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."

"A fin-tastic gateway to marine science.

Soules takes young readers beneath the surface of shark research in this informative, visually rich career guide. Written for ages 10–14, the book moves beyond sensational images of sharks to examine the methodical scientific work required to understand them: tagging animals, identifying dorsal fins, collecting tissue samples, reviewing underwater footage, tracking migration, and analyzing population data. 'I stopped breathing—not from fear. From reverence,' one researcher recalls, neatly capturing the book’s emphasis on attentive observation over manufactured thrills.

Soules is particularly effective at showing that fascination with sharks is only the beginning. Researchers need statistical literacy, species-identification skills, diving and boating competence, composure around large predators, and the patience to wait years for meaningful results. A detailed 'Day in the Life' sequence makes these demands concrete, from a 6:00 a.m. vessel departure to tagging, data entry, and video review.

Conservation gives the material urgency. Sharks have survived for approximately 450 million years, yet human activity has placed many populations in serious danger. Soules also confronts sharks’ fearsome cultural reputation, noting that researchers must repeatedly correct misinformation. 'Say the truth about sharks out loud,' she urges young readers, while the closing challenge—'Stay fascinated'—captures the book’s guiding spirit.

Colorful illustrations make unfamiliar equipment and fieldwork easy to grasp without reducing the science to spectacle. Strong end matter rounds out the book with shark facts, a helpful glossary, and resources for readers eager to learn more. Serious about both its subject and its audience, this is an unusually substantive introduction to marine research for curious young scientists.

An appealing addition to library and classroom collections focused on marine life, conservation, and STEM."

"For shark-obsessed young readers, Soules offers something more useful than another parade of toothy facts: a candid look at the people who turn fascination into fieldwork. So You Want to Be a Shark Researcher frames marine science as a profession built on curiosity, discipline, teamwork, and a willingness to spend as much time with data as with sharks.

Soules gives the career specificity. Readers encounter acoustic and satellite tagging, biopsy sampling, underwater camera systems, photo identification, and the painstaking work of tracking populations and behavior. Just as important, the book shows how many specialists contribute to research, from molecular ecologists and data analysts to boat crews and local fishers. Brief profiles of Eugenie Clark, Samuel Gruber, and Melissa Cristina Márquez add a welcome human dimension, demonstrating that research can lead naturally into education and advocacy.

The conservation material carries particular weight. By placing sharks’ extraordinary 450-million-year history beside the pressures threatening them today, Soules makes their vulnerability startling without resorting to alarmism. The illustrations keep technical material approachable, while shark facts, a glossary, and further-learning resources increase the book’s reference value. Young readers are ultimately asked not merely to admire sharks, but to observe carefully, question assumptions, and communicate evidence clearly.

A smart career primer with real scientific bite."

"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!"

"Linda makes it fun to learn about sharks with good educational content. Helps people understand sharks more and not fear them. She mentions they are not set to target humans. Sharks have been a misunderstood creature. This is a good book for young readers with great pictures to add to the learning while reading something fun."

"I like that this was a very educational book with illustrations about sharks. I believe it will lessen the fear that most people have of sharks. It shows the ways to learn about all different kinds of sharks and their lifestyles. It is pro shark instead of fear the shark. Great for all ages! I am an adult but both my grandsons read it and loved it as well."

"So You Want To Be A Shark Researcher was a fun and educational read that did a great job balancing real scientific information with engaging storytelling. I liked that the book did not just focus on sharks being “cool,” but also explained why they are important to ocean ecosystems and why researchers work so hard to protect them. The writing was easy to follow without feeling too simplified, which makes it a great choice for younger readers who are genuinely curious about marine life.

One thing that stood out to me was how the book explained shark research as more than just swimming with sharks. It covered tracking technology, conservation efforts, fieldwork, teamwork, and even public education. I also enjoyed the sections about famous shark researchers and the 'day in the life' examples because they helped make the career feel realistic and inspiring instead of feeling like a textbook.

The artwork throughout the book was bright, detailed, and helped keep the information engaging. Some of the shark facts were genuinely interesting even as an adult, especially the parts about migration, tagging, and how sharks help maintain healthy oceans.

As a parent, this is exactly the kind of book I would want around when homeschooling my son later on. It encourages curiosity, science, conservation, and critical thinking without becoming boring or overwhelming. Overall, I found it informative, approachable, and enjoyable for both kids and adults interested in sharks and marine biology."

"I expected this to be a very simple 'kids who love sharks' book, but So You Want To Be A Shark Researcher? actually has more depth and seriousness than the cover initially suggests. The biggest strength of the book is that it balances inspiration with realism. It absolutely leans into the wonder of sharks and ocean science, but it also spends a lot of time explaining the actual day-to-day work, the mental pressure, and the conservation side of the profession.

One thing I genuinely liked was the visual presentation. The illustrations are excellent throughout the book — colorful, cinematic underwater scenes with divers, reef environments, tagging operations, boats, and sharks shown as animals rather than movie monsters. The opening spread with the diver kneeling near the reef while a shark moves through the water immediately sets the tone. It feels adventurous without drifting into cheesy 'extreme danger' territory. The art honestly does a lot of work making the book memorable.

Content-wise, the sections about the realities of fieldwork were stronger than I expected. The chapter discussing fear and psychological stress stood out to me because it avoids macho exaggeration. Instead of pretending researchers are fearless action heroes, the book openly talks about how experienced shark researchers still feel fear and have to manage it professionally while focusing on data collection and safety procedures. That felt more believable and respectful than the usual shark-media approach.

I also liked the operational details scattered through the book. The sample research-day timeline — photographing dorsal fins, tagging sharks, logging behavior data, tracking individuals over years — gave the career some concrete texture instead of keeping everything vague and motivational. The 'Fun Facts' section was another highlight. The details about megalodon teeth, electroreception, and the two-year pregnancy of spiny dogfish sharks were genuinely interesting and broke up the heavier conservation themes nicely.

The overall message of the book is very conservation-focused. The author repeatedly emphasizes that sharks are misunderstood ecological keystones rather than villains, and by the end it becomes clear that the book is really about scientific advocacy as much as marine biology....I came away feeling like the author genuinely respects both sharks and the people who study them. It’s accessible enough for younger readers, but thoughtful enough that adults interested in marine science or conservation will probably get something out of it too."

"This was a great book that really did a deep dive without getting complicated and is great for kids beginning to explore their interests. It was almost like an interview where it walked you through a day in the life of a shark researcher. It talked about all the tools and technology that is used to collect data on sharks and then introduced you to a few experts in the field. This would have been something I would have loved as a kid."

"Great book for young teens and older kids. I like that there is so much information packed into this book about sharks. Usually with books about animals you only get a couple sentences per page. These pages are loaded with paragraphs with lots of great facts and info on shark species. Super cool!"

"I love this whole series of books! This book goes through all of the pros and cons of being a shark researcher. It really paints a great picture of what you would be doing and the problems you would be facing if this was your job. I think it's a great way for kids to get a feel for what career they would want."

"This was an amazing book with a lot of great details to help determine someone's desire to further explore their education and potential career due to their love of sharks. I found it very well written, easy to understand and helpful for the misunderstood shark. Love the glossary and detailed explanation of the tough words for kids to understand."

"I read this to my son and he enjoyed it. He loves to learn about sharks. I love that this book had so many facts about sharks, different types of sharks. I'm glad it shows what shark researchers do so that kids get a realistic idea."

"This is such a fun and educational book for kids who love sharks and the ocean. It makes learning about shark research, marine science, and conservation interesting without feeling like a lesson. A great way to encourage kids’ curiosity about the ocean and the scientists who study it!"

"So You Want to Be a Shark Researcher is well written and informative. It emphasizes that there are far more species of sharks than people generally realize, but they all deserve to be protected from the dangers humans pose, such as being accidentally caught in commercial fishing nets or purposefully hunted for their fins and skin. Researchers have many roles and spend time in the water with these ancient creatures, but ever-advancing technologies allow data to be gathered with far less intrusion to the shark’s environment.

Sharks are often misunderstood and feared, and there are very few people in the world who dedicate their lives to studying and saving them. This book is geared toward encouraging children to learn facts that are generally ignored in movies and encourage them to possibly purse a challenging and fascinating career."

"This series of books just continues to impress me with the amount of detail presented in a way that younger kids can fully grasp. I wanted to work as a Marine Biologist as a child and to be honest I would still love to do it! The day in the life section really gives you an idea of what kind of schedule a researcher maintains but if you truly love sharks and want to become an expert by reading this book you are well on your way to becoming one if nothing about their duties discourages you."

"This book thoroughly explains what a shark researcher does but it also explains sharks in a more in depth way. I admit, when I started reading, I had a negative view. Now, I see that sharks have a place and need to be studied in order for your oceans to operate correctly."

"Got this for my sister who is obsessed with sharks and read it myself to get my book count up. I think its a good overview for kids who are interested in shark research but also just a good informational book. I didn't know sharks could get so big or have such long pregnancies! I'm gonna look more into 'the shark lady' now."

"Another amazing book in the series! This book really dives into everything about the research of sharks as a profession. It highlights the fun but also the different tools needed, the dangerous parts and how it is important for the oceanic system. It mentions skills needed for the job, and even introduced 2 major shark researchers. It has fun facts about sharks towards the end and even advice on things they can do now to get started!"

"o You Want To Be a Shark Researcher is the rare kids' nonfiction book that refuses to talk down to its reader. My autistic son is obsessed with sharks and loves anything shark related: books, movies, documentaries, etc and this book did not disappoint. The story and the illustrations broke down about sharks, what shark researchers are, and what tools they use. The illustrator did such an amazing job they tell a story on their own. This book has encouraged my son to more in depth discussions about shark researchers and why their job is so important. We highly recommend this book to any of our marine life lovers. You won't be disappointed."

"This was a very informative book about what goes into studying sharks. Something I found interesting is that each shark fin is unique to the shark as fingerprints are to us! Researchers have a database of pictures of shark fins that helps them to identify the sharks they are studying through the years.

This book may be something I will use down the road for a home school assignment as it is is full of information for children and adults alike."

"This is a great book for children interested in becoming a shark researcher. From the day in the life showing the schedule to the people you work with on the vessel etc it breaks it all down. I also like the famous researchers it mentioned at the end as well as the fun facts. Really great fun and informative book."

"I really liked this book about shark researchers. I will say that there were quite a few facts about sharks that I never knew. Very well written! I love the illustrations also. Would recommend this short read to parents and children alike."

"I adore the “so you want to be” series. This one is a perfect follower to Shark Week! After watching the shows, we dove into the book. Did you know there are more than 500 species of sharks? You will if you read this book with a child! As always, the role models are fantastic - another week of research to learn more about them! And the things to do now suggests correcting people who spread exaggerated stories about sharks. And finally, did you know some sharks’ gestations last longer than elephants’? Everyone loves these books!"

"My three year-old loves this whole series, but he absolutely adores short and he loved this book so I highly recommend this to anybody with a little shark enthusiast in their house!"

"My son loves these books. Great bedtime stories. I think this book has some of the best illustrations of the series."

"I had no idea this was an option as a profession. This is really interesting work to protect our ecosystem. This book portrays the hard work that goes into to the job but also the rewards you get of studying these magnificent creatures."

"I really enjoyed So You Want To Be A Shark Researcher. One detail that stood out was the explanation that sharks act as the ocean's cleanup crew, helping keep fish populations healthy by removing sick and weak animals. That was such a simple but memorable way to explain why sharks are so important.

I also liked learning about the real tools shark researchers use, including electronic transmitters to track sharks across the ocean, along with underwater cameras and direct observation during fieldwork. The colorful illustrations make these ideas easy for kids to understand.

This is a great nonfiction book for young readers who love marine life and want to see what a career in shark research is really like."

"As a marine biology student, I highly recommend So You Want To Be A Shark Researcher for aspiring young scientists. Rejecting sensationalized media, this text delivers an authentic, rigorous look at apex predator conservation and open-water fieldwork. It brilliantly balances dense biological facts with the physical realities of data collection. It is an inspiring, intellectually honest resource that provides a vital roadmap for the next generation of ocean protectors."

"Perfect book to read during shark week. My kid loved it and is now obsessed with sharks!"

"Such a great book, I can't wait to read others in the series. This was such a fun read, learning an in-depth look at what a shark researcher would do. I love that it even has an example of what a typical day may look like hour by hour."

"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."

"Excellent intro to shark research!! Shows many facets of the job you wouldn’t think about in a way that is fascinating for kids and easy to understand. Beautiful illustrations make each page exciting, and the information about what kids can do now if they think they want this to be their job when they grow up is encouraging and fun. Love this series!!"

"This is a great learning tool for kids and even adults. I learned a lot of different information about sharks that I would never know. Definitely a read I would recommend to others wanting to learn about sharks."

"This is a fascinating and fact-filled book (for kids and adults alike!) about what it’s like being a shark researcher! Readers will learn exactly what a shark researcher does, what a day in the life looks like, who they work with, qualities needed, the best and hardest parts of the job, famous shark researchers, fun facts, and much, much more! So interesting and fun to read!"

"Love it! My child loves sharks and this book just boosted the love more. The illustrations are great, packed with the right kind of information to understand the job. It made me wonder why I didn’t ever think to pursue a job with sharks also."