The Leak (Graphic Novel)

Recommended Audience: Ages 9+

Opinion: Recommended with Advisories.

– Recommended for many strong positive messages regarding journalistic integrity, ethics, awareness about the Flint Water Crisis, and more!

– Advisories for a depicted kissing scene and talks about dating.

Details:
I love when a graphic novel talks about real world issues in a way that makes them tangible for young readers. This book does that. It tells a fictional tale of a city that has polluted water and Ruth, a budding journalist who investigates the matter. I love that the book shows how a young person with determination can really make a big impact; a great message for young readers! The book touches on the real-world water pollution situation in Flint, Michigan. There are many more lessons to take away from this book such as having integrity in what we say and write, that there are consequences for actions that we take even if we think we are serving the better good, that we shouldn’t take advantage of others to serve our agendas, and so much more.

Regarding advisories, the book has sporadic discussions about dating and crushes, and the kissing that is depicted between the main character and her crush on pages 207-208. Also, it mentions in the beginning that Ruth’s older college-aged brother will be moving in with his girlfriend, but ultimately that doesn’t end up working out in the end anyways (they break up after moving in together) so there may be a lesson there too.  I believe that despite these few advisories, this book is definitely worth reading and your reader will benefit from having read the book.  As an added bonus, there are multiple hijabis in the illustrations which was a lovely treat.