Families who loved Black Gold: The Story of Oil in Our Lives by Albert Marrin often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your teen starts asking complex questions about the high cost of gas, the roots of global conflict, or how our modern lifestyle impacts the planet. It is an essential guide for the young person who is ready to move beyond simple answers and look at the intricate web of history, science, and politics that defines our energy-dependent world. Marrin provides a comprehensive look at how a sticky black liquid became the most powerful resource on Earth, shaping everything from the cars we drive to the wars we fight. While the scope is vast, the book is designed to turn anxiety into understanding. It explores heavy themes like environmental degradation and geopolitical tension, yet it remains grounded in factual history and scientific reality. This is a sophisticated choice for middle and high school students who have outgrown basic science texts and are looking for a narrative that treats them like the informed global citizens they are becoming.
