book as Ruthie pursues the truth after she finds some odd slime in the lake. Her friend, Jonathan, also didn't believe her when she expressed concern that this was serious. Fortunately a teacher and the young woman (an intern at The New York Times) her older brother is dating do believe in her and offer support to pursue the truth. Readers see her persevere and challenge the status quo in business and government to get answers to what is shown to be a major water contamination issue.
The author shares information about the water contamination in Flint, Michigan in the Afterword. She has created a brave main character who is willing to take on a serious issue as a young teen. The situation does not resolve itself by the end of the book. Reed Petty incorporates the reality of what happens when someone speaks out and is attacked and not believed.
The artwork is realistic and pulls the reader in to stand with the characters as they stand for the right to safe and clean water.

In this graphic novel, Petty captures the drama of middle school, with gossiping friends and first kisses, but with a twist, as Ruth, a budding young journalist, tries to get to the bottom of a problem with the water in her community. In the process, like many middle school kids, she acts without thinking and has to deal with the consequences of lies and poor decisions. Ruth is a likeable, purpose-filled young lady who does learn from her mistakes. Future journalists will learn a lot while they are enjoying this environmental mystery.

This book was an absolute delight! A middle-grade graphic novel cli-fi?! YES PLEASE! I adored this GN, it was adorable, powerful, simple, and yet complex. The message is something I believe strongly in and I won't lie, the way she really had to fight for the truth was sometimes painful to read and watch, but boy was it worth it. I wasn't a huge fan of the art style when I started but it truly grew on me and by the way, I adored the simplicity and color pallet. I am incredibly grateful that a book like this exists for the younger generation, and I will recommend it endlessly. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. A full in-depth video review is linked below and it will be posted on the release day.

This is a wonderful educational graphic novel for middle schoolers.. It teaches young people how to become a honest journalist and scientists. It's a fast paced reading. I enjoyed reading this so much.

Anyone who likes graphic novels based off real events will enjoy The Leak. With bright colors as the palette, this story follows a young journalist as she uncovers a water pollution coverup in her town.

I loved this SOOOO much! Definitely for fans of Shannon Hale, Raina Telgemeier, and Svetlana Chmakova. I was incredibly invested in Ruth's investigation, all the way through the end. I'll definitely be buying this one for my library and recommending it!

I really enjoyed this graphic novel. It shows the importance of clean water and how even kids can stand up and fight for what's right. Ruth is determined to find out what's wrong with her town's water. She is learning about journalism and what it means to gather evidence, conduct interviews, and write a story with just the facts. The story is interesting, the art is good, and the book leaves you not knowing what happens but hopeful for the future. I think anyone who enjoys character-driven, realistic fiction graphic novels will enjoy this.

This review is based on an ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

This book is a poignant look into how patronized young voices are when tackling big issues. Ruth has discovered a problem In her town and sets out to discover who is responsible for the problem, along the way she learns to trust her intuition and seek facts over her own judgements. This story mentions a real life situation that anchors and gives context for readers. I did find the ending a bit unresolved and open, I think it is supposed to mirror how these problems often take years to unravel but in a story I like endings. I would definitely use this story for my journalism students to discuss the merits of being a good journalist and uncovering a story.

Great graphic novel about student investigative journalism. Ruth notices pollution at the local lake and tries to solve the mystery of why it is there, and who is responsible. She takes advice from her brother's girlfriend who is interning at the New York Times.

Nicely done story, in that it shows all the problems associated with jumping to conclusions, and trying to prove something that isn't true.

Solid story. Good middle-school level, with some personality thrown in so it is not just a journalism story. Good twists and turns as we learn things are not quite what they always seem.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

A quick-paced MG graphic novel about a young reporter and her quest for the truth. The growth of Ruth's journalism from a hobby to something more serious was a highlight for me; she grows as a person along with her story. The author ties in the true story of Flint, MI, and the realities of being a journalist in today's world in a straightforward afterward that will inspire readers. I liked the art and the book's color palette as well, it really fit the story.

An adventurous, in-depth story about Ruth, a young journalist, who is searching for the source of what she thinks is a water problem in her city.through the help of friends, teachers, parents, and even business owners, Ruth learns what it means to be a journalist and even finds evidence to support her suspicions. Teens will love Ruth’s story and come away excited to tell their own!

I enjoy stories about kid reporters, and this one hit the sweet spot. It's got water pollution, science, the importance of honesty and objectivity in reporting, and intimidation practices. Also middle school friendship, crushes, and a first kiss.

Both the content and artwork in this book were excellent! Ruth, an aspiring journalist, is convinced there is something wrong with the water supply in her town. Even if she can't get adults to take her seriously, she is determined to find out the truth and report on it.

The Leak did a great job of telling Ruth's fictional story while also pulling in and discussing the reality of places like Flint, Michigan where the water supply is contaminated and making people, especially kids, sick. This is brought up occasionally throughout the book as well as discussed further in the back matter, creating a space for kids to learn and think about how the story in this book ties into real life.

This book also shows kids that they can make a difference. Without Ruth, the truth about the water supply would not have come out. She refused to be scared into dropping her story or lying about what was really going on, even if it would benefit her. It also shows that while many adults may not listen, there are some who believe kids and are on their side. Ruth gains allies in her older brother's girlfriend and her teacher, both of whom know that Ruth has the right and the drive to find the truth and share it with others.

Overall, this book was important and educational, and also a lot of fun to read.