The Leak

Twelve-year-old Ruth Keller publishes a weekly newsletter and hopes to become a journalist. When she finds a dead fish and black slime near a lake, she investigates possible pollution. Her brother’s girlfriend, Sarita, introduces her to journalism’s principles of objectivity, accuracy, transparency, and honesty, but Ruth struggles not to assume that the local country club is responsible. Her research, water testing, and a science teacher’s help reveal chemical contamination and Clean Water Act violations by local businesses. As attention grows, the companies pressure Ruth to remain silent.