So You Want To Be A Diplomat (So You Want To Be A...)

"So You Want To Be A Diplomat is a children's educational book by Linda Soules. Did you know that a diplomat is a representative of one's country? Diplomats speak on behalf of their countrymen, traveling to faraway places so agreements can be made with other countries. In this book, you will learn what a diplomat actually does. They work in embassies and help citizens process visas. Diplomats use an array of tools, which include languages, protocol, the cable, and the reception. Get to know the best parts of the job along with some of the surprises it entails. You will also find out how diplomats spend their days, the kind of people they work with, and how they help others. The book also features some of the most famous diplomats in history.

Linda Soules has a knack for crafting educational children's books that are also very engaging, and she continues to demonstrate her skill with So You Want To Be A Diplomat. Although the series has been created for youngsters aged 10 to 14, I have immensely enjoyed every single book so far, including this one. They are informative, and you learn a few fun facts about topics you may have never thought about before. This is why I think even older readers will find this series captivating. Another great aspect of this book is that it helps youngsters develop an interest in politics at an early age. Overall, I found this to be an illuminating book that is both inspiring and motivational. Highly recommended."

"So You Want To Be A Diplomat is an engaging and eye-opening children’s educational book that introduces young readers to the fascinating world of diplomacy. Written for ages 10 to 14, the book explains what diplomats do, where they work, and why their quiet efforts matter so much. Rather than presenting diplomacy as dry politics, Soules turns it into an exciting behind-the-scenes journey through embassies, foreign ministries, international meetings, and the careful conversations that help countries solve problems without conflict.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is the way it combines real history with surprising and memorable stories. Readers learn about ping-pong diplomacy, diplomatic bags, pandas on diplomatic missions, and how a single mistranslated word influenced decades of the Cold War. These details make the subject lively and easy to remember, while also showing that diplomacy is full of unexpected moments. The book also introduces inspiring figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Ralph Bunche, Dag Hammarskjöld, and Kofi Annan, whose patience, courage, and dedication helped shape the modern world.

Soules writes with warmth and intelligence, treating young readers as thoughtful people capable of understanding serious ideas. The book clearly explains the skills a diplomat needs, including patience, discretion, curiosity, strong listening skills, a good memory, and respect for other cultures. I especially appreciated that it gives an honest view of the career, including both the exciting parts and the difficult parts. I learned a lot even as an adult reading this book, like how diplomats have to have a strong stomach because they’re going to be trying food in their host country, how they have to have a sense of humor for awkward moments, and how they have to have a good memory for names and faces (which I surely don’t).

So You Want To Be A Diplomat is an illuminating, inspiring, and highly readable introduction to an important career that many children may not have considered before. It is perfect for curious middle-grade readers, social studies classrooms, school libraries, Model UN clubs, and families who want to encourage global awareness. This book not only explains international relations in a clear and engaging way, but also shows young readers that peacebuilding is a skill they can begin practicing now. Highly recommended."

"So You Want To Be A Diplomat by Linda Soules offers young readers and their families a clear, well-researched introduction to international diplomacy. Part of the So You Want To Be A series, it explains global work with respect and real usefulness for curious ten- to twelve-year-olds.

Soules approaches a complex profession with notable care and directness. She covers what diplomats actually do, from embassy meetings and consular help to building agreements across borders. She walks through a full workday, morning cables, ministry visits, report writing, and evening receptions, including a consular visit to help a detained traveler at a local police station. She is honest about the hard parts too: frequent moves, slow progress, and representing a country abroad. As a parent, I valued how it shows why patience, listening, and trust matter, while giving families plenty to talk about together.

Soules writes like someone who trusts children with complexity. Her sentences are calm and clear, never preachy, and the short profiles of Roosevelt, Bunche, and other diplomats add weight without slowing the pace. The illustrations in the So You Want To Be A series give young readers vivid pages to return to, and my ten-year-old lingered on them between sections. For ages ten to twelve, the blend of fact and practical tips feels just right.

This is a thoughtful guide, not hype. Whether your child is career-curious or simply trying to understand the news, Diplomat belongs on the family shelf. I would gladly hand it to any parent raising a listener, a question-asker, or a kid who cares about how the world stays in conversation."

"The book is easy for older children to understand. What it means to be a diplomat is reviewed including how diplomats help people, tools of the trade, definitions, and types of co-workers. Areas highlight the best parts and the most surprising aspect of the job. I especially like that the hardest parts of the job are included. It gives an honest view of the job. I thought a day in the life complete with a timeline was eye opening. Qualities of a diplomat and desirable traits also assist children with deciding if this is a job for them. One page has fun facts. I also liked famous diplomats in history and what a child can do now to prepare for the job. Overall, I felt this book gives a very good picture of the life of a diplomat."

"This is a good source of information for anyone considering becoming a diplomat. It gives a lot of details about the job. And not just the fun things like getting to travel, meet new people, see new places, and attend big parties. It also tells about the less exciting aspects. Like having to move around a lot, which includes your family, and feeling failures when things don't work out right no matter how much a person has tried. But it also lays out the rewards. Helping others and making a quiet but significant difference in people's lives as well as in countries of the world."

"This one is the first book I've read in the 'So You Want to Be...' series. It gave kids a way to understand the complex job of being a diplomat without it being too overwhelming. It focused on core duties. I loved some of the quotes, including 'talking is better than fighting' and 'And you will be present in rooms where history is quietly happening.' I liked how it walked through a typical day, shared examples of respected diplomats, and gave you takeaways of things to practice and more books to read about this topic."

"Super cute pictures! This book tells all about what it's like to be a diplomat. And it breaks it down for kids to understand. It names some of the famous diplomats in history such as Eleanor Roosevelt, and Dag Hammarskjöld. What fun it would be to be a diplomat and live in other countries! And one of the most surprising things I learned was that its usually small rooms with just a few people hammering out the details of their relationship. And how cool woul it be knowing that you've helped foster a relationship between two countries that were previously at war."

"This is an engaging and thoughtfully written introduction to diplomacy that makes a complex topic genuinely accessible for young readers. Rather than presenting diplomacy as dry politics, the book brings it to life through real stories, historical figures, and a behind-the-scenes look at how diplomats help prevent conflict, build relationships, and shape world events.

What makes this especially compelling is how it treats kids as capable thinkers—it doesn’t oversimplify, but instead invites curiosity about international relations, human rights, negotiation, and peaceful problem-solving. The inclusion of inspiring figures like Eleanor Roosevelt, Ralph Bunche, Dag Hammarskjöld, and Kofi Annan adds depth and meaningful historical context.

A wonderful pick for curious middle-grade readers, future Model UN kids, or anyone interested in how countries work together behind the scenes. Informative, inspiring, and surprisingly hard to put down."

"Written specifically for ages 10-14, I would also recommend So You Want To Be a Diplomat to those even younger, perhaps as young as 8, as this guide to the requirements and daily life of a diplomat is a great way to introduce the career to any child curious about what goes on behind the scenes of the international world of negotiation and relationships between countries, governments and foreign states. With an emphasis on the human qualities of trust, patience and perseverance, it is made clear that the achievements one makes are not always recognized due to the nature of the job, so those looking for that pat on the back may never get it. The reward is often the knowledge that a crisis, a war, a death may have been averted because of the work the diplomat performs.

It also gives advice on the steps one should take to develop the skill set needed to be a diplomat, such as learning more than one foreign language, and additional qualities needed, such as discretion and a good memory for names.

Career diplomats Eleanor Roosevelt and Nobel Peace Prize winner Ralph Bunche are big shoes to fill but without people with their qualities and achievements we would be living in a different world today.

I highly recommend this book for any parent to gift a child who they feel is a budding diplomat or any child who has the curiosity to learn more about a career that is outside the norm."

"I am an Adult, and I read children books before I recommend them to my children or other children in my circle and I really loved this read. I read it in one sitting because I am fast reader, it is an easy read and it is definitely an area of interest for me. The first question that came to mind is why did someone not write this book when I was a child, because it opens one's eyes to a different possibility unlike the traditional occupations that children know and is all around them. I like the fact that it is an easy read so children can grasp the content easily and get interested and excited whilst working towards or plotting a career as a diplomat and for naysayers that point out that it is for a chosen few with connections or luck, at least the children learn new things, get excited about learning a different language and about history. I particularly love the fun facts and the additional resources added at the end of the book."

"If you are a young impressionable mind under 14 years old or any age interested in a career in diplomacy, this book is for you. It gives a clear insight into the role of a Diplomat, how to begin training now if interested for a young adult. Yet an interesting read on how the job fits into foreign affairs involving the roles of those in any country and how the role assists if in need. I appreciate the author's research and well written prose to guide any reader on the path of becoming a Diplomat or gaining insight into the life of one for informational purposes only. I would recommend her books for any age group. I will definitely use her books as a resource and reference for any person questioning a career choice."

"I knew very little about what a diplomat actually did so I was able to learn a lot from this book. The diplomat moving to another country every few years was surprising. This book was full of fun facts and taught me a lot about how diplomats can help others."

"I absolutely loved this book! I wish I had read it when I was younger. Please give this to someone you think would do well in this position. I was surprised to learn that there are so many different officers working with ambassadors in the embassy. It includes suggestions for becoming an ambassador, examples of famous diplomats and their contributions, and additional materials and websites to help you discover more about being an ambassador!"

"Curiosity sparked my interest from the very first pages of this book. So You Want To Be A Diplomat does a great job of explaining diplomacy, embassies, and international relations in a way that young readers can easily understand. The examples are engaging, and the book highlights the importance of communication, cooperation, and problem-solving between nations. It’s an educational and inspiring read for kids who enjoy learning about the world and how people work together to build peace."

"Well written simply and clearly explained description on how to be a diplomat."

"A very clear and easily understood guide for children and young adults. The author wrote a whole series of books about careers, and I imagine they are all on par with this one. It is a tool I wish I had when I was young. It certainly intrigued me and makes me wish I was a diplomat."

"In the current climate of the world today, when a lack of competent diplomacy has led to conflicts all over the place--this special book is the exact thing the world needs. Putting the importance of diplomats and the work they do in context for youth is a great start on a trajectory for a career that can really benefit the world. Cultural competency and language learning are powerful tools in the fight to better understand and appreciate our fellow humans and instilling children with that importance is vital today. Resources and positive thoughts on the field are found in great number in this book."

"There are so many great things about this book! We learned that much of diplomacy happens in small rooms and quiet conversations rather than at large public summits. The fact that diplomats often move every few years and may live in many different countries throughout their careers was exciting to learn. And, learning that a single mistranslated phrase helped shape perceptions during the Cold War was fascinating. The author also did a great job explaining the many aspects of a diplomat’s work, from representing their country abroad and helping citizens in need to negotiating agreements, building relationships, learning languages, and writing detailed reports. The 'day in the life' section was especially interesting because it showed how varied and meaningful a diplomat’s work can be. Overall, this is a great book to learn more about international relations, world affairs, and the people who work behind the scenes to help countries cooperate and solve problems peacefully."

"Although this book is made for the younger generation it was actually a good read as an adult. Majority of my life I didn't understand the job of a Diplomat, but with this book it not only broke it down in such a simplified way, but I will be able to explain it to my children and they'll understand. Great read, I loved it."

"I love how informative this book is and how it goes into great detail about what a diplomat is and does. It gives interesting facts, famous diplomats in history, and what you can start doing as a kid to help you become one in the future. I love the part about gifting pandas and the giraffe the best!"

"If I had read this book between the ages of 10-14, I am pretty sure my choice of career path from that moment forward would have been diplomacy. So You Want To Be A Diplomat is a very poignantly written work that details just what it takes to live a life in service of your country on foreign soil. I highly recommend this introduction to diplomacy as a career choice to anyone - of any age! - who is interested in helping make the world better than it was when they found it."

"The job of a diplomat has always interested me, I have a good understanding of what goes into day in and day out. As a kid, I did not. This "guide" would be great for anyone who would want to do this job. The simple breakdown of what a diplomat does, tools of the trade and vernacular used in the day to day functioning of the job is a great resource for students who need more information on this fun career. The section explaining the best and worst parts of the job is presented to show both sides of what seems to be a challenging and rewarding career. Like other books in this series it is full of information on qualities expected from this career. This would be great for a career or guidance counselor and middle school teacher. This would be a great book to use to teach geography or social studies."

"I love how the author talks about unusual jobs. As an adult, I learned a lot. We have a lot to be thankful for….so many people serve our country in ways we will never know. Well worth the read!"

"I love the 'So You Want to Be...' series. The books provide great information of the subject. This particular one about being a diplomat was very informative and my kid easily understood the job description."

"Great book for the classroom. It's very informative and goes into detail which makes it an easy read."

"This was a fun and informative introduction to the world of diplomacy for young readers. It explains how diplomats help countries communicate, solve problems, and build peaceful relationships in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand. The illustrations and simple explanations make complex topics accessible, making this a great choice for kids who are curious about world affairs or dream of representing their country one day. Highly recommended!"

"As a first-grade teacher, I always appreciate books that introduce big ideas in a way young readers can understand, and So You Want to Be a Diplomat by Linda Soules does exactly that.

My students were fascinated to learn that diplomats help people from different countries work together, solve problems peacefully, and build friendships around the world. It opened up some wonderful classroom conversations about kindness, respect, and how listening to others can make a difference.

The book presents the information in a way that is easy for children to follow without talking down to them. The colorful illustrations and real-world examples kept my students engaged, and several of them were surprised that a career like this even existed. I love books that expand children's thinking beyond the jobs they already know, and this one certainly did.

What I appreciated most was how naturally the book encouraged empathy, teamwork, and curiosity about other cultures. Those lessons fit perfectly alongside what we try to teach every day in the classroom. By the end, my students weren't just talking about becoming firefighters or veterinarians; they were asking what it takes to help bring people together and make the world a better place.

This is a thoughtful, engaging addition to any classroom or school library and a wonderful choice for helping children explore careers while learning the value of communication, cooperation, and understanding others."

"This book describes the work of a diplomat and how helpful they truly are to their country and citizens of their country. It is very detailed and helps anyone learn about the truth behind what a diplomat does."

"This book was incredibly informative. The pictures were fantastic. I appreciated that it was broken into sections. I really feel that it gives a very good description of the job of a diplomat. The author managed to keep the content serious and focused, but also light-hearted and easy to follow. I really feel that I learned a lot about a subject I knew very little about."

"What an excellent book on all things related to being a diplomat. I think this is a great book to introduce kids to the concept of diplomacy. It’s an easy, short read, as well. I liked the inclusion of a sample schedule showing what daily life looks like for a diplomat. I also found it interesting that diplomatic immunity has existed for three thousand years."

"I have to honestly say that I did not know what a diplomat's job really was. After reading this book and learning the qualities a diplomat must uphold, I hope that it inspires many young readers to become the best diplomat they can in their everyday life. Being a diplomat is centered around trust and the ability to listen effectively and know what information to share that will help the talks for your country and what you need to keep private. To the world it is almost an invisible, thankless job, but to the diplomat it must be very rewarding to know the actions they helped to prevent."

"So You Want to Be a Diplomat is an engaging and informative book that introduces readers to a career many people know very little about. Before reading it, I understood that diplomats represented their countries, but I did not fully appreciate how much responsibility, preparation, and dedication the job requires. This book explains the profession in a way that is easy to understand while still showing the complexity and importance of international diplomacy.

One of the things I enjoyed most was how the author broke down the many responsibilities of diplomats. Instead of portraying the career as glamorous travel and formal events, the book highlights the real work behind the scenes. Diplomats negotiate agreements, build relationships with other nations, assist citizens abroad, and work to prevent conflicts before they become larger problems. Learning about these responsibilities gave me a much greater appreciation for the people who serve in these roles.

The writing style is clear, conversational, and well organized, making it an excellent choice for middle school and high school readers who are beginning to explore future careers. Complex topics such as foreign policy, communication, and international cooperation are explained in a way that never feels overwhelming. The book also emphasizes the importance of qualities like patience, critical thinking, cultural awareness, and strong communication skills, showing that becoming a diplomat involves much more than simply knowing about world events.

I also appreciated that the book encourages readers to think globally. It demonstrates how understanding different cultures and perspectives can help solve problems peacefully. Those lessons extend far beyond the profession itself and are valuable for anyone who wants to become a better communicator and citizen.

Overall, So You Want to Be a Diplomat is an educational and inspiring read that provides a realistic look at an often-overlooked career. It encourages curiosity about the world while offering practical insight into the skills and education needed for success. I would recommend this book to students, teachers, school libraries, and anyone interested in government, international relations, or public service. It is both informative and motivating, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of diplomacy and the important role diplomats play in maintaining relationships between nations."

"In a world where you can be anything, I had never once thought about being a diplomat or considered what a diplomat actually does. This book explains their job wonderfully and is full of wonderful artwork and insights."

"This book is so informative and thoughtfully presented. It answers all possible questions kids may have about being a diplomat. It comprehensively covers all the things a diplomat does and what it takes to be one. It is well-researched and presented in a way that is accesible and what we call ‘kid-friendly’. I liked the section where notable and world-renowned diplomats were named as examples, like Eleanor Roosevelt and Kofi Annan. Kids usually find someone they can emulate and those were great role models that they can look up to. Overall, this is a compelling guide that helps kids in the path they want to take."

"As a 40+ year old woman, I decided to read this book to gain clarity on what exactly a diplomat is. I’ve heard the terminology for years, but never understood how this role plays such a pivotal role in international relations. This book breaks it down so well, even my 7 year old grasped the concept of the role and responsibilities that come with being a diplomat. I thoroughly enjoyed the explanation of how long they remain in each country, as well as, the cables that are used to relay summarizations of the information a diplomat has learned in a day. Books like this open young minds up to other possibilities for career paths in government agencies."

"Very easy to read! I enjoyed that it is not only informative in the career and duties themselves, but it also sets expectations for home and family life of a Diplomat. I personally believe this is a great read for someone of any age. Great tool for a school book report, or someone who just might want to know about diplomacy."

"What a fun book to read! I always thought I had a pretty good idea of who a diplomat was and what they did, but after reading this book, I have a much better understanding of the role. Not only for the diplomat themselves, but also for their families.

This is a great read for any age and gave me a whole new appreciation for what this career entails. In another life, I think I would have loved being a diplomat!"

"Never in 1 million years when I have thought about becoming a diplomat… until now! I love how this book addresses the hardest part of the job also, not just the highlights."

"​Linda Soules brings world politics to life in So You Want to Be a Diplomat. Instead of dry lessons, she uses real stories and a look at a diplomat’s daily life to show how active listening and problem-solving can help build peace."

"Books by Linda Soules never fail to disappoint. This book on how to be a diplomat seems especially timely as we are globally connected and hear world news every day. What struck me about this book was that she made a point to make sure that the reader understands that the most important parts of a diplomat's job usually happen behind the scenes. The diplomat who is a good listener, who is reassuring, who has a sense of humor, and who can multi-task is the one who is successful. I found the timeline of a sample day to be very interesting because a diplomat starts early in the day and can end late with a dinner that is also a crucial place to make a connection. A diplomat has to say a lot in perhaps a few lines and work hard to make sure that countries stay on good terms. I highly recommend this book!"

"To the future diplomats who read this book. May you grow in wisdom and knowledge to lead our human race to peace for generations to come. May you find joy in knowing that in being a Diplomat, you hold responsibility and power to keep the society running smoothly with your relationships with others. You are the bridge between your home country and the rest of the world."

"Very good read. This book should give curious kids a great leg up on what it would take to be a diplomat, and start them on that journey if they are truly curious about it. It doesn't shy away from what makes it hard but also doesn't make it seem daunting either. There are history lessons involved and shows what steps to take now and in the future if this is the career path you want."

"As a 3rd grade teacher, I loved sharing 'So You Want to Be a Diplomat' with my class. Linda Soules breaks down what diplomats actually do—representing their country, negotiating with other nations, and helping resolve conflicts—in language kids can grasp. My students were especially interested in the parts about learning foreign languages and living overseas as part of the job. The real-world examples of diplomatic work made an abstract career feel tangible and exciting. It's a wonderful addition to this career series, and my students left wanting to know more. Highly recommend for elementary classrooms!"

"What surprised me most about So You Want To Be A Diplomat was how much more interesting diplomacy became once I saw the behind-the-scenes details. The book doesn't just tell kids that diplomats negotiate between countries—it shows what that actually looks like, from the early-morning cable traffic and embassy work to late-night calls back to the capital. Some of the historical stories are especially memorable. The explanation of “ping-pong diplomacy” and how a simple bus ride involving American and Chinese table-tennis players helped reopen communication after more than two decades of silence is the kind of detail a young reader is likely to remember. I also loved the section on the diplomatic bag and the remarkable rule that countries are not allowed to open it."

"So You Want To Be A Diplomat by Linda Soules manages something a lot of career-guide books for kids don't: it makes the work itself sound irresistible, not just admirable. Aimed at readers ages 10 to 14, the book opens with a great hook — the idea that a diplomat's real job is often preventing wars nobody will ever hear about. That framing sets the tone for the whole book, which treats diplomacy less like a dry civics lesson and more like a series of high-stakes, character-driven stories. The historical anecdotes are the strongest part. The account of how a spontaneous bus ride between American and Chinese ping-pong players helped thaw twenty years of Cold War silence is the kind of detail that sticks with a kid long after they've closed the book. Same with the explanation of why pandas born in foreign zoos are technically considered to be on diplomatic assignment, and get 'recalled' home like any other posted official. There's also a look at what's inside the sealed diplomatic bag no country is permitted to open, and how a single mistranslated word had ripple effects across decades of international relations. These aren't throwaway trivia — they're used to illustrate real principles about how careful, patient communication shapes history. What elevates this beyond a collection of fun facts is the second half, which treats diplomacy as a genuinely learnable skill set: active listening, patience under pressure, cultural curiosity, and the discipline to stay calm when everyone else in the room wants to react. That's a valuable message for this age group regardless of whether a reader ends up pursuing international relations. The illustrations are well done and break up the text nicely for younger readers, and the pacing keeps things moving without dumbing down the subject matter. I'd recommend this for kids who enjoy nonfiction adventure stories, current events, or geography, as well as parents looking for something that quietly builds empathy and global awareness. A strong, well-researched addition to the 'So You Want To Be A...' series."

"This book is a great way for children to learn how to be a Diplomat. I even learned some new things that I did not know before. It goes in detail explaining where they would work as to what they would do. It even explains the schooling needed to achieve this. Children will enjoy learning about what a Diplomat does."

"'Diplomacy' is not a word you’ll hear from your most elementary school students or even middle schoolers. But being a diplomat is one of the most fascinating jobs for people who listen well, are patient, and even-tempered.

Dad or Mom, if you think your daughter or son has the chops to be a diplomat, do not base your judgment on Netflix’s 'The Diplomat.' Some of the wild things that go on in that program are things that do happen in real life. But not a lot.

See Linda Soules’ 'So You Want To Be A Diplomat,' another of her Literary Titan Book Award winners. It’s one of about 200 career exploration books for young people ages 8 to 14 and older. She lays it all out there and she’ll probably teach you a couple of history lessons in her 39 well-crafted pages.

Her dedications are some of the most readable in the market. And the texts she writes are skillfully researched. You can take a Linda Soules book at its word. Her dedication here says: 'For every kid who ever heard two people arguing and wished, quietly, that someone would help them listen to each other.'

Inside you’ll find the same format Soules uses in the entire series. She devotes time to what really happens in diplomacy. It may sound dull, but it is anything but. People meet a lot with diplomats and they talk a lot. A diplomat who listens well and is patient is a valuable asset because the diplomat serves his or her country.

'You are your country's eyes, ears, voice, and handshake in another country,' writes Soules, a heavy load indeed. 'Diplomacy is the practice of conducting relationships between countries. Diplomats negotiate trade agreements, protect their citizens abroad, advise their own governments about what is really happening in other countries, build long-term relationships, and serve as the first line of response when something goes wrong between nations.' A diplomat's career is, almost by definition, lived in motion.

At times there are history-making events. In 1956, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev 'told a room of Western diplomats, 'Мы вас похороним' –which his translator rendered as 'We will bury you.'' More likely it meant 'we will outlast you,' but that 'bury' sentence stoked the Cold War.

Being a diplomat is hard on your family. 'You will move every few years. Your family will move with you,' says Soules. 'A conversation might be the one that changes something. The work asks a lot from you. But helping the world stay in conversation rather than at war? That makes it worth it.'"

"While I don't want to be a diplomat, I can say this book provides an excellent description of the job. It also provides a day in the life, summary of skills, connected job roles, famous examples and additional resources. Well worth the read."

"This is a very informative introduction to diplomacy that explains both the exciting opportunities and the real challenges of a profession that most students are not familiar with. I liked how the book explained how diplomats not only travel and have meetings but also negotiate, help citizens and can experience different cultures. It also discussed the personal sacrifices diplomats and their families may face. The colorful illustrations and fun facts are a nice touch. Overall, this is an excellent career-exploration book for curious students who enjoy learning about other cultures, solving problems, and helping people."

"I really enjoyed reading So You Want to Be a Diplomat by Linda Soules. What stood out to me most was how the book makes the world of diplomacy feel interesting and understandable, especially for young readers. Instead of making diplomacy seem like something complicated or boring, Soules explains what diplomats actually do and why their work is important.

I liked learning about the different responsibilities diplomats have, such as representing their countries, working in embassies, communicating with people from different cultures, and helping countries solve problems peacefully. The book also includes interesting stories and facts about diplomacy, which made it more enjoyable to read.

Personally, the book made me realize that being a diplomat requires more than just traveling to different countries. A diplomat needs to be patient, a good listener, respectful of other cultures, and able to communicate well. I also appreciated that the book shows that diplomacy can have a real impact on people's lives, even though much of the work happens quietly behind the scenes."

"So You Want To Be A Diplomat by Linda Soules is a refreshing and encouraging read for anyone curious about diplomacy and what it really means to represent a country and work with people from different backgrounds. What makes this book stand out to me is that Soules doesn't rely only on general career advice. She uses memorable stories and real examples to make the world of diplomacy feel much more relatable and understandable.

One of the moments that stayed with me was the ping-pong story. At first, something as simple as playing ping-pong might not seem connected to diplomacy, but the story illustrates how everyday interactions can create opportunities to connect with people and build relationships. I really enjoyed this example because it showed me that diplomacy isn't always about formal meetings, speeches, or serious negotiations. Sometimes, building trust can begin through something as ordinary as sharing an activity with another person.

I also appreciated the section featuring Eleanor Roosevelt. Her profile added an important human element to the book and reminded me that influential people don't become effective leaders simply because they hold impressive titles. Her example demonstrates the importance of courage, communication, compassion, and being willing to speak up for others. I found myself thinking about how those qualities can be just as important in diplomacy as knowledge of international affairs.

These specific examples made the book much more engaging for me because they turned abstract ideas into situations that were easier to picture. Instead of simply saying that diplomats need strong interpersonal skills, Soules gives readers reasons to understand why relationships, adaptability, and communication matter.

Another thing I liked is that the book encourages readers to look honestly at themselves. Wanting to become a diplomat is one thing, but developing the patience, curiosity, professionalism, and communication skills required for the role is another. The book helped me see diplomacy as a responsibility rather than simply an impressive career title.

Overall, So You Want To Be A Diplomat is an inspiring introduction to a fascinating career. The ping-pong story and Eleanor Roosevelt profile were especially memorable because they gave the book personality and helped bring its lessons to life. Linda Soules succeeds in making diplomacy feel both exciting and realistic while encouraging readers to consider whether they have what it takes to pursue this path.

I would happily give this book five stars. It's informative without feeling overly complicated, motivational without becoming unrealistic, and filled with examples that make its message memorable. For anyone who has ever wondered what it takes to become a diplomat, this is a worthwhile place to start."

"I picked up this book because I'm currently teaching a career exploration class and thought I could use a few tidbits of information. It actually provided a really nice, in-depth overview of the different roles diplomats play in our world. The book discusses not only what the different diplomatic roles are, but also what a sample day may look like and what a teen could do to prepare for that career. I appreciate that the author admits to some use of AI with the illustrations only but that she wrote each word herself. It shows that she cares about the material and has integrity."

"What a great series of books for kids to have access to! This book was particularly helpful at looking into the diplomatic set of jobs. People with this heart and calling are so needed at this time of history and this book does an excellent job of rallying and equipping the next generation of diplomats. They clearly explain the concepts behind the job and even included the parts that might surprise you. I absolutely love all of the practical applications given for kids to start now if this area interests them. In multiple sections of the book it gives next steps and things to focus on to prepare you for this type of career. I love that these applications range from here's a habit you could start developing to here's a program you could join. The definition section and the More reading section make for good reference and extension past this book. Highly recommend this book to all those curious about diplomacy whether just topically or as a possible career. We all have much to learn and this book lays out those lessons so well!"

"I wasn't expecting this book to be so detailed! This book offers an amazingly in depth description of what it means to work as a diplomat. I really enjoyed that not only does it tell you the good parts of this job but that it also goes into some negative portions as well. If your child has an interest in working where they can travel the world and help people, this is a great start to get started. The added potential day in the life was a good addition as well as listing and talking about famous diplomats in history."

"There are many books that describe different professions and provide insight into what those careers are like, but I haven't come across many that focus specifically on diplomacy. This book does a great job of exploring the profession from different angles.

For students in their tweens or teens, or even adults considering this career, it provides a helpful introduction to what being a diplomat can really involve. It covers the benefits and opportunities of the profession while also discussing some of its challenges and hardships.

I particularly enjoyed the sections that explain what someone interested in becoming a diplomat can start working on during childhood and young adulthood. The book also gives readers a glimpse into a typical day in the life of a diplomat and introduces important diplomatic vocabulary.

I enjoyed the short profiles of notable diplomats, including Kofi Annan and Eleanor Roosevelt. Overall, this was an informative and interesting read with plenty of useful information about a career that isn't often covered in books for young readers."

"This book is very detailed in explaining what a diplomat is. The illustrations in the book give a visual description of what the author is describing in the text. There are many interesting facts covered in this book about a diplomat’s life. I enjoyed reading about some of the exotic food a diplomat may eat! The author gives fun facts, a list of famous diplomats throughout history and even encourages the reader about becoming a diplomat as an adult."

"The book was an interesting and insightful read. It was particularly engaging, because it brought the realities of diplomatic life to life, in a honest and humorous way. The book was informative without feeling overly academic, however, it still made the subject easy to understand even if, like me, you have no background in diplomacy. There was also a balanced picture of both the opportunities and the challenges that come with this career. I felt the writing style was appropriate for the target audience and I would particularly recommend it to anyone considering a career in diplomacy or international relations."

"I expected this book to be a basic learning experience for a person of my age. It not only taught the outline of duties expected, but the emotional and empathetic qualities that are needed to be a successful diplomat. It actually inspired me to imagine how fulfilling this important position can be! I really enjoyed it, as there was so much information packed in the 39 pages."