So You Want To Be A Shark Researcher (So You Want To Be A...)

"So You Want To Be a Shark Researcher is the rare kids' nonfiction book that refuses to talk down to its reader. It's equal parts invitation and wake-up call: sharks are magnificent, misunderstood, and disappearing, and curiosity can be a real kind of help.

This book works less like a plot and more like a guided plunge into a real life and real work. Soules starts with the dream (blue water, ancient predators, big questions) then steadily replaces movie-myth fear with field reality: tagging operations, long hours of data entry, patient observation, and the sobering math of conservation (humans kill about 100 million sharks a year; sharks kill fewer than ten people annually). My favorite moments are the ones that feel overheard from the deck of a research boat, especially the description of being near a large shark and feeling not terror, but reverence: 'time itself' moving through the water.

Soules keeps the spotlight on the people doing the work, from on-deck crews and divers to data folks and fishers, alongside names like Eugenie Clark and Samuel Gruber. The voice stays steady and conversational, and it's especially good when it explains how to study sharks without harming them. A few sections slide into checklist mode, but they pass quickly.

By the end, the book left me feeling steadier about sharks, and more demanding of the stories we tell about them. For readers roughly ages 8-12 (and the adults reading along), it's a smart, stirring place to begin."

"So You Want To Be a Shark Researcher? Then join Linda Soules on this dive into the world of one of the oldest apex predators of the ocean. Sharks are one of the most popular yet misunderstood creatures. With over 500 species, some being endangered, they make for an interesting subject of study. Shark researchers are scientists who study the biological and social characteristics of sharks and their impact on the ocean. Shark researchers work beneath and on the surface of the ocean, using several specialized pieces of equipment and impressive techniques to observe, identify, and track sharks across the waters. Shark researchers identify sharks by their fins, which are as unique as human fingerprints.

So You Want to Be a Shark Researcher by Linda Soules is a realistic and engaging book that offers a glimpse into the world of sharks and the scientists who study them. It demystified sharks, explored researchers’ workspace and tools, and portrayed a day in the life of a shark researcher, including the challenges and frustrations of the profession. It also acknowledged famous shark researchers and their contributions to the profession. This book includes beautiful AI-generated illustrations by the author. The illustrations were realistic, captivating, and added to the book’s appeal. Beyond exploring the science of shark research, So You Want to Be a Shark Researcher attempts to deconstruct common fears about sharks and highlights the role of scientists in shaping public awareness and influencing policy. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to children (and anyone) curious about sharks and shark research."

"I loved the use of headings to break down each part of the job. It had so many wonderful perspectives that I didn't think about when I first started reading. The illustrations are vivid and really pull the reader in. This is a great book to give someone who is thinking about their career."

"My daughter has always loved sharks ever since she was 2 years old. I got this book for her and we read it together over and over. I loved learning more about sharks and the work that conservationists do to help save them."

"This book is very informative and highlights the good with the bad of this line of work. It gives basic insight to things about researching sharks that most kids would not realize. This book would be great for any age person to read."

"The breakdown of what the job actually involves — fieldwork, tagging, data entry, public communication — is honest and specific. The fear management section surprised me. Not a lot of kids' books go there."

"This book was an amazing look into what a shark researcher is and what they do... This is a great addition to the series, and I am looking forward to reading more with my nephew."

"This book was fantastic! A brief but thorough view into the life of a shark researcher, an uncommon profession. After reading this, I not only have a better understanding myself, but hope more of our youth go into this profession."

"Great starter guide to get kids interested in shark-research to take the leap into an interesting and rewarding career. Most people trod through life with a job that is as mundane as the day is long - but to be able to study the great sharks of the ocean? Now that's a richly-rewarding profession and this book is a great starting point for information."

"This children's book is great for the child that is always wanting to be at the ocean, constantly searching for shark teeth and never misses Shark Week. It breaks things down in a way that actually makes sense—what the job is really like, what goes into it, and what people don’t usually think about. It has beautiful images that go perfectly with the topic at hand. Short, informative, and straight to the point. Super beginner-friendly, especially if you’re just curious about sharks or thinking about getting into marine biology."

"This was very educational. I really loved the illustrations that went alongside the writing. It was well written and it appears to do well at writing for its target audience...I am eager to read more from the series."

"Sharks aren't these vicious creatures that hunt humans like we have seen in films such as Deep Blue Sea, Jaws, or The Meg. Sharks have a purpose in the ocean cycle and help maintain the oceans' health intact."

"I never knew this job existed. What a great way to learn about sharks and how to help them!"

"This is a must buy if you’re an ocean/shark lover."

"As a mom of a kid who's been fascinated with sharks from a very young age, this is great book that offers some insight into what being a shark researcher means. The images are amazing and it's just the right length to keep kids engaged. Some of the fun facts are mind blowing along with the sad fact that these amazing creatures are vanishing faster than so many others."

"So You Want To Be A Shark Researcher is a fantastic pick for kids who love the ocean, hunt for shark teeth, and are fascinated by sharks. The book explains shark research in a clear, engaging way that’s easy for young readers to understand, covering what the career is really like, what researchers do, and even details people may not normally consider. The stunning images pair perfectly with the information, making it both educational and visually appealing. It’s concise, informative, and very beginner-friendly—ideal for children who are curious about sharks or interested in learning more about marine biology."

"This book is a must for any young child that might be interested in sharks, but does not know what to read or do. Great illustrations, pictures, context, and explanations. A very good book for the interested young person."

"These books are so entertaining not just for kids but the adults reading with their kids. The facts and interesting tidbits we may not know about these jobs makes understanding these professions a lot better."

"As a father to 3 very curious kiddos, this book was amazing. My oldest keeps asking what should I be when I grow up. This book has opened her eyes to professions she never would have considered! My son (youngest) absolutely loved all the pictures and facts about sharks!"

"This book was really interesting and made shark research seem exciting but also important. I liked learning about how researchers track sharks and help protect them, and the artwork was really cool too. It also changed the way I think about sharks and showed they are more misunderstood than dangerous."

"My kids loved this. Sharks have always been a fascination for them and this book helped answer questions they had while keeping learning fun!"

"I never knew that there are over 500 shark species and that sharks have been on Earth for 450 million years! Overall this book will tell you everything that you need to know to become a shark researcher while also informing you about shark species."

"To learn about a day in the life of a shark researcher was very interesting to say the least. 12 hour shifts in and out of the water where they tag sharks, and log data entry into a database, and then review underwater video. The fact that the database can track each shark across years and decades is so cool."

"I been looking for new books for my daughter to read. She likes books that are visual and teach her something new. This one delivered more than I expected. The book does a great job showing that sharks are not monsters. They are misunderstood creatures that reserve our respect and attention.

What stood out most was the Tools of the Trade section which breaks down how researchers actually do their work. From acoustic tags and fin photo ID databases where each shark's dorsal fin is as unique as a fingerprint. My daughter loved examples of how people in this field actually works.

The famous shark researchers section was a nice touch too. It talked about Eugenie Clark who dove with sharks until age of 92. It gives kids a real role model to look up to. Well-written, beautifully illustrated, and informative. Highly recommend for your curious kids."

"Much more than I expected! I read this book with my son who loves sharks. Most are filled with 'fun facts,' and while this book did offer a few towards the end, the bulk of the book was educational and highly informative. I liked how it really broke down the roles and responsibilities of a shark researcher, not just on the job, but also the impact it has on communities and conservationist efforts. We also liked the inclusion of notable shark researchers. This is a great way to give kids aspiring toward this professional some heroes to look up to. We will definitely be reading more of the 'So You Want To Be A' series, which there are plenty! And! The illustrations were amazing throughout!"

"I have always been interested in sharks, and this book was perfect for understanding them better, and what the process is to become a shark researcher. From learning about their habits and the way they behave, to learning about how us humans treat them, I discovered so much I did not know about our ocean friends. I recommend this book to anybody looking for a future in shark research, or anybody interested in these fascinating creatures!"

"I got this book for my daughter who loves sharks. She's been fascinated by them for years and wants to be a marine biologist when she grows up. She was so excited to see this book and she wanted to read it right away. I read thru it with her but she wanted to re-read it so she took it to her room to 'study.'"

"Wow! Really impressed with this book! I never knew the detail of a shark researcher. The effort, time, dedication, and hard work is truly inspiring. Great and quick read! Highly recommend!"

"Great book if you have a child that is interested in sharks and may want to make a career out of that interest one day. It’s an easy read with lots of information. It sort of gives the good the bad and the ugly on what it’s like to be a shark researcher. It gives a great overview of what shark researchers do and their value. It also gives advice on what someone should do to work towards becoming a shark researcher."

"I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book - they were so well done and eye catching! The story was great too! I loved how it was informative yet still fun. It was educational but not droning about things. Overall really great!"

"As a person who has loved endless years of Shark Week on Discovery, I think that this is a great book for the kid that loves to visit the aquarium, the kid that is so interested in marine life. Sharks get a bad rep thanks to the movies and news reports every summer. To see the joy on a shark researchers face when they see the same animal multiple years in a row, to know that what they say and do has helped change policy and people’s perceptions is fascinating. This book is a must read for any child that wants to learn about how they can join the ranks of shark researchers, how they can bring change to the world, and how they can help make the environment healthier for all of God’s creatures."

"So You Want to Be a Shark Researcher by Linda Soules invites kids into the mysterious world of the ocean. Instead of telling a traditional story with characters, the book walks readers through what it would really be like to study sharks. It explains how shark researchers dive into the ocean, tag and track sharks, and learn about their behavior to help protect them. Along the way, readers discover surprising facts, like how sharks are not dangerous monsters but important animals that keep the ocean healthy. The book also describes both the thrilling parts, such as swimming near sharks, and the challenging parts, like changing people’s fears and protecting endangered species.

The illustrations add a lot to the experience, making the underwater world feel real and exciting. The pictures show scenes like researchers diving with sharks and using tools in the ocean, which helps readers imagine being there themselves. The detailed images match the information on each page and make the science easier to understand. Overall, the combination of fascinating facts and vivid illustrations makes this book perfect for kids who love animals, science, or adventure."

"Recently found this series for my classroom and want to add more topics. Boys particularly are always drawn to sharks, so this was a must grab book! The illustrations are well done and I love that a wide variety of reading levels can access this book. I especially love the extra information at the end of the book that adds to the depth of information provided."

"A must read… Linda Soules was so educational in the book about every detail and aspect of becoming a shark researcher and about the life of one. It was an inspirational read. I learned something new today. Linda gives you the best and worst parts along with resources and famous shark researchers to dig more into the field and life of a shark researcher's world."

"This book makes very clear how important the work is, and why it is so important to study and protect sharks. Putting this subject matter into context that young people can understand is vital to the future health of our entire planet. As always, the author gives a great primer on what is expected of a shark researcher and provides tons of great input and resources to allow for further study."

"This is the third book in this series I have read with my kids, and I plan to continue through this author's entire series. These books are great informational touch points for the topics that are covered. When I was in middle school, I wanted to be in the marine biology field and a book like this would have been great. This book looks at the myths of sharks and helps the reader understand the way sharks are viewed in movies isn't true. We have all seen movies where sharks are predators and this book explains the true nature of this creature. I liked the terms pages and the use of day in the life. These books would work great in any middle school classroom and are extremely informative. I highly recommend it."

"Sharks. Mysterious. Dangerous. Deadly. But they are much more than that. Being a shark researcher allows you to understand them in a way you never thought possible. With more than 500 species of sharks, there is plenty of them to study. As a shark researcher you will get to use highly sensitive tools to identify each one as an individual rather than as a group. To learn their behaviors, movements, eating habits, and more. A definite must read for anyone curious about sharks."

"I found this book fascinating. It is written in such a way as to hold the interest of young people. Packed with knowledgeable and educational information in a much more engaging style than a textbook. I plan to investigate more of the series to share with my grandkids when they get a little older."

"What a series! Love the diversity of the books in this series and how intriguing the careers suggested are. My grandson found this one about being a Shark Researcher super cool and eye opening. Truly enjoy d how they broke down the challenging parts of the job as well as the easy parts. Explained the many venues this career can take you down."

"I learned a lot reading this book! I think kids in 2nd grade and up would find it interesting, but they probably wouldn't be able to read it independently until 5th-7th grades. This book talks about the daily life of a shark researcher and what it would look like. It teaches the importance of what a shark researcher is as well as their responsibilities. It teaches some about sharks - like the fact that their fins are like their fingerprints- all unique! The book tells about some famous researchers, cool facts and a glossary of terms. This book has beautiful photos on each page as well. At the end there are suggestions for things kids can do now & places to find more information. Overall, great book!"

"After more than a few years in an elementary classroom, I've learned that the best books are the ones that make students forget they're learning because they're so fascinated by the topic. So You Want to Be a Shark Researcher by Linda Soules is one of those books.

The moment my students hear the word "shark," I know I have their attention. They're full of questions, eager to share what they think they know, and excited to learn something new. This book takes that natural excitement and turns it into a meaningful look at a career many children have probably never even considered.

What I enjoyed most was that it doesn't just focus on sharks, it introduces students to the people behind the research. It shows that being a scientist isn't about sitting in a lab all day. It's about being curious, asking questions, collecting information, and helping protect the world around us. Those are lessons that go far beyond science.

I also appreciated how the information is presented in a way that feels approachable for younger readers. There are plenty of interesting facts to keep children engaged, but the book never feels overwhelming. I could easily see this becoming part of an ocean unit, a nonfiction reading lesson, or even a conversation about future careers. It's the kind of book that has students raising their hands with 'Did you know...?' facts long after the lesson is over.

One of my favorite moments as a teacher is watching a child discover a new passion they didn't know existed. Books like this help create those moments. Whether or not one of my students grows up to study sharks, I hope they walk away believing that their curiosity can take them places they never imagined.

Linda Soules has created another engaging and thoughtful career book that encourages young readers to dream big while showing them the hard work and dedication behind an exciting profession. I would gladly add this one to my classroom library and recommend it to other teachers who want to inspire curiosity and a love of learning."

"If you like sharks, give this a read. The illustrations are beautiful and the information is interesting. I learned some new shark facts I was unaware of, but this book goes beyond just facts. I liked the info about how shark research is actually done and what it really takes to do this kind of work. All the different aspects of research were touched on, beyond just being in the water, but the data analysis and lab work too. Highly recommend if you've ever wanted to know about being a shark scientist."

"Highly recommend this book. It walks you through the physical demands of open-water research, the scientific rigor required to gather population data, and the urgent conservation crisis facing shark populations on a national and global scale. Sharks are disappearing faster than scientists can study them, and the researchers fighting to reverse that decline need sharp minds, steady nerves, and genuine passion. You will follow the full arc of the work — tagging expeditions, behavioral studies, laboratory data analysis, and the passionate scientific advocacy that shark conservation demands."

"This is a great book with beautiful illustrations. It’s fact filled and interesting, but in easy to understand language. I learned a lot about sharks and how they help the world, even though they terrify us! Highly recommend reading this one!"

"This book is a cute short story, instructional and information styled with everything a young shark lover needs to know about being a shark researcher. There are a lot of colorful fun animations explaining everything you can think of…where a shark researcher works, what they actually do, and even the hardest parts of the job. The end of the book even lists additional books and resources that one may find interesting."

"Absolutely wonderful! I am an avid reader and my sons are starting to become avid readers too! I like to read books before letting my sons read them so I can make sure I approve of course! This book is amazing! It’s so educational and exciting and made me look at sharks in a completely different way!"