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.
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.
In this compelling middle-grade graphic novel, Ruth, a young journalist, takes on issues of corruption, pollution, and freedom of the press, determined to uncover a secret that threatens her town.
Kate Reed Petty lives in Baltimore. Her fiction and essays have
been published online by Electric Literature, American Short
Fiction, and Ambit, and her short films have appeared in Narrative
Magazine and at the Maryland Film Festival. She is also the author
of the novel True Story published by Viking in 2020.
Andrea Bell is an illustrator and comic artist living in Chicago
through the best and worst seasons. In 2013 she earned her BFA in
illustration from Columbia College Chicago and has since
self-published "Fair Voyage" and "Still Waiting." Today Andrea
works as a freelance illustrator and in her free time enjoys rock
climbing, curating playlists, video games, and a warm meme on a
cold day.
A Junior Library Guild selection ""The Leak" is a spirited story of
civic responsibility, of how to tell fake news from the real thing,
of when to trust adults and when to publicly stick it to
them."--New York Times "Ruthie's quest for answers and justice
offers the pleasures of a Carl Hiaasen eco-mystery, with smart,
determined kids at the helm, respectful adults in supporting
roles...and shady corporate suits and selfish politicians as
hiss-worthy villains. The graphic novel format, ably bolstered by
Bell's spot-on illustration of middle school emotions and milieu,
will draw a diverse readership."--The Bulletin of the Center for
Children's Books "Bell's color-drenched panels, lined in crayonlike
textures, portray confident Ruth as a biracial heroine who chases
down leads and navigates the murky waters of middle school
relationships."--Publisher's Weekly
"Bell's rounded figures, sun-dappled scenes, and warm palette of
colors are in striking contrast to the rather serious stakes of the
story, and that approachable look will help give this an even wider
audience. ...this is a surprisingly deep dive into investigative
journalism that will appeal to fans of classic middle-school drama.
"--Booklist, starred review "An engaging, empowering tale of
journalistic activism and ecological awareness."--Kirkus "An
absorbing work that emphasizes that even the youngest voices can
have a resounding impact."--School Library Journal "A refreshing
addition to the contemporary graphic novel landscape for
middle-graders and middle-schoolers"--Horn Book
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