Hoover Dam
by Craig A. Doherty
Blackbirch Press 1995
Great fit for 7th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- engineering and innovation
- perseverance
- teamwork
- human vs. nature
- American history
- problem-solving
- technology and society
About this book
This nonfiction book explores how the Hoover Dam was planned and built, explaining why the Colorado River needed to be controlled and how engineers and workers accomplished the massive project during the Great Depression. Clear text, photographs, and diagrams show the challenges of taming a river, pouring concrete, and generating power for the Southwest. It’s a strong choice for reports and for readers who enjoy real-world engineering feats. Kids are drawn to the dramatic scale, problem-solving, and human stories behind this landmark.
Setting: Black Canyon on the Colorado River (Nevada–Arizona), 1930s construction and present-day impact
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hoover Dam right for my child?
Yes — Hoover Dam is a great fit for 7th grade. The reading level is AR 7.2, which is typical for 7th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include engineering and innovation, perseverance, teamwork.
How long does it take to read Hoover Dam?
At a typical 7th grade reading pace, Hoover Dam takes around 41m to finish. The book has 7,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Hoover Dam have an AR quiz?
Yes — Hoover Dam has an AR quiz available, worth 1 point. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Hoover Dam?
Hoover Dam has an AR reading level of 7.2, which places it at a 7th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.