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."