Book Discussion: The Leak

Calling all Youth Environmental Activists (and anyone else who cares about Mother Earth)!

Please join us for a lively discussion of the graphic novel The Leak by Kate Reed Petty. Ms. Petty herself will lead this discussion that centers on Ruth Keller, a brash, bright and precocious young woman who discovers a strange black slime in the man-made lake located in her community.

Encouraged by her science teacher and her brother’s new girlfriend who just happens to be interning at the New York Times, Ruth decides to investigate, determined to learn the truth, even if it means taking on the rich local country club owner, who she believes is responsible for the pollution.    

As the story unfolds, Ruth discovers how difficult it is for a journalist to take a stand for what's right in the face of critique and controversy. From writer Kate Reed Petty and illustrator Andrea Bell, comes a story about corruption, pollution, and freedom of the press, and the young journalist at the center of it all.

Also, we are thrilled to be joined by real-life youth activists who are waging a war on polluters in their own communities. Fact and fiction come together in powerful community dialogue!

You can RSVP here and attend in-person* at the Dome/SIUE Campus or online via Zoom. 

*Please note: the confirmation email for both types of tickets will include the Zoom link for the virtual event. We would LOVE to see as many people as possible in person, but we understand that plans change and times are a little uncertain at the moment, so if you are unable to attend in person, you can still tune in online!