The Leak is an excellent middle grades graphic novel that speaks to very serious topics in an approachable, unintimidating way. Ruth is a middle school student with a passion for writing. She has a small online newsletter that she enjoys publishing each week. But when she discovers some sludge in the local lake, she starts to uncover some very newsworthy information. 

In The Leak, Ruth learns about the value of reputable journalism and the ethics that make news reliable and trustworthy. Discovering some very serious dangers in the local area, this book is pertinent to our time and dedicated to the kids of Flint, Michigan. 

In an era where the term "fake news" is thrown about wildly, this book brings us back to what good journalism actually means and why it is so important. I think that's a critical message for people of all ages and I strongly recommend this serious but enjoyable graphic novel.