Black Gold: The Story of Oil in Our Lives

School Library JournalGr 8 Up—Marrin weaves chemical, historical, industrial, and military information together to create a cohesive explanation of something that has changed our world, for good or ill. The summary of oil's importance in modern military efforts from World War I onward is particularly enlightening. The detail regarding the chaotic and complex history of the modern Middle East is comprehensive but not overwhelming. The negative environmental impacts of oil extraction, transportation, and consumption are summarized and current, e.g., the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion/spill is included. Energy dependence in the developed world is outlined, as is the search for alternative fuels and renewable energy. The author strikes a hopeful tone when discussing renewable technologies but is realistic in relating the many obstacles to weaning our modern world from its insatiable thirst for more oil.