NONFICTION

Fuel Under Fire: Petroleum and Its Perils

by Margaret J. GOLDSTEIN
104p. bibliog. glossary. index. notes. photos. websites. Twenty-First Century. Aug. 2015. lib. ed. $34.65. ISBN 9781467738316. LC 2014020890.
COPY ISBN
Gr 6 Up—This well-written, handsome volume covers the issue of global dependence on oil, financial benefits and drawbacks, and the environmental costs. The book provides an overview of the history of oil and its use, Americans' growing dependence on it, the impact on foreign and domestic politics, environmental disasters such as the Exxon Valdez and Deepwater Horizon oil spills, the North Dakota oil boom and the debate over fracking, the Keystone XL pipeline, and a look into the future with new energy sources including wind and geothermal power. This is a balanced and thought-provoking look at the issue, which demonstrates both the pros and cons of oil usage. Color photographs and attractive sidebars complement the text, while the solid back matter adds further to the appeal.
VERDICT An excellent option for reports.
Reviewed by Patricia Ann Owens, formerly with Illinois Eastern Community Colls., Mt. Carmel
Oil and natural gas are examined for their contributions to modern life, as well as for the consequences of environmental disasters and contributions to global warming. Thorough coverage of the use and development of petroleum, the politics and science of petrochemicals, and recent controversies are included. Color photographs and diagrams contribute to the discussion. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.
 , May 01, 2015

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BLOGS

The Joy of Wonder: Using Story to Bring Science to Life, a guest post by Rebecca E.F. Barone
by Amanda MacGregor
BOOKS

Water: Discovering the Precious Resource All Around Us
by Fadeeva, Olga
BOOKS

Lady Sunflower: stories, songs, and poems from the desk of kill.gertrude
by Shuck-Sparer, Sierra
BOOKS

Your Story Matters: A Surprisingly Practical Guide to Writing
by Scrimger, Richard
BOOKS

The Mine Wars: The Bloody Fight for Workers’ Rights in the West Virginia Coalfields
by Watkins, Steve
BOOKS

I Am Osage: How Clarence Tinker Became the First Native American Major General
by Rogers, Kim
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?