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

"A doctor's job is akin to that of a detective. Doctors offer solutions to problems that afflict the human body. Linda Soules' So You Want to Be a Doctor sheds light on one of the world's most prestigious and important professions. In this book, young readers will discover what it takes to be a doctor. Doctors work across a wide range of specialities, including medicine, pediatrics, oncology, and many more. This book takes readers through a doctor's career, showing how they work and the tools they use for diagnosis and analysis. Doctors have to make serious decisions under pressure, sometimes even without having all the information. Walk through the daily life of a doctor and learn how they serve their community and society as a whole.

So You Want to Be a Doctor is for all young aspirants who want to pursue a career in medicine and help people stay healthy. Linda Soules has written a series of books on careers for young people. And this book is about a career that has an impact on almost everyone's day-to-day lives. The accessible writing style will appeal to preteens and young teenagers alike. The author makes sure that each topic is explained in detail, ensuring that readers understand all the fundamental aspects of being a doctor. The lively illustrations also complement the narrative perfectly. This is one of the best career guides for children that I've ever read. I found it very informative and motivational. It's also concisely written, authentic, and illuminating. Highly recommended."

"So You Want To Be A Doctor by Linda Soules is a smart and engaging career guide for kids who are curious about medicine and want to know what being a doctor is really like. The book makes a great comparison between doctors and detectives, showing how physicians study symptoms, ask questions, and piece together clues to figure out what’s going on inside the body. It introduces young readers to the science behind the profession, from body systems and diagnosis to the tools doctors use every day, while keeping the information clear and approachable.

What makes this book stand out to me is that it doesn’t make medicine look easy or glamorous. Soules is honest about the years of school, the long hours, the pressure, and the emotional weight that comes with caring for people. At the same time, she also shows why the work can be so rewarding. Kids get a real sense of what happens during hospital rounds, how doctors work with nurses and specialists, and how different fields like pediatrics, emergency medicine, surgery, oncology, and research all play a role in healthcare.

The book’s tone is encouraging without talking down to its readers, which is perfect for older kids and young teens who are starting to think seriously about the future. I liked how it focuses not only on knowledge and skill, but also on compassion, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. Doctors don’t just solve medical puzzles, they support patients and families through scary, uncertain moments. That human side gives the book a lot of warmth and makes the profession feel meaningful instead of distant. The illustrations help make the more complex ideas easier to understand, and the fun facts, history pieces, and practical suggestions give curious readers plenty to explore.

Soules also does a wonderful job showing that good medicine isn’t only about tests, tools, and diagnoses. One of the book’s most memorable lines says, 'The doctor who listens carefully, who explains clearly, who makes the patient feel heard and cared for – is practicing medicine at its fullest.' That idea gives the book a lot of heart and reminds young readers that compassion is just as important as knowledge.

So You Want To Be A Doctor is informative, motivating, and realistic, making it a strong choice for science-loving kids who think they might want a future in medicine. It’s especially well suited for readers around 10 to 14, though slightly older kids may get even more out of its details and behind-the-scenes look at the medical world."

"Linda Soules's Doctor meets its young readers where they actually are: curious, capable, and ready for truth. This is career writing with backbone, aimed at ten- to twelve-year-olds without the hollow cheerleading most guides offer.

Soules frames medicine as detective work: patients arrive with clues, doctors listen, examine, and reason toward answers. She tours clinics and hospitals, introduces the stethoscope and scans, and explains how nurses, pharmacists, and social workers share the load. What stayed with me was the balance. The book celebrates small victories yet never hides grief, eleven years of school, or the shift from curing to comforting. As a parent, I valued the author's closing line about not abandoning patients, and the actionable list on first aid, anatomy books, and asking your own doctor real questions.

Soules writes in clear, warm prose that explains terms like residency without talking down. Historical profiles of Paul Farmer and Elizabeth Blackwell add depth. The day-in-the-life timeline feels vivid. The prose earns trust by admitting what doctors cannot fix. A solid glossary helps. Illustrations support every page.

If your child bandages stuffed animals or asks why lungs sound different when sick, keep this guide on the shelf. It opens medicine with compassion and realism, and sparks family conversations long after the last page. Highly recommended for curious middle graders and reading parents."

"It does not only explain the job, but it also gives children ideas on how to prepare, such as learning first aid, studying the human body, or volunteering. It also includes helpful additions like a glossary and reading suggestions, which make it more than just a simple book."

"My kid actually read the whole thing which never happens. It explains what doctors really do day to day — not just the cool stuff but also the hard parts too... The pictures are nice and it doesn't talk down to kids."

"Excellent book that takes a child's desire to be a doctor seriously. The pros, cons, and surprises of the profession are explained... The book also offers next steps and gives credible references for education and more information."

"It does not sugarcoat things but shows kids the reality as is. What especially stood out to me in the book was its focus on emotional competence, a part of being a doctor that is often overlooked."

"My 12 year old with autism is obsessed with the medical field and has read this book over and over he loves it so much."

"By the end, I had the sense of having read something that functions as both introduction and orientation: a way of thinking about medicine as an intellectual and ethical commitment."

"What stands out is how honest and balanced the approach is. It encourages curiosity and ambition, but also sets clear expectations about the discipline and compassion the role requires. I appreciated how it speaks to kids without talking down to them."

"A very thorough resource for older elementary school and middle school kids who are considering a medical profession... This book provides a helpful way for kids to decide if this career is right for them as well as practical steps to take now."

"What a great short read!! I as an adult learned things I didn't know or thought of, like how the stethoscope came to be. My favorite parts were the brief history segments like the first female doctor and creation of palliative care, as well as the example of a doctor's workday."

"This was a good read. I wish there were a book like this when I was growing up. I think it would have sparked a bigger interest in the healthcare field."

"It doesn't talk down to children — it explains the hard parts too, like when doctors can't fix everything. The illustrations are warm and the 'day in the life' section was a favorite."

"I was very impressed with this book, as I have been with the others from this series. I think it is an amazing educational resource for children exploring different professions. I appreciate the information aspect of this reading, but also the illustrations. With children in particular, images capture their attention quickly. I highly recommend this!"

"Love these books! This is great for any child wanting more information, in a fun and engaging way, about what it would be like to be a doctor. This would be a good classroom addition during career week or for researching careers that kids are actually interested in. As with all of these 'So You Want to Be a...' books, the illustrations are some of my favorite pieces! The information is also great, especially the 'Tools of the Trade' that breaks down the different tools that doctors use to help patients. I think one of the most important pieces is the best/hardest parts of the job breakdown."

"This book is so underrated. When I started reading it I thought it was going to be like a generic book. But I was positively surprised when I finished it. It’s such an informative and interesting book, I learnt so many facts I didn’t know about doctors."

"The care that went into this book is extraordinary. The author clearly explains what doctors do in terms of practical, as well as emotional skills. There is a glossary, books to read next, activities to engage in, short biographies of important people in medicine, as well as a plethora of answers. The book draws you in with the importance of the information and the beautiful pictures. The pictures show a range of doctors, from gender, to ethnicity, to age, showing that with hard work and compassion that being a doctor might be a career choice for anyone. I absolutely loved this book and could see it as an important addition to any home or school library."

"As the aunt of a 5-year-old niece who constantly talks about being a doctor when she grows up, I was excited to read this book to her. The author presents the journey to becoming a doctor in a way that is easy for kids to understand. This book explains the importance of helping others, learning new things, and working hard to achieve your goals. It makes the profession feel exciting while also showing that becoming a doctor takes dedication and perseverance."

"I work alongside many different types of doctors and this book really captured the essence of what it means to be a doctor. I love how much passion was put into this book to showcase all parts of the profession."

"This book is so cool and I want the whole series in my classroom. It tells the readers what doctors do overall and breaks it down into a possible daily snapshot. It also has sections that talk about schooling, the best part, the hardest part of the job, the qualities that make a good doctor and what someone can start doing right now to prepare among many others. I thought this was so helpful. It has a glossary and info about the tools they use and the people they work with... I could go on because here was so much good info. I wish more doctors today had read this first."

"As the aunt of a 5-year-old niece who constantly talks about being a doctor when she grows up, I was excited to read this book to her. The author presents the journey to becoming a doctor in a way that is easy for kids to understand. This book explains the importance of helping others, learning new things, and working hard to achieve your goals. It makes the profession feel exciting while also showing that becoming a doctor takes dedication and perseverance."

"My son always says he wants to be a doctor. So when I got this book, I knew it was perfect for him to read. This book gave him a clear understanding about how a day in doctor’s life goes. He noted some important areas of the book. He now understands why sometimes I have to do some notes when I get home from work. He asked, so you all don’t get a proper lunch break, and also need someone to care for you too."

"So You Want To Be A Doctor is such a fun intro for curious kids 😊! This picture book breaks down what doctors actually _do_ without making it scary or boring. Think bright illustrations, simple words, and lots of 'wow, really?!' moments 🩺.

It follows a day in the life of a doctor — from listening to hearts, to giving checkups, to helping people feel better. My nephew LOVED the page with the stethoscope and the 'let’s count bandages' part 😂. It also shows different kinds of doctors, which is cool. Pediatrician, surgeon, vet… kids get that 'doctor' isn’t just one thing.

What’s awesome:

- *Zero fear factor* — shots and sick days are explained gently 💕

- *Interactive bits* — 'Can you find the thermometer?' keeps little readers hooked

- *Inspiring but real* — shows doctors work hard and help people, no magic-wand stuff

If your kid plays 'hospital' 24/7 or asks 100 questions after every doctor visit, this book is 💯. It answers the 'why' and makes medicine feel approachable, not intimidating.

Cute, smart, and perfect for ages 4-8. Sparks curiosity without the overwhelm. Total win for future doctors 📚✨."

"This book shows kids what it is really like to be a doctor. It explains how the body works and what a doctor's daily job looks like, from checking on patients to doing surgery. It honestly shares how much hard work and studying it takes, but it also shows how amazing it feels to help people heal. With easy science and fun pictures, it is the perfect guide for any kid who dreams of working in medicine."

"I absolutely love all the So You Want To Be A… books. As a mom who works in the medical field I absolutely loved reading this one to my boy. I love that it’s perfectly balanced. This book made him curious and interested however, it makes sure to be specific of what being a doctor really entails. The author shows how special it can be to be a doctor but also how it can be tiring and without a break sometimes. If you have a curious little one these are the books for you!"

"So You Want To Be A Doctor is an encouraging book for anyone who wants to learn about becoming a doctor. It explains the steps in a simple way and shows the hard work and care needed for this career. It is easy to understand and a great introduction for future healthcare professionals."

"First you should know this book is definitely made for older children and early teens. This gives a very in-depth view of what being a doctor really looks like. The author did a great job explaining all the different things that go into being a doctor and not just the fun stuff. Great book!"

"As an elementary teacher, I love finding books that introduce students to careers in a way that feels exciting instead of overwhelming. So You Want to Be a Doctor by Linda Soules is one of those books that naturally encourages big dreams while helping children understand the dedication behind an important profession.

What stood out to me was how the book goes beyond simply saying that doctors help people. It gives young readers a better understanding of the education, skills, and compassion that are part of the job. That's such an important message for children to hear. It reminds them that success comes from hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learning.

I could easily picture sharing this book during a career exploration lesson. My students are always eager to talk about what they want to be when they grow up, and this book would spark some wonderful discussions. I know I'd hear comments like, 'I didn't know doctors did that!' or 'Maybe I could do that someday.' Those moments are some of my favorites because they show students beginning to imagine new possibilities for themselves.

The writing is clear and engaging without oversimplifying the topic. It presents realistic information in a way that young readers can understand and enjoy, which isn't always easy to do. Linda Soules has a talent for making careers feel both attainable and inspiring.

Books like this are valuable additions to classroom libraries because they encourage students to think about their futures while reinforcing the importance of kindness, perseverance, and lifelong learning. I would happily recommend So You Want to Be a Doctor to fellow teachers, school librarians, and families who enjoy introducing children to the many paths they can take in life. It's an engaging read that just might inspire the next generation of caregivers and problem-solvers."

"This book is great for someone who is trying to decide on a career. It contains basic information in a clear, concise way describing who a doctor is, what a doctor does, and the challenges and rewards that are gained with this career. The cover looks like a book for kids, but the contents are more for teens deciding on a career path. It was very informative and easy to read."

"So You Want to Be a Doctor is an inspiring and engaging children’s book that introduces young readers to the caring and important work of doctors in a way they can easily understand. The illustrations are warm and inviting, helping children picture themselves in the role of a doctor while showing that medicine is about kindness and helping others.

The book does a great job of encouraging curiosity, empathy, and confidence, making it perfect for children who love pretend play or dream of becoming a doctor someday. It’s an excellent addition to a home library, classroom, or career-themed collection and is sure to spark meaningful conversations about healthcare and helping people."

"This is a very in-depth look into all aspects of being a doctor. Great for tweens interested in the profession or doing research for a paper or school project!"

"This book is a great book for all those students who are considering going to med school or into the medical field. The expectations section, day to day, tools of the trade and day in the life are great to help a young reader find their way. The section at the end listing books to read and terms to use is great to help a young reader learn terms so they can prepare. For anyone interested in this career or many others I recommend this series of books. The author does great research and spends time making sure it is up to date. I recommend this to anyone between 12-14 or to place into a classroom."

"This book is part of a larger series. Seems targeted for third grade or higher but would be honestly be great for anyone. It does a good job of describing what goes into being a doctor- the characteristics and physical demands. The book touches on different settings and equipment used to be a doctor. It also has facts on people who impacted the medical field. Would recommend."

"This was a basic, but informative introduction to the details of being a doctor. The author chose to discuss various roles that a doctor takes on, the character and qualities of a good doctor, and the different tools that doctors use. I loved the historically accurate accounts of doctors in history who've made a difference in the progress of medicine. It was especially interesting to learn about people that were not as well known as others. The book was both informative and entertaining."

"This book is amazing, honestly. It not only talks about how to become a doctor and what they do, it also serves as a guidebook for being a compassionate physician. This isn't a childish book at all. It is well-written and researched and talks about aspects of being a doctor that were not traditionally spoken of - such as the difficulty of giving one patient bad news and then moving on to take care of your next patient. I was not expecting this level of detail and the variety of information that is included. I am definitely impressed!"

"This book gives a great explanation of the different jobs of doctors. I like how it goes over the different places that doctors may work and the best and hardest parts of their jobs. I think it does a nice job explaining what the day in the life of a doctor may look like. The pictures provide great added details as well."

"I loved how informative this book was. It went into all the different kinds of doctors there are and the duties of each one. It explained how hard the job can be and even went into the history of famous doctors from the past. I thought this was a great book for someone who wants to dig deeper into the career of a doctor."

"First off, let me start by saying, this is the second 'So you want to be...' book that I have read and I honestly love them so far. My daughter is 14 and wants to be a doctor so reading this with her was a no brainer for me. I love that the precedence is set that being a doctor takes time, they give a timeline, so kids know it doesn't just happen overnight. I also love that the book pointed out that doctors can't help every patient, but they can still care for them. My girl has the biggest heart, and that's the part I really want to stick, because it's not always on the doctor or medical staff to solve the problem, sometimes they just need to be the support, care and love."

"This book is great for readers 10 -14. The illustrations are beautiful. It shows the exciting side, stressful side, sad and happy sides of being a doctor. It talks about schooling and tools used for this occupation and places where you can be used as a doctor. It will give your child/teen things to really think about and gives them ideas of how to start now cultivating their skills. This book along with others in the series should be a part of a classroom or school library."