The Wild River and the Great Dam is an excellent piece of nonfiction for both young readers and adults. The building of the Hoover Dam was an incredible feat of engineering. As you dive into the story of construction and destruction you learn about the rugged landscape of the area and beauty of the Colorado River. It may seem like a hard topic for young readers but the addition of actual photographs of the process give the visual representation needed to keep readers engaged and the stories of the people; their struggles during hard economic times and their need to make a living and provide for their families brought the challenge to life. The book deals with the beginning of the dam - the construction, challenges and the justification for a dam built in a desert right up to the problems facing the environment and communities today.
I enjoyed the book but felt it drag near the end. Some readers might be turned off by the environmental impact stance - especially those communities who depend on the Hoover Dam for basic water needs. It is good to see both the positive and the negative effects of the choices we make in the name of progress and growth.
I received an ARC of this title through NetGalley and Little,Brown Books for Young Readers.

One of the largest infrastructure projects in the world, the Hoover Dam, transformed the landscape, economy and future of seven south western states, two countries, thirty tribes and millions of people. Built by a San Francisco based company, at the height of the Depression, to control catastrophic flooding, provide much needed electricity and a reliable water supply. Hoover was high-stakes gamble that risked careers, reputations and lives. Exemplary organization and research paired with clear, vivid writing tells a fascinating story, complimented by direct quotes, intriguing details and period photographs. Natural disasters, engineering marvels, political wrangling, labor exploitation and unrest, indigenous rights, international disputes, climate change, environmental awareness and hubris all play major parts in a story so dramatic it seems operatic. But with a twenty-year drought currently threatening Hoover’s ability to function, Boughton makes clear the story is far from over. Readers with a broad range of interests will find themselves hooked by this masterful elucidation. Backmatter includes timeline, map and list of dams, detailed notes, extensive sources and photo credits.

Aimed at young readers aged 9 and up, this picture book tells the story of 'The Construction of Hoover Dam and the Vanishing Colorado River'.

With black and white photographs of the work and surroundings, the author explains 'What made the completion of such a vast, complicated, and daring construction project in just five years possible?' His answers are: technology, ingenuity, and the labor of thousands of men.

This fascinating account of a most impressive undertaking and all who participated in it will be of great interest to the budding young engineer.

This is a book about the construction of the Hoover Dam. It is very informative and you really do learn a ton about the dam and the history of the area at the time. I liked all the photos. It is a bit dry for the intended audience and I can't see a kid sticking with this book, it could have used a bit more editing.

I’m planning a trip to the Hoover dam so what better time to read a book like this? While I certainly learned a lot, the writing was dry and too in the weeds at times. I would’ve liked a bit more info on how the construction affected the indigenous population as well as the environment.