Schmitt, Kelly Rice. I Fuel: How Energy Powers Our Busy World. Jam Dong, Illus. Lerner/Millbrook, 10/2024. [40]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $19.99. 978-1-7284-7683-4. GRADES Preschool–2. ADDITIONAL.
Follow a microscopic life form as it lives, dies, transforms, and eventually joins millions of others to provide energy to modern society. Mixed media illustrations composed of collage and watercolor elements provide the backdrop of the enormously long journey. This tiny piece of fuel explains how it came to be and then how humans obtain, transport, transform, and use it. Schmitt also explains some of the problems related to fossil fuel use and steps toward using different, cleaner energy. Four pages filled with explanations and further details wrap things up, providing plenty of additional information to supplement ideas that the main text skimmed past.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library