Creators: Kate Reed Petty & Andrea Bell
Publisher: First Second
“For the Love of Truth” is the subtitle of Kate Reed Petty & Andrea Bell’s The Leak and the story contained within successfully represents this motto.
I picked up The Leak based on my love of Andrea Bell’s artwork from her prior works Diary of a Fifth Grade Outlaw and her mini-comic Cap Quest that I purchased when I met her at a New York Comic-Con.
The story within is as well crafted as the art. Ruth Keller is an aspiring journalist who is thrilled when she discovers her brother’s new girlfriend, Sara, has an internship at the New York Times. Sara quickly takes on a mentorship role as Ruth learns about the journalistic oath.
Ruth is honestly one of my favorite heroines I’ve encountered recently. She is brash and impulsive, but she has good intentions at heart. Watching Ruth grow over the course of The Leak is so satisfying. You just keep rooting for her!
The story keeps you guessing. Just when you think you’ve predicted the ending, the unexpected happens. This story will pull you and your readers in. Definitely check it out!
Teaching Considerations:
- Genre: Realistic Fiction, Mystery
- Units of Study: Journalism, Mystery, Realistic Fiction
- Grades: Middle Grades, Early Middle School
Written By Hand 