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This is a used book that has been loved and read by a previous owner. This book shows signs of wear and has some creasing but remains a good, readable copy. May not contain codes CDs Inserts that is included with the book. *Your satisfaction is our 1 priority so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your purchase. Thank you for choosing to shop with us and happy reading! This is a used book that has been loved and read by a previous owner. This book shows signs of wear and has some creasing but remains a good, readable copy. May not contain codes CDs Inserts that is included with the book. *Your satisfaction is our 1 priority so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about your purchase. Thank you for choosing to shop with us and happy reading! See less
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Kate Reed Petty
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Andrea Bell
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The Leak Hardcover – March 16, 2021

by Kate Reed Petty (Author), Andrea Bell (Illustrator)
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 39 ratings
See all formats and editions
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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.

Previous page
  1. Reading age
    8 - 12 years
  2. Print length
    240 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    4 - 6
  5. Lexile measure
    GN350L
  6. Dimensions
    5.8 x 0.95 x 8.25 inches
  7. Publisher
    First Second
  8. Publication date
    March 16, 2021
  9. ISBN-10
    1250217954
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1250217950
  11. See all details
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New in teachers' picks. More children's books by grade. New in teachers' picks. More children's books by grade.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 4-7-Aspiring journalist Ruth Keller, 12, finds the next big scoop for her newsletter when she and her crush discover black sludge in the lake. She unearths a possible cover-up and suspects the involvement of the Twin Oaks Country Club. With help from her science teacher Ms. Freeman and her brother's girlfriend, Sara, a New York Times intern, Ruth relies on her wits to unmask the culprits behind the water pollution. Ruth's narration keys the audience in to important aspects of journalism and lends the book an intimate tone. Set in fall 2015, the graphic novel spotlights coverage of the water crisis in Flint, MI, reminding readers of the real-life power of the press. Subplots involving middle school mean girls and minor family drama keep the tale accessible for a middle grade audience. Within panels with rounded edges, cartoonish illustrations rely on a neutral palette. Ruth, her family, and Sara are dark-skinned, but their ethnicity is not explicitly defined. VERDICT An absorbing work that emphasizes that even the youngest voices can have a resounding impact.-Pearl Derlaga, York County P.L., VAα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

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

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ First Second (March 16, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250217954
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250217950
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ GN350L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 4 - 6
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.2 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.8 x 0.95 x 8.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 39 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Kate Reed Petty

    Kate Reed Petty

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    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

    See more on the author's page
  2. Andrea Bell

    Andrea Bell

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Andrea Bell is an illustrator, comic artist and colorist living in Chicago, Illinois through the best and worst seasons. Her work reflects adventure, honesty, and strong relate-able characters combined with a soft, color palette.

    After earning her BFA from Columbia College Chicago, Andrea began her comics career self-publishing and traveling throughout North America exhibiting her work. She has since gone on to illustrate such books as the Diary of a 5th Grade Outlaw trilogy, The Leak, and Maker Comics: Conduct a Science Experiment. In addition, Andrea has also assisted in coloring for the titles Sweet Valley High Twins: Best Friends, Doodles from the Boogie Down, Twins, and Wrapped Up.

    Some of Andrea's other notable clients include The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, The New Yorker, and SweeTARTS.

    When she's not drawing, Andrea enjoys long nature walks, curating playlists, and a warm meme on a cold day.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
39 global ratings
Has sexual references
1 Star
Has sexual references
The author added a completely inappropriate joke in here. A book for 8 year olds is no place for content like this. Let kids be kids. Preserve their innocence and keep them away from authors like this who sneak in inappropriate content. Sneaking in sexual content for our kids is straight up pedophilia.
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Top reviews from the United States

Claire
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2024
Verified Purchase
My 10 year old found this in the library at school and was so excited to tell me when he came home about the camera in the bathroom and the penis reference. He told all his friends and they all wanted to read it, they all thought it was very risqué. As a parent, I’m not upset by the book by any means. Chances are your kids hear so much worse from their friends at school. If I was able to choose how my child experienced topics like this for the first time, I would choose a book any day of the week. It encourages questions, discussions, thought, all in a controlled environment. The screen, or hanging out with friends when I’m not around wouldn’t yield the same results.
I’m not mad about it and I think it was a well written and modern book. Journalism was broken down and explained into ways that can be used as principles for everyday life, such as checking facts and sources before sharing information. I ended up buying him a copy of it for Xmas per his request!
One person found this helpful
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Libby Bergstrom
4.0 out of 5 stars Graphic novel for middle school journalists
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2021
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.
One person found this helpful
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Kevin
5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect gift for my niece
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2021
Verified Purchase
My niece can't stop talking about this book! I got it for her after seeing a review in the New York Times. She's read it 3 times now, and the whole family is excited by how excited it's made her about reading! Big thanks to The Leak!!!
One person found this helpful
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Verified Buyer
1.0 out of 5 stars Inappropriate content for kids
Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2023
The books appears innocent enough but there is absolutely no reason to include conversations and jokes about genitalia or perverts spying on others with cameras in private spaces. Completely unnecessary and inappropriate for a "kid's book".
2 people found this helpful
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gardengal
5.0 out of 5 stars my 10 year old granddaughter read it at least 4 times - she really enjoyed it
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2021
Verified Purchase
i gave it as a birthday gift. Shows the power of one person, no matter their age, of making a difference.
One person found this helpful
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Rolling Vistas
5.0 out of 5 stars Such a great message
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2021
I loved this book! I bought it for the artwork and then the story blew me away too. It’s a message kids and adults alike should hear about honest investigation, checking your biases, verifying sources, not giving in to intimidation, and finding the truth with lots of relatable characters and giggles along the way.
One person found this helpful
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Mr. O'Neil
1.0 out of 5 stars Meaty Penis Joke for 8 year olds
Reviewed in the United States on September 10, 2021
Originally, my students LOVED this book. It it appears to be a well written, inspirational book for young journalists, plus it includes discussion on the Flint water crisis. But I have NO CLUE why the author thought to include a 'meaty penis' joke on pages 26 and 27, then reference it again on page 36, with "Click for photos" thrown in for good measure. Seriously? My students needed this type of book. I'm disappointed that in the whole wide world of humor, the author chose to go with sexual humor for 8 year olds.
22 people found this helpful
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Karalor
1.0 out of 5 stars Inappropriate!!
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2022
This is not appropriate for my 9 year old niece, who got it from her school library. What a shame that she had to miss out on the other messages in the book. I guess now we can add “penis” to her vocabulary words, and penis jokes to her comedy repertoire. I honestly do not understand how so many adults could be involved in marketing this to kids as young as 8!
6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

BookBairn
1.0 out of 5 stars Huge disappointment
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 4, 2022
Verified Purchase
Was extremely disappointed with some of the content in this which felt not age appropriate. Particularly the reference to penis graffiti (which felt gratuitous) and the part where friends bully her to kiss a boy because otherwise he won't like her back. This is not appropriate content for the recommended age range of 8. Which is a shame because the rest of the plot was amazing!
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