In an age where America has been threatened by oil shocks, tormented by skyrocketing gas prices, and seen the need to drain every fossil-fuel drop, it is evident another plan is needed. Biodiesel America sets the stage. Beginning with the formation of crude oil, the book covers America’s first oil discoveries, and passes through history; the rise of Standard Oil Company, the development of the diesel engine, and the shaky economy of the 1970s are all described. Joshua Tickell introduces possible fuel sources from natural gas to solar power. However, as the book’s focus narrows, Tickell’s effective arguments left me impressed, convincing me that biodiesel should be America’s plan.

Tickell’s persuasive methods were organized and direct. He broke his facts into sections, focusing on an array of fuel possibilities and past historical attempts before indicating that all paths point towards the potential of biodiesel. “At a cost of over $100 billion dollars annually,” Joshua Tickell explains, “America spends more money on oil that any other imported commodity.” The implication of a biodiesel market could reduce America’s dependency on foreign countries, as well as create new labor and financial opportunities within the United States.

Yet Tickell’s work proved even more convincing when he mentions practicality. He defines the current obstacles in a simple, straightforward manner, provides a glossary of words to assist the average reader’s comprehension, and shows graphs of trends to effectively support his points. In his final pages, he provides a list of “what we can do”—from keeping our cars tuned to sharing reviews of this book. I have been convinced. This generation must step up, take a good look at the oil threats from the past, and wave goodbye to the fossil fuels. It’s our job to start the revolution and I’ve started by writing to Cornerstones.

~ Holly J. of Cumberland, ME
2nd Place 12th Grade / Read, Write & Win 2007