The Leak

I appreciate that this book is dedicated to the people of Flint, Michigan - who now technically has clean water, but the trust in their water has yet to be rebuilt.

The rules of journalism: OATH. Objectivity, Accuracy, Transparency, and Honesty. Ruth is a young journalist who publishes her own newsletter that circulates by email. On an afternoon fishing with her crush, she discovers a black substance at the lake. Her journalistic instinct thinks it could be something, but her friend thinks probably not.

What follows is Ruth's investigation as she seeks to find facts and triangulate them to the truth, despite the many obstacles that come before her. Although the story follows a crisis investigation, the objective in this book is the journey that Ruth goes on as she becomes a better journalist. The author's note at the end provides particular insight into the plot points designed to make readers think critically about information and where it comes from. Parts of the story really exemplify how special interest groups and politicians work together to twist the truth - even by getting media on their side. This is a great book to encourage your late elementary age or tween to become active in their community, ask questions, and find their passions.