So You Want To Be A Scientist (So You Want To Be A...)
About
The question arrives before the answer. It always does. That is not a problem to be solved — it is the entire point. The scientist is not the person who has all the answers. The scientist is the person who cannot stop asking the questions — and who has learned, through years of rigorous practice, how to make the universe give them up one at a time.
So You Want To Be A Scientist takes young readers ages 10–14 inside one of the most expansive and most demanding pursuits in human history — not the laboratory-coat version, but the real one. The years of training and failed experiments that happen before a single discovery. The specific discipline of designing a question carefully enough that reality can actually answer it — because a poorly formed question, no matter how brilliantly pursued, leads nowhere. The team of researchers, statisticians, peer reviewers, and fellow scientists working in careful coordination so that what one person finds in one laboratory becomes knowledge that belongs to everyone. The experiment that confirms the hypothesis — and the result that overturns it entirely and opens ten new questions where one used to be.
This is a book about what scientists actually do: the research methodology they master to design studies that reveal rather than mislead, the data analysis they use to find the signal inside the noise, the peer review process they participate in to ensure that what gets called knowledge has actually earned the name, and the intellectual honesty they bring to a pursuit where being wrong — and admitting it — is not a failure but a fundamental part of how the work moves forward. It’s also a book about what the life costs, what it gives back, and why the people who do it say that the moment a discovery lands — the moment something previously unknown becomes known, and you are the person who found it — is unlike anything else the human mind can experience.
Inside, young readers will discover:
- What a real scientist’s working life actually looks like — from forming a hypothesis to designing experiments to publishing findings that change what the world knows
- The full range of scientific disciplines — from biology and chemistry to physics, neuroscience, climate science, and beyond — and what each demands
- The intellectual rigor and creative imagination the profession requires — and why the greatest scientists are as much artists of inquiry as they are masters of method
- The history of science and the remarkable figures whose questions — and whose willingness to follow them wherever they led — changed everything
- 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 Scientist 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 that rewards curiosity more than any other human pursuit. For the kid who always needs to know why — not just what.
Every fact the world now accepts as true was once unknown. Someone had to find it. Someone had to ask the right question, design the right test, and follow the evidence wherever it led. That someone was a scientist. Maybe the next one is you.
Ages 10–14 · Nonfiction · Careers & Professions · Illustrated
Praise for this book
"Did you know that anyone can be a scientist? All you need is to be curious about the world around you. In So You Want To Be A Scientist, author Linda Soules shows what it entails to be a scientist. Many scientists stumbled upon some of the most important discoveries in history by trying to figure out what went wrong. Scientists work in various environments, including the laboratory and the field. They gather data, conduct experiments, analyze the results, check for errors, consult with colleagues, and write down their findings so others can evaluate them and build upon their research. This picture book highlights the tools of their trade and takes you through a day in their life. You will also learn about some of the famous scientists in history.
So You Want To Be A Scientist doesn't just cover the fundamentals of being a scientist; it also delves into the different types of challenges scientists face throughout their careers. Author Linda Soules has done a fantastic job with the 'So You Want To Be A...' series of picture books so far. And this book continues to be as informative, engaging, and fun as the previous installments. Children will find it both educational and entertaining. Soules sets a similar narrative pattern as the rest of the books, highlighting the career, the tools of the job, its unique challenges, and a day in the life of the professionals. I have enjoyed every book in this series, and this one follows the trend. It's a must-have on the bookshelf for anyone with children."
"For parents of curious 10-12 year-olds, So You Want To Be a Scientist is the rare science book that feels inspiring and rigorously grounded. It doesn't talk down to kids; it trains their 'why?' into a habit of noticing, testing, and thinking clearly.
Soules begins where kids actually live: questions about the sky, seeds, and dreams. From there, she eases them into the real work—make a guess, test it, write it down, and try again—without turning it into a lecture. The real-world examples (penicillin, the microwave, Kevlar, the 'Wood Wide Web') are the kind that stick and make kids want to tell you about them later. What I liked most is that it pushes the curiosity off the page: start a notebook, try small experiments at home, and treat "that didn't work" as part of the process.
Soules has a friendly, confident voice and she explains big ideas without making them feel 'school-ish.' The pages move quickly, and it's easy to stop after a section and talk — exactly what you want with this age group. I also appreciated how she normalizes mistakes and keeps circling back to honesty and responsibility ('can we?' vs 'should we?'). The only quibble is that a couple of list-heavy stretches may slow down kids who prefer more narrative flow.
In our house, I'd hand this to a kid who loves asking 'why?' and doesn't want the conversation to end. Dip in a few pages at a time, and expect it to spill into real life—kitchen experiments, notebook scribbles, and better questions. That's the point."
"Have you ever wondered what makes ice slippery? How our eyes see? Why rainbows appear after it rains? If so, then you have the mind of a scientist. And if you have the mind of a scientist, then you just might be able to become a real scientist one day! Until then, you don't need a lab coat or special equipment. But reading the book So You Want to Be a Scientist by Linda Soules is a good start. In this book, you'll learn about scientific discoveries that happened by accident, how curiosity got the scientist to make a discovery, and how doing simple things like combining two liquids to see what happens can be the work of science at home.
Being curious about the world around you is an important skill for any budding scientist. It is the desire scientists have to explore ideas and test theories. Curiosity is what gets a scientist started with an experiment and keeps them determined to see it to the end. As Soules writes on page 9, 'What drives scientists is curiosity in its purest form - not the desire to appear knowledgeable, but the actual need to know.'
This book offers an easy-to-follow explanation of what science is, the types of scientists, and what sort of tools a scientist will use. The accompanying pictures show these examples as well as the scientist in action.
Readers will also learn about peer review. This term applies when a scientist is having their work read and reviewed by other scientists, their peers in the community or lab. This is an important part of the scientist's work because it allows the scientist to learn about what other scientists think and to get feedback on the work that was done.
Another part of this book that readers may enjoy is the part titled 'A Day in the Life,' where they will get to explore what a scientist's day may be like. They mostly have their work days filled with scientific activities that are listed within the book. Some of these activities include things like writing in their notebooks, setting up equipment, analyzing data, attending meetings, and doing research.
What I loved most about this book is that some of the pictures featured female scientists. It is so important for young girls to know that they, too, can grow up to be scientists as well. Women in STEM are unfortunately lacking proper representation, so it was refreshing to see female scientists in these pictures. I also appreciated how this book shares the ups and downs of being a scientist. There will be good days, and there will be bad days. This happens with every profession. What matters is a person's dedication to their work and their determination to get answers to a puzzle.
So You Want to Be a Scientist by Linda Soules is an informative introduction to the life of a scientist for a young reader interested in pursuing such a career. This book offers clear and specific insights about what being a scientist is all about, as well as instructions on how young aspiring scientists can practice science right now. With colorful pictures depicting real-world scientists in action, lists of tools and techniques to implement, and a glossary of scientific terms, this book is a must-have for young readers who are in search of an introduction to a scientific career."
"This book is an excellent guide and introduction to becoming a scientist. It explains each step and what a scientist does. It also shows kids that any time they are curious is a part of being a scientist and that they are on the path of discovery."
"One of the things I liked is it talked about embracing failure as a scientist. You have to be persistent and not get discouraged."
"It explains what it means to be a scientist in a simple, easy-to-understand way for kids. I especially liked how it mixes information with engaging illustrations that keep children interested on every page. Perfect for curious kids who ask lots of questions and want to understand how the world works."
"I really liked this book for kids interested in science. It talks about the different fields and different areas of being a scientist. I like that it talked about just more than being in a lab coat and so many different jobs to help study and discover the topic you are researching."
"I love how it begins by relating to the things children are naturally doing, recognizing that they are already scientists. The book shows a wide range of scientists, diverse in age, race, and gender, showing that there is a place for all in the field."
"My kid came away from this one with a whole new appreciation for what scientists actually do all day. The section on how most experiments fail, and why that's actually the point, was a favorite. The 'day in the life' format works really well here too. Great pick for any curious kid, especially one who can't stop asking questions."
"Another great book in this series. These should be in every school for students to read. I love each section but especially the best and hardest parts of the job, the people you work with, and what you can do to prepare now."
"Fantastic book for children! Gave all the facts you need to know to become a scientist. Brought truthful information straight to their reader. Straight to the point and clear information."
The book 'So You Want To Be A Scientist' gives a thorough and comprehensive overview of the work scientists do and what qualities are essential for a successful scientist to have."
"Great read for all kids who love science."
"Very well written book about science and being a scientist. Gives good insight and should be easily read and understood from 4th grade up. Pictures are extremely specific. Great work!"
"This book is really interesting. I read it with my daughter who found it inspiring. She actually started a science journal. This is her favorite so far in this series."
"It goes over so much detail and seems way more realistic and down to earth than other kids books I've seen. States important truths and disappointments they might face but also why it's worth it... It's so inclusive with great illustrations."
"The illustrations and approachable writing style make complex topics easy to follow, while the stories about scientists encourage creativity and critical thinking. It’s a strong choice for classrooms, homeschool shelves, or any young reader interested in discovering how the world works."
"This book is part of a series on professions that a kid may want to explore. This book talks about being a scientist. It goes over the mindset and aptitude needed to succeed in this field. It outlines what a scientist 's day is like, starting with lab notes, setting up equipment, doing experiments and taking and reviewing notes.
The book has photos that add to the text. It also has a glossary and a bibliography as well as notes on the author.
It is a great book for a budding scientist, at home study and also the school library. Try it. Buy it."
"This book is part of a great series that helps kids answer the million-dollar question, 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' The illustrations pull you in and supply great information. It covers a wide range of scientists for your child to learn about! My favorite is explaining that most experiments are wrong and that you keep trying and trying again."
"This is the second book I have read in this series and my son really enjoys them. They are full of information in an easy to read and understand way. I love how at the end it has info on real people and what they did. This book goes through every aspect of what it means to be a scientist and after reading it my son is even more interested in the idea."
"Thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is perfect for those kids who ask the questions we have no answers to that will help to discover the world of science & being a scientist!
Beautiful artwork & representation of the writing on every page. Very detailed but still attention grabbing for young kids!
I also liked how they gave suggestions at the end for kids to be able to start their own scientist journey right at home!
Definitely recommend especially for a science class full of students ready & eager to make discoveries!"
"Another great book by this author!!!! My kids and I love the 'So you want to be…' series. The information is relevant and interesting. The pictures are so engaging and the ratio of text to images keep young readers going."
"Loved this book. Science has always been my favorite subject and I loved reading more about it. Being a scientist is my passion and this book is very useful. Highly recommend."
"I've read three books by this author so far and I have to say, the excellence I've come to expect is incredibly consistent. She gives a thorough and concise summary of job expectations, shares scientific history, and also shares some incredibly useful resources for further study. In addition to the information, she really cuts to the depth of what a person in the profession requires mentally to do the job."
"Perfect career day discussion topic! I initially downloaded this book for my students to read for an upcoming career discussion. I didn't realize how detailed and informational it would be! My students absolutely loved it and I noticed that they huddled around the i-pad in groups having in depth discussions over what they were reading. I noticed that there are other books with career topics from the same author. I will definitely be purchasing these books to have in my classroom next year!"
"As a person who values education and lifelong learning, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. This book does an excellent job of introducing young readers to the exciting possibilities that come with a career in science. I appreciated how the author makes science feel accessible and achievable. The book explains that scientists come from many different backgrounds and work in a variety of fields, from studying animals and plants to exploring space and developing new technologies. It encourages children to stay curious, ask questions, and never stop learning."
"This gives a clear view of what it means to be a scientist while promoting fun and excitement about not always being right! Perfect for little explorers wanting to know more about the world!"
"Amazing! This was so full if interesting facts about how science is really used in all of our daily lives! It also really points out how failed experiments are so common and yet the root of success. Great tips for aspiring youth as well."
"This book is perfect for encouraging children with inquisitive minds to put that to use in the scientific field. It doesn’t just show the glorious side of being a scientist, but also the amount of failure that can come with science. This book also does a good job of incorporating images that will keep a child intrigued, while still communicating the important details. As a working scientist, I would recommend this book for any young person considering science as a further pursuit in life."
"This is a 39 page book about what a scientist does for work and all things to be expected. This is a great book for a kid who really shows an interest in science and possibly being a scientist one day. This book goes through all the expectations, day to day jobs, and anything else you would expect a scientist to do. This is a great learning experiment and helps educate children on something they are interested in."
"I think this book works great as an addition to a classroom or a museum giftshop where kids can explore what actually goes on in this job. The section of attributes is a personal favorite because it reads like an aptitude guide. I recommend this book for teachers and guidance counselors."
"This book is perfect for any curious and persistent kid that asks "Why?" over and over again. It breaks down the job of a scientist and I think more kids will want to be scientists after reading this book (I'm wanting to be one now 😆). I like that it talks about a few famous scientists, as well as discoveries made by mistakes that have saved lives."
"My son wants to be a scientist when he grows up and this is the perfect book for him! It has so much information that will help him with his decision. I love that it even shows what a scientist's day may look like!"
"Linda did it again! Educational but no hard/heavy feeling that school can give.
The illustrations are 10/10. Wish we had books like this growing up."
"I just read this book, and even though I am an adult I found it really interesting and a great introduction to being a scientist. I also learned something new about how Kevlar was invented."
"I immediately sent this to my nine year old. This book is so wonderful. I hope they come out with more of them. It's a deep dive on a career in science, how/where/good/bad/crazy. I love it!!"
"As a middle school science teacher, I am always looking for resources that go beyond teaching scientific facts and instead help students understand how science actually works. *So You Want To Be A Scientist* does exactly that.
What impressed me most is that the book treats young readers with respect. Rather than oversimplifying the scientific process, it walks students through the real work of science—asking meaningful questions, developing hypotheses, designing experiments, analyzing data, and communicating results. These are the same skills we strive to develop in our classrooms, and this book presents them in a way that is both accessible and engaging for students ages 10–14.
I particularly appreciate the emphasis on critical thinking, perseverance, and the reality that failure is often part of the discovery process. Students are often surprised to learn that scientific breakthroughs rarely happen on the first attempt, and this book does an excellent job of showing how persistence, collaboration, and evidence-based reasoning drive progress.
The sections highlighting different scientific fields and the scientists who shaped them provide valuable career exploration opportunities as well. Many students know they enjoy science but have little understanding of the wide range of careers available to them. This book opens those doors in a meaningful way.
From an educational standpoint, I can already see numerous ways to incorporate this book into extension assignments, independent study projects, STEM enrichment activities, and classroom discussions about the nature of science. It would also be an excellent resource for gifted learners and students who consistently ask questions that go beyond the curriculum.
If you're an educator looking to inspire curiosity and help students think like scientists, this book deserves a place in your classroom library. It encourages students not just to learn science, but to embrace the mindset that makes scientific discovery possible."
"I felt that this book was well written and the illustrations were captivating to the reader to give a visual of what was being read. I really enjoyed how the author went into the mind and tasks of science as a career and what to expect working in this field. It’s a perfect description for young readers to really understand the blueprint of what scientists do day to day. I also liked how the author described how everyone has a scientific mindset when we all question each day about something the trigger our curiosity. The author details the scientific methods in a way for the young reader to understand."
"This was well written in language older children and teens will understand and appreciate. It doesn't talk down to its audience. The author explains the qualities of a good scientist as well as the amount of work involved. The book lets readers know that sometimes the work is tedious, but stresses the importance of research. There are questions the readers can ask themselves to determine if they have what it takes to be a scientist. There are also fun facts, a glossary, and additional readings which can help further engage readers. The illustrations were well done also."
"Another great So You Want To Be Book! Explains what a scientist does and how they work with other scientists. Explains the arduous process of experiments and tells stories of famous scientists and how their struggles helped society. What I love about these books they don’t glamorize these professions. They explain truthfully the good and the hard things."
"Being a scientist is incredible. The amount of knowledge that this one book gives you is amazing. I believe that all kids are scientists, especially when they're younger because all they do is ask why. That’s the first question that the scientist will ask, then they figure out how to solve that why. But to be a scientist, it takes a lot of hard work, long hours, frustrated days, and a lot of failure before you get to the root of success. But it’s an excellent career of endurance because all those failed test aren’t truly failed tests, they’re just one way of why it’s not why."