So You Want To Be A Firefighter (So You Want To Be A...)
About
WINNER of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award
The alarm goes off at 3 AM. In sixty seconds, you are dressed, on the truck, and moving toward something everyone else is moving away from. This is not a job you do. It is something you are.
So You Want To Be A Firefighter takes young readers ages 10–14 inside one of the most demanding and most honored professions on earth — not the Hollywood version, but the real one. The morning drills that happen whether there’s a call or not. The specific weight of gear and what it feels like to work in heat that would stop most people cold. The brotherhood and sisterhood of a crew that eats together, sleeps in the same building, and trusts each other with their lives. The call that turns out to be nothing — and the one that isn’t.
This is a book about what firefighters actually do: the fire behavior they study, the rescue techniques they practice, the medical training they carry into every situation, and the split-second decisions they make in conditions that most people will never experience. It’s also a book about what the job costs, what it gives back, and why the people who do it keep doing it.
Inside, young readers will discover:
- What a real firefighter’s day looks like — from morning drills to midnight calls
- The tools of the trade and the science behind fighting fire
- The physical and psychological demands the job makes — and how firefighters meet them
- The history of the profession and the legendary figures who shaped it
- What young people can do right now to discover if this might be their calling
Honest, specific, and genuinely illuminating, So You Want To Be A Firefighter doesn’t talk down to young readers — it brings them all the way in. Because the child who wants to know what this work is really like deserves a real answer.
For readers who feel the pull toward something difficult and necessary. For the kid who hears the siren and feels something shift.
The fire doesn’t wait. Neither do they.
Ages 10–14 Nonfiction Careers & Professions Illustrated
Praise for this book
"In So You Want To Be A Firefighter, young readers enter the doors of the firehouse to discover what being a hero in today's world means. Linda Soules provides insight into the variety of ways that firefighters perform their duties, from responding to medical emergencies to performing water rescues to breaking down doors. You will also experience the day and night activities of the firehouse, such as responding to alarms in the middle of the night. In addition, you will be introduced to some very noteworthy historical figures, including Molly Williams and all the brave men and women who responded to the attack on the United States on 9/11. Through this wide range of information, you will learn that while firefighters' tools are impressive, one of their greatest assets is their determination to help others in their greatest time of need.
So You Want To Be A Firefighter is a must-read. Not only does it treat children as equals, but it also provides truths and layers of meaning beyond just showing pictures of shiny fire trucks. This book also does a fantastic job of describing the realities of this career, the science behind how houses burn down, and how to use a Halligan bar, for example. I loved how well Linda Soules balances the technical aspects of firefighting with the emotional history of this career, which makes firefighters appear to be regular people and not just superheroes you can't touch. This book is an excellent mix of information and entertainment for middle-graders who are interested in a serious look at this fascinating profession. This book will not only show you how to do the job, but it will also inspire you to develop your own personal resilience.
"So You Want To Be A Firefighter is an engaging and impressively thorough nonfiction picture book for young readers who are curious about firefighting as a career. Written for ages 10 to 14, the book goes far beyond the familiar image of shiny fire trucks and heroic rescues. Instead, author Linda Soules gives readers a realistic and detailed look at what firefighters actually do every day.
One of the strongest parts of the book is how honestly it explains the profession. Readers learn that firefighters do much more than fight fires. They respond to medical emergencies, car accidents, hazardous materials situations, water rescues, and many other calls for help. They also train constantly, inspect equipment, study fire behavior, practice rescue techniques, and teach fire safety in their communities. The book makes it clear that firefighting is not only about bravery, but also preparation, knowledge, teamwork, and discipline.
The book's structure is especially effective. It introduces readers to a firefighter's daily routine, the tools and protective gear they use, the science behind how fires move, and the physical and emotional demands of the job. Technical details are explained in a clear, age-appropriate way that makes the information easy to understand without talking down to kids. The book also focuses on what young people can do now if they are interested in this career. It discusses fitness, respect, responsibility, volunteer opportunities, and the habits that future first responders can begin developing long before they enter a fire academy.
Soules also does a wonderful job balancing facts with heart. The book shows firefighters as courageous people, but also as real human beings who rely on their crew, face difficult losses, and continue serving because they want to help others. Historical figures such as Molly Williams, along with the firefighters who responded on September 11, add depth and meaning to the story of the profession. These sections help readers understand that firefighting has a long and important history shaped by sacrifice and service.
I also liked how vivid some of the scenes of firefighters fighting fires are. The depictions help young readers picture what it might look like when firefighters enter a dangerous situation, carry heavy gear, use special tools, and work together to control a fire. These scenes help kids understand that fighting a fire is serious, difficult, and carefully practiced. Readers get a clearer idea of what firefighters actually face when they answer an emergency call.
So You Want To Be A Firefighter would be an excellent choice for school libraries, career day units, classrooms, and any child who has ever dreamed of becoming a firefighter. It's fun, informative, realistic, and full of respect for the people who do this difficult work. Most importantly, it treats young readers as capable thinkers who deserve the truth about a demanding and meaningful career."
"So You Want to Be a Firefighter by Linda Soules introduces young readers to the demanding, fast-paced world of being a real-life hero: a firefighter. The book explores both the responsibilities firefighters have and the rescues they perform every single day. It covers emergency calls, medical response work, fire prevention inspections, teamwork, specialized equipment, and the emotional strength required for the job. Soules gives a walk-through of a firefighter's daily routine, the skills needed to protect a community, and the dangers involved in the profession. It also explains the science behind fires. Toward the end, the book highlights real historical figures, memorable facts, and practical advice for children who dream of joining the profession someday. The bright illustrations and easy-to-follow explanations keep the book engaging while staying honest about the challenges firefighters encounter.
The excitement and honesty are the real standouts of this children's book. A lot of career-focused literature for kids only covers the thrilling parts of a job, but Linda Soules takes it a step further. She breaks down the discipline, preparation, and emotional resilience firefighters need. The writing is conversational, easy to understand, and never talks down to young readers. The parts about fear, working together, and loss add an emotional depth to the book and show that it's about much more than bravery. The pacing works well because the book mixes short explanations, colorful visuals, and quick facts that keep readers interested. The artwork gives the book warmth and energy, especially during scenes inside the fire station and emergency responses. Some pages may be text-heavy for the targeted audience, but the strong organization and vivid illustrations will help keep readers engaged.
So You Want to Be a Firefighter would make an excellent choice for elementary- or middle-school-aged kids fascinated by fire trucks, rescue work, or community helpers. Parents, librarians, and teachers looking for nonfiction that feels exciting without losing educational value will want to give this read a try. It is successful because it presents firefighters as real people, not larger-than-life superheroes."
"It walks readers through real firefighter duties, training, and equipment... helping readers understand that the job involves more than just putting out fires."
"A good book to read if going to a fire station or talking about career day."
"I absolutely love how this book breaks down the ins and outs of firefighting and makes it easier for children to understand. Still a fun book while being educational."
"I come from a family of Firefighters. So I had to read this with my kids. The age group is appropriate. It is very informative and clean cut to read and understand. I very much appreciated how thorough it was. It's a great read. It would wonderful for schools to use this especially for Career Day."
"Great story and learning tool for kids. Explains a lot about what fire fighters do."
"This is a great book for younger children. It lets them know what a fire fighter does, in a clear and easy to understand manner."
"Informative and captivating to young readers!"
"Such a sweet and encouraging book! A great book to show to kids what firefighters really do!"
"Read this great book with my young nephew who is OBSESSED with all things firefighter. To say the least he enjoyed me reading this to him- I really liked how it started off- so you want to be a firefighter- and then talked about everything a firefighter has to do- like running into a fire when everyone is running out....This is a great book and one that I will read many more times."
"Leaves no stone unturned... Kids who read this book will certainly walk away feeling prepared and inspired."
"A behind-the-scenes look at a firefighter's day, from fire calls to first aid and community work. A great introduction for any child beginning to dream about a future in firefighting."
"My son really enjoyed this book. I found it very detailed and it answered every question he had, plus taught him things he didn't think firefighters do."
"My son was glued to every page. It explains firefighting realistically but in a way young readers can understand and admire. A perfect mix of excitement and education."
"If your child loves fire trucks, rescue stories, and dreams about becoming a firefighter someday, 'So You Want To Be A Firefighter' by Linda Soules is such a fun and encouraging read. Right away, the book pulls kids into the exciting world of firefighting while also showing them the real responsibility and teamwork that comes with the job.
What I liked most is that the book goes beyond just showing flashing lights and big fire engines. It actually explains what firefighters do every day and how much training and preparation goes into the job. One of the standout parts for me was the section describing practice drills where firefighters learn how to safely move through smoke-filled rooms and communicate with their team during emergencies. Those details made the book feel realistic and educational while still keeping it exciting for younger readers.
The book also does a great job explaining how firefighters depend on one another. I liked how it talked about teamwork inside the fire station, from checking equipment before calls to helping rescue people and animals during emergencies. There’s even discussion about how firefighters stay calm under pressure and why helping the community is one of the most important parts of the job. That message really gives the story heart.
The illustrations are another big highlight. The fire truck scenes are bright and full of energy, and the artwork captures that feeling of excitement kids get whenever they see firefighters in action. The Dalmatian beside the young firefighter on the cover was also such a cute touch and instantly makes the book feel warm and welcoming for younger readers.
What really makes this book work is how inspiring it feels. It doesn’t just tell kids firefighting is 'cool.' It shows them that being a firefighter takes courage, focus, kindness, and hard work. By the end, young readers will probably feel like they learned real firefighter knowledge while also feeling even more excited about their dream career.
Overall, this is a wonderful book for children who are curious about firefighting and rescue work. It’s educational, engaging, and full of positive lessons, making it a great addition to any little firefighter fan’s bookshelf."
"How stinking cute is this book? My brother is a firefighter, and I recently had a house fire at my home, so this book covers some close to home topics for me. I think it is so true that firefighters are not actually running into fires very often and are usually doing other heroic and helpful things. I love the illustrations, especially depicting women. Well done!"
"This title is great for older kids who are trying to figure out whether or not they would like to be a firefighter when they grow up. The art is amazing and very realistic. It's also not all sunshine and rainbows, the reality of being a firefighter, the joy, loss, stress, tears, and pride and all reflected in this book. It is also very educational and an interesting read. Would definitely recommend."
"Wow! Anything you could ever want to know about the daily life and expectations of a firefighter is packed in this beautifully illustrated book. From training and daily tasks, to equipment, types of emergencies, and how firemen and women interact with the community, you will learn all of the important aspects of this vital job. Well-written, very thorough, and a wealth of knowledge is shared in these pages! Highly recommended for pre-teens and teenagers considering a career in firefighting!"