So You Want To Be A Singer (So You Want To Be A...)
About
WINNER — 2026 Purple Dragonfly Book Award (1st Place), Arts/Music
WINNER — 2026 NYC Big Book Awards, Educational Series (Career)
WINNER of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award
The voice is yours. It has always been yours — shaped by your body, your breath, your history, your particular way of hearing the world. No two voices on earth are identical. And yet the voice you were born with is not the voice you will sing with. That one has to be built. That is not a discouraging fact. That is the most exciting thing about this work.
So You Want To Be A Singer takes young readers ages 10–14 inside one of the most deeply human and most rigorously technical performance professions on earth — not the talent show version, but the real one. The years of training and practice that happen before a singer ever performs professionally. The specific discipline of developing an instrument that lives inside your body — that is affected by everything you eat, every hour you sleep, every cold you catch, and every emotion you carry into the room — and learning to make it reliable, expressive, and powerful enough to carry everything a song needs to say. The team of vocal coaches, accompanists, sound engineers, musical directors, and collaborators working in careful coordination so that one voice, in one moment, can do something that stops a room. The performance that lands exactly as rehearsed — and the one that becomes something neither you nor anyone in the audience expected.
This is a book about what singers actually do: the vocal anatomy and technique they study to understand their instrument from the inside out — breath support, resonance, register, placement — so they can use it fully without destroying it, the musicianship they develop to read, interpret, and inhabit a song rather than simply execute it, the performance practice they build to bring emotional truth to material they may have sung a thousand times, and the professional resilience they cultivate to sustain a career in an industry that is as demanding as it is exhilarating. It’s also a book about what the work costs, what it gives back, and why the singers who do it say that a great performance — the kind where the music moves through you rather than coming from you — is the closest thing to pure human connection that exists.
Inside, young readers will discover:
- What a real singer’s training and performance life actually looks like — from first lessons to auditions to a life on stage or in the studio
- The science of the singing voice — how it works, how it is trained, and what every singer must understand to use it fully and protect it for a career
- The musical, emotional, and physical demands the profession makes — and how singers develop the instrument and the artistry to meet them
- The full range of the singing world — from classical to musical theater to pop to jazz to session work — and what each demands of the voice and the performer
- 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 Singer 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 lives at the intersection of science and soul, discipline and pure feeling. For the kid who sings everywhere — in the car, in the shower, alone in their room when no one is listening — and feels something shift.
Every voice that has ever moved an audience began as a voice that only its owner could hear. Someone trained it, trusted it, and gave it to the world. Maybe that voice is yours.
Praise for this book
"If you have a child who is constantly singing into a hairbrush or dreaming of the big stage, So You Want To Be A Singer by Linda Soules is the perfect roadmap for them. Soules treats the voice as a fascinating, living machine made of muscle and air, making the science of the diaphragm and larynx easy for children to grasp. The narrative explores the padded walls of a recording booth to the bright lights of a massive arena, showing exactly what happens behind the scenes. Kids will learn about the tools of the trade, like why singers use pop filters or how in-ear monitors help them hear over a loud band. It doesn't avoid the hard work either, detailing the daily scales, the importance of hydration, and the team of coaches and engineers who help a star shine. It turns the mystery of professional music into a tangible, exciting reality while teaching kids to respect their voices.
So You Want To Be A Singer by Linda Soules is a fantastic non-fiction guide for children who want to take their passion for music to the next level. Soules's engaging approach keeps the book moving with great energy and clear writing. The author has a really friendly way of explaining things, making complex science — like how your vocal cords actually vibrate — sound like an exciting but educational lesson. What's great for kids is how the book balances fun aspects, like singing in huge arenas, with the reality of taking care of your body, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated. One thing is certain: the fun facts section is a real game-changer and will definitely have young readers repeating trivia about synchronized heartbeats at the dinner table. This is a fun, encouraging guide that treats young performers with respect. It is a must-read for any parent who wants to support their child's musical journey with some informative, real-world knowledge."
"For any child who has ever belted out a chorus in the shower or wondered how their favorite pop star hits those soaring high notes, Linda Soules' 'So You Want To Be A Singer' serves as a vital, backstage pass to the reality of vocal artistry. This nonfiction middle-grade title successfully de-mystifies the 'magic' of talent, replacing it with the empowering reality of craft, discipline, and self-care.
Soules begins with a grounding premise: your voice is a birthright, but a professional singer's voice is a built instrument. By centering the narrative on the physical body, the book teaches readers that singing is as much about biology as it is about melody.
The book excels at explaining complex concepts, like how the diaphragm powers sound and how the shape of the mouth creates resonance, in language accessible to its 9-12-year-old target audience. It frames the 'protagonist' not as a specific character, but as the reader themselves: an aspiring artist standing on the threshold of a serious pursuit.
Unlike many career books that focus solely on the 'glamour,' Soules introduces a compelling practical conflict: How do you protect an instrument you cannot put back in a case?
The book highlights the unique vulnerabilities of the singer, noting how external factors like weather and internal factors like stress can silence a performer. This section doubles as a gentle lesson in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), as caring for the voice is presented as inseparable from caring for the self. The inclusion of potential setbacks, such as vocal nodules or the pressure of the commercial music industry, adds a layer of refreshing honesty rarely seen in middle-grade career guides.
The middle sections broaden the scope to show the collaborative nature of music. Readers are introduced to the technical 'cast of characters' that support a singer: the producers and engineers who navigate the precision of the recording booth; coaches that help refine technique through repetition; and even audiences.
Through the stories of icons like Aretha Franklin, Marian Anderson, and Andrea Bocelli, Soules illustrates how identity and history shape a voice. These examples provide a diverse look at how different singers have navigated everything from racial exclusion to physical disability to find their place in the cultural memory.
The book provides a wealth of practical guidance that transforms 'vague talent' into 'daily practice.'
'So You Want To Be A Singer' is perfectly paced for its audience. The short, punchy sections and clear subheads make it an ideal classroom resource or a gift for a music-curious child.
Soules concludes with a moving resolution: training doesn't change who you are; it reveals the fullest version of your true voice. It is an inspiring, clear-eyed, and deeply respectful guide to one of the world's oldest forms of communication.
Recommended for school libraries, choir rooms, and any young reader ready to take their voice seriously."
"So You Want To Be A Singer by Linda Soules asks the question every hairbrush singer asks: could one of those people be you? From vocal cords vibrating hundreds of times per second to a producer pointing at his abdomen, the book treats the voice as an instrument inside your body.
The book covers how breath moves through the diaphragm and larynx, life inside a padded vocal booth, and why playback sounds alien compared to what singers hear in their skull. It walks through a full working day, the team from vocal coach to sound engineer, vocal nodules and label pressure, a practice piano that does not lie about pitch, lullabies slowing a child's heart rate, choir heartbeats syncing, and five practice steps including the book-on-stomach breathing drill.
Soules writes in direct second person, like a coach who believes your playground voice can be trained. She also makes clear that the voice is the only instrument you cannot replace, repair, or borrow. In the So You Want To Be A series, this title joins over 180 career guides, and the images of padded vocal booths, in-ear monitors, and arena stages give younger readers something concrete to study while parents read the Marian Anderson and Andrea Bocelli sections aloud.
Parents and teachers can share this with kids deciding whether singing is a career, not a daydream. Skip it if they are not ready for the trade-offs. We recommend it for any family or classroom with a child who sings everywhere and wants real answers."
"So You Want To Be A Singer by Linda Soules is an engaging and informative nonfiction guide for young readers who dream of turning their love of singing into something more. Written for children, the book takes the excitement of performing and combines it with an honest look at the training, discipline, and dedication required to become a professional singer. Soules treats young readers with respect, showing them that singing is not simply about natural talent or standing in the spotlight. It is a craft that develops through practice, knowledge, patience, and care. The colorful illustrations and approachable writing make the book especially inviting for children who are curious about what happens behind the scenes in the music world.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is the way it explains the science of the human voice. Soules introduces concepts such as breathing, the diaphragm, vocal cords, resonance, range, and vocal health in language children can easily understand. Readers learn that a singer’s body is their instrument and that factors such as hydration, sleep, stress, illness, and regular practice can affect how that instrument performs. Practical details, including vocal exercises, recording equipment, pop filters, and in-ear monitors, make the profession feel real and tangible. These explanations help children understand why successful singers must care for their voices with the same seriousness that athletes care for their bodies.
The book also does an excellent job of showing that singing is both an artistic and collaborative career. Readers travel from practice rooms and recording booths to soundchecks and arena stages while meeting the vocal coaches, accompanists, producers, sound engineers, and musical directors who help bring a performance to life. Soules does not focus only on the glamorous side of the profession; she also discusses repetition, auditions, vocal problems, industry pressure, and the resilience needed to continue improving. Stories of singers such as Aretha Franklin, Marian Anderson, and Andrea Bocelli add historical and inspirational context, demonstrating that remarkable voices are shaped not only by technique but also by individual experiences, challenges, and determination.
So You Want To Be A Singer is an encouraging, realistic, and highly accessible introduction to the world of professional singing. It gives young readers practical information while still preserving the joy and emotional power that make music so appealing in the first place. Children who sing into hairbrushes, perform in the shower, join choirs, or imagine themselves on a stage will find plenty to inspire them, while parents and teachers will appreciate the book’s emphasis on practice, self-care, and realistic expectations. Soules ultimately delivers an empowering message: every person has a unique voice, and with knowledge, training, and dedication, young singers can discover just how far their own voice might take them."
"Between diving deep into the science of the voice to simply breaking down a day in the life of a full-time artist, this book gives wonderful explanations of anything a kid might be wondering."
"This is a great book for any child who wants to become a singer. Whether just to sing in the kitchen, join a choir, or sing in an opera, this book teaches the basic techniques to get started and maintain your craft...When the practices mentioned in this book are utilized, a young singer will soon be on their way to success and a long, healthy relationship with their voice!"
"Being one that has been singing since the age of 5 and still does today, I can attest that this book is a great read for children who are learning to sing and/or are very passionate about singing and would love to know more about it in a language that they can understand and process."
"Love this!!! Short little book with great illustrations and tons of information for kids. Love that it outlines all aspects of being a singer…highs, lows, the work you need to put in, famous singers, how to do more research. Really great!"
"This book is very interesting. It's not only for children but it is for anyone who is wanting to become a singer. I loved this book."
"This author does a phenomenal job explaining the intricate details of being a performing singer. This book shared the basics of music and significance of the voice instrument. I absolutely loved the illustrations. This made the book much easier and interesting to read."
"This is the perfect book to give confidence to a young child and their family. It is beautifully illustrated with vivid images and very clear language. I read it together with my nine year old and it has inspired her to sing more, focus more on her piano lessons and take care of her voice. The book itself is easy to follow and beautifully describes aspects of singing kids do not learn at school. We enjoyed reading it together and I would strongly recommend to all families who have a child that enjoys singing and would like to pursue it in the future."
"Soules presents foundational vocal concepts — such as breathing, posture, and vocal care — in a way that is approachable and age-appropriate. As an educator, I appreciate how these elements mirror the core principles emphasized in professional vocal training."
"Soules avoids overwhelming young readers with jargon, instead fostering a growth mindset — reminding students that singing is a skill that improves with practice, patience, and passion. This aligns beautifully with modern teaching approaches that prioritize confidence-building alongside skill development."
"I think if you’re looking for some educational book for your child to help them get started in their singing journey, this would be it. It’s not too long & it has good information that they would understand."
"Nice book to help get started as a singer Love the pictures and historical figures at the end. Lots of great strategies and hints of what it is to be a singer, how to become a singer, and what it entails to get there."
"What a great way to introduce and explain to young kids the complexities of being a singer. If I were still teaching music I would absolutely read this to my students and create an activity out of it. There were some great, fun facts, and history was included that was interesting and not boring for kids."
"This book explores what singing is, shows the anatomy of the body as it affects singing and guides you as to how to become a singer. It has pictures that embellish the explanation. It includes a glossary, a planned practice and how other things affect your singing, such as one's health, a coach and an audience. It is a great buy -- or give it as a gift to a potential singer."
"Read this book because my son is always singing and wants to be a singer as his dream job. I love that Soules highlights the realities of the profession while still keeping the overall tone of the book upbeat. The explanation of how their "instrument" works is great and that what you hear in your head is not what the audience hears and that recording yourself and not cringing is the hardest, most beneficial lesson. The 'day in the life' format is excellent - lets you really imagine what it could be like. We both benefited from reading this book."
"This is very well written. It speaks to the heart about how music connects us universally...This would inspire a gifted young singer."
"This book was quick and perfect for young kids who are interested in singing. It grabs a child's attention right away, offering both technical information that is easy to understand, such as how voices work, the history of singing, and how the recording studio works. It gives a broad picture that kids can start with and then dive deeper from there as their interest in singing grows. The graphics were very enjoyable and my kids, ages 7 and 9, really liked the detail and color that went with each segment of the book. Our favorite thing about the book was the encouragement that everyone can sing and should sing often and that we all have a voice just waiting to be used and with practice, you can become a singer. This especially resonated with my daughter who loves to sing but isn't always confident, so she felt supported at the end on how to get started and what to practice. This was well written and perfect for kids."
"Linda Soules’ SO YOU WANT TO BE A SINGER is an engaging and informative guide that introduces young readers to the reality of pursuing a singing career while still keeping the excitement and passion of music alive. I loved that the book balances technical knowledge with encouragement, offering readers a realistic look at the dedication, training, and emotional commitment involved in becoming a professional singer.
Soules does an excellent job explaining complex vocal concepts in language younger readers can easily understand. Topics like breath support, resonance, vocal health, and vocal registers are given clearly without ever feeling overly simplified or dull. The book also does a great job at exploring the emotional and collaborative side of performance. Readers are introduced to vocal coaches, sound engineers, accompanists, and other professionals who help singers succeed behind the scenes.
The illustrations and short sections keep the pacing lively and accessible, while the respectful tone makes young readers feel genuinely encouraged rather than talked down to. Linda Soules successfully turns a dream career into something understandable, achievable, and exciting."
"This book is a perfect guide for any young person who loves to sing. Soules shows what the music world is really like. She makes it clear that becoming a professional singer takes hard work, hundreds of hours of practice, and the dedication to keep trying even when no one is watching."
"Very very well written and an easy read as well. The Author uses some aspects of AI in the illustrations and they are amazing I must say.... These books which are many different career options are focused on the ages of 10-14, the author states that they are good for all ages and I could see that. Even for adults to gain some knowledge about specific topics or careers discussed in the series... These are so great for parents and children to either read together or parents to have an understanding of older children to be able to know what their children are reading.... I am an adult who has sang my whole life just not professionally but this makes me want to focus and use the instructions to focus my voice more..."
"3rd book read in this series with my kids. Great way to expose children to different careers. So much detail, but easy for kids to understand and relate to while teaching new vocabulary. Very interesting going over techniques and the science behind vocal chords, pitch and more!"
"Another wonderful book in the “So You Want To Be A…” series! I love all of the accurate details, right down to the structure of the vocal cords and how bone conduction works. I also found the fun facts interesting, especially the one about how heartbeats sync when singing. I appreciate reading about the fun parts of the job, while also understanding the difficult parts. Per the usual for this series, this book also has several eye-catching pictures throughout."
"Short, yet clear and concise read about what it takes to become a singer. Easy read, geared more toward children, however, as an adult, I found it to be enjoyable and informative and of a topic that I find interesting, as singing has always been a passion of mine."
"Great overview once again! What surprised me the most were the facts about the human voice itself, from an anatomy standpoint. Useful information, not just glitz and glamour."
"Growing up, I never realized how hard it is to become a great singer until I read this book. I thought people were just born with amazing voices, but this book shows how much practice, patience, and confidence it really takes.
What I liked most was how it explains that every singer starts somewhere and gets better by working at it. It made me realize that mistakes aren't failures—they're part of learning. I also liked the practical exercises because they made me feel like I could actually improve instead of just reading about singing.
If you're a teen who loves music or dreams of performing, this book is really encouraging. It reminds you that talent is important, but dedication and practice are what help you grow."
"So You Want to Be a Singer by Linda Soules is an inspiring and informative nonfiction book that introduces young readers to the art, science, and dedication behind a singing career. Rather than focusing only on fame and performance, the book explores how the human voice works, the discipline required to develop vocal skills, and the emotional connection that singers create with their audiences. Through engaging explanations, real-world examples, and profiles of notable singers such as Aretha Franklin, Marian Anderson, and Andrea Bocelli, readers gain a deeper appreciation for singing as both a craft and a form of human expression. The conversational tone makes complex topics accessible while encouraging children to see their own voices as unique and valuable.
The illustrations add warmth, energy, and visual appeal to the text, helping readers imagine themselves in recording studios, rehearsal spaces, and on performance stages. The artwork effectively supports the educational content by visually explaining concepts such as vocal anatomy, performance settings, and the tools singers use. Together, the text and illustrations create an engaging reading experience that celebrates music, perseverance, and creativity while encouraging young readers to explore their own artistic potential."
"I remember dreaming about being a singer as a kid. I wish I had read books like this about it."
"This was a great book! I feel like it took us behind the scenes of what it means to be a singer. It also teaches you about the anatomy of singing which I find crazy! Great book to read if you want to learn how to sing, no matter what age you are."
"Lots of great information. My daughter loved this! I love the practical steps at the end to start now."
"This is a short read. A nice book that I found interesting because it had some fun facts in it, even about famous singers. It also gave some practical instruction that I had never heard before. I think this is a good way for someone to get some basic information about singing."
"This is a good introduction into what it would be like as a singer and understanding the vocal instrument for 4th-6th grade students. I appreciate its explanation of the vocal instrument and understandings of how important it is to consider a vocal coach and development of the vocal instrument, as well as what the career of a singer may look like after school is finished."
"This book is full of such important information that anyone who wants to be a singer should read. So many detailed explanations that can really make a difference in a singer’s life are found here. As a singer myself I wish I had read this book as a child to better understand all the vital components involved. Two things that stand out are: 1) the voice is the only instrument that is not separate from the human body and 2) 'singing is what happens when the emotion is bigger than just words. It’s the sound your heart makes when it can’t stay quiet anymore.'"
"This series is a really great tool for kids and young teens to explore some of the options out there for career paths. What I really like about this series is that the author puts both pros and cons out there to be considered. This book in particular stating facts about how hard the training, practice and demands of being a singer can be. I like the fun facts about how a group of people singing together often have their heart beats sync up with each other."
"This book is an amazing book. It teaches you how to actually be a singer. If you enjoy singing in the shower or even around the house while doing chores just know your voice can be trained to be an amazing singer. There are techniques on how to improve your singing voice and there are ways in which you can maintain that voice. So many things can actually affect the way your voice sounds when singing such as sinuses, hydration and so much more.
A baby can know their moms voice from within the womb so as a pregnant mom I'd definitely sing all the time for my child. Also when singing lullaby it helps your little ones as well. There are many tips on your singing voice so this book is definitely a must have."
"This is a good book for a child or young adult dreaming of being a great singer. It explains what it's really like to be a professional singer. It is not always as you imagine it when you look at a singer. You learn about how hard work is needed and it is a great reality check.
It is not to discourage but to educate those with a dream of singing.
I think this would be great for the young people looking to the future."
"This was a really good read. I recommend anyone that's thinking of becoming a singer and needs a starting point to read this book. It gives you step by step of how to use and protect your voice and actually give specific details about your voice and how using it to sing means a lot more than just making music. Definitely a must read!!!"
"This is an excellent book for introducing someone to the realities of being a singer. The book goes into details of the physical systems that work together when you sing and how to take care of those systems. It gives a breakdown of the business, the expectations and the downside of the business. It also gives a short list of terms associated with the business. It is well written and the illustrations add to the text and create a more immersion experience."
"From a curriculum standpoint, this guide is a versatile resource. It can be used to supplement music lessons, inspire creative activities, or even support cross-curricular connections with performing arts and self-expression."
"Linda Soules gives young readers (ages 10-14) an honest, engaging look at what it really takes to become a singer — from vocal mechanics to life on stage. Realistic but encouraging, well organized, and full of great details. A wonderful gift for any aspiring performer."
"Great book with captivating photos to keep kids engaged and reading. The book explains what it’s like to be a singer. The book goes through a day in the life, the ups and downs of the job (what is easy and what is more difficult) and what gear you would need to be successful."
"What child doesn’t love to sing or look up to a special singer? This beautifully illustrated children’s book, 'So you want to be a Singer' by Linda Soules hits all the right notes!
As a professional, classically trained singer myself with Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy, this author is on point delivering snippets of every day life for a singer and what it takes to truly be a professional singer but in a very approachable way for younger readers.
From the technically accurate cross sections of the throat, larynx and lungs to the detailed steps of both good and bad days and all the many other professionals a singer will work with throughout their career in singing, this author has clearly done her research and it shows.
I also really enjoyed the interesting research fact that singing in a choir has statistically been proven that all the choir members start to sing and blend and their heartbeats synchronize to the same rhythm! In all my years of study, I never heard this particular fact, but must say that I have truly felt this to be true when performing a very moving piece in harmony with others.
Parents, teachers and early educators of singers- please do not hesitate to purchase this informative gem for the special singers in your life. You will be so glad that you did!"
"My daughter has wanted to sing since before she could talk. This book dives into everything a kid should know about making a career out of singing. It included lots of things you wouldn't think of and ways to start training now. Like the other books in the series, the real lesson is sticking with it. We love this one and can't wait to read the rest of the series."
"This book is a tell all aimed for children with a passion for singing. This book is for every kid who dreams of growing up to be a singer of some kind. This book is loaded with fun and informative illustrations to perfectly explain each chapter. Each chapter touches base on just about everything you can imagine, such as where a singer may work all the way to even the harder aspects of the job. This is a fun book and any young kid would enjoy it."
"This is an excellent book! It provides information about how our singing voice actually works, that we are all unique, the different professions who help singers/musicians, and a lot more! It helps kids understand what a singer career looks like while making sure they know it can also be fun!"
"A really informative, fun, and inspiring book! I really enjoyed reading this. It has interesting facts, such as Greece's national anthem holds the record for the song with the most verses. It gives you a step by step instruction on how to improve your singing through training and regimen."
"I love this book. I love all the colorful photos. This book is very educational for children to know what a singer is, how you sing, the dynamics of it, and how sicknesses and weather can even affect how you sing. The glossary and vocabulary in the back of the book is a nice touch."
"Thia book inspirational yet realistic and helps all readers understand what the life of a singer looks like. It also provides an accurate description of training and what to expect for singing and vocal training.
I love how it recommends joining a choir or taking vocal lessons. I am a choir teacher as my profession and I am glad choir was mentioned. I also love how it suggests taking good care of your body to keep your voice in good shape."
"This was actually a really fun book to read. I wanted to be a singer as a child. Now reading it with my youngest child is full circle.
I like how it not only gives feedback on the profession, but how it describes that it’s about feelings and how it’s about when your feelings are bigger than words where singing means the most.
I definitely plan to take the tips of preparing my voice."
"'When people sing together, their heartbeats synchronize.' This author can do no wrong in my eyes. She does an excellent job of talking about complex facets of the voice but in a way that a child can digest. As an adult, I do a lot of vocal practice (in the context of being a trans woman) and I can clearly see all the concepts in play on top of the realistic expectations set about being a professional singer. A boon of experience, methodology, with a mastery of her craft--Linda Soules does it again."
"What a wonderful book for kids who love to sing. It would have been great had I had it when I was young. But now I can ensure my grandkids get the training they want to sing as they love to sing especially in church and may want to be on the worship team one day."
"Coming from someone who has been singing for over 30+ years, this book is so very accurate right down to the biology of singing. I was very impressed with the break down of what singing is and what a singer actually does."
"Excellent written book for anyone especially the younger generation who are anting to be a singer. It tells everything a person has to accomplish and even provides a daily schedule for a singer. Very good book."
"There were many things the author talked about that you may or may not know — such as your voice is the instrument; it's not like a piano or guitar that you put down. You have to take care of it. There are many things that go into becoming a singer and this book points them out easily."
"I'd buy this book for any child aspiring to be a singer. It's also great for anyone who's simply curious about the career. It gives so many details like, for instance, where the sound comes from in your throat. I strongly recommend this book to parents."
"A fun, informative book for the young ones wanting to know what it takes to be a singer. They'll read about the commitment it takes, the people who help hone their craft, the great things about this profession...and the not so great. Easy read and great illustrations."
"So You Want to Be a Singer by Linda Soules is an insightful and engaging career guide tailored for young readers that looks beyond fame and talent shows to offer an authentic glimpse into the vocal profession. Soules balances the mechanics of vocal anatomy and health with practical lessons on technique, performance styles, and the teamwork required in the music industry. With its encouraging tone, rich illustrations, and honest approach to the discipline behind the craft, the book serves as an inspiring and informative read for any young person passionate about developing their voice."
"I really liked how this book explains that a great singing voice isn’t just something you’re born with. It takes practice, breathing, training, and taking care of your voice. I especially liked how the reader is treated almost like the main character, which makes the advice feel personal instead of like a boring lesson. The parts about stress, weather, and vocal health stood out to me because they show the not so glamorous side of singing too. It’s encouraging without making the dream of becoming a singer sound easy. I think a kid who loves music would come away from this feeling excited to keep practicing and find their own sound."
"I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am an adult who has always wanted to sing. I would have really appreciated this book as a child as it is packed with not only information but it’s inspiring. Anyone can sing… each and every voice is unique. The passion and dedication to the path of becoming a professional singer is written about. I would recommend this book to any child."
"Wow! Really impressed with this book. Perfect read for an aspiring singer. Loved the format. There were facts about how the body makes noise, that I didn’t know. I loved how it talked about the day to day and how you have to practice self care. It didn’t romanticize the job, but it did tell the importance of a singer in life. How they can affect others and how important that role is. Great read!"
"Super fun way to learn about singing! This book describes the way the body and lungs are used to sing, making it an exhilarating way to incorporate education into a book for a kid who wants to be a singer. Unlike some other books who only have a sentence or two, in this book there are so many details and paragraphs full of info. Cute!"
"I sang in Chorus at school and in church, but it was never about being a professional singer, but rather a fun hobby, so I never focused on the technical side of it, although I always wanted to do my best. I was happy to find this one, so that I could read it bit on the technical side of thing and what that aspect entails. Really interesting and informative for me. Wow on the tidbit on Mariah Carey!"
"The book makes singing feel exciting and achievable while also being honest about the challenges that come with pursuing it professionally. I thought the explanations about how the human voice works were especially interesting, and the illustrations help bring the ideas to life.
Overall, this is a wonderful book for anyone who loves music or dreams of becoming a singer. It is encouraging without feeling unrealistic, and it left me feeling motivated to appreciate my own voice and keep working toward my goals. I would definitely recommend it to kids who it's their dream to be a singer."
"Perfect book for me and my toddler who used a broom as a microphone for singing! Also, it teaches that dreams, like becoming a singer, require hard work, patience, and determination. Keep believing in yourself, even when it’s tough!"
"This is a beautiful gift to give to a child who has a love of music. It shows them that their dream is possible and not just a fairytale, or something that only big important superstars do. The author who created this series is brilliant. This is a way to both inspire and direct children in positive ways that can ultimately lead to them accomplishing their dreams."
"So You Want To Be A Singer by Linda Soules is a fun and informative introduction to the world of singing and vocal performance. Young readers get an engaging look at what it takes to develop their voices, from vocal training and practice to the confidence and dedication required to perform for an audience. Soules presents the material in a way that is approachable without making the profession seem effortless, helping children understand both the creativity and the work behind becoming a singer. It’s an encouraging choice for curious kids who love music, performing, or simply want to know what happens behind the microphone."
"I bought this for my friend’s child and was really impressed with it. It does a great job of explaining what being a singer is actually like, from practicing and performing to vocal care, recording, and working with other people in the music industry. It’s educational without feeling like a textbook, and the colorful illustrations make it much more engaging for kids. I also liked that it covers both the exciting parts of singing and some of the challenges, so it feels realistic while still being encouraging. Definitely a great gift for a kid who loves music or is curious about singing."
"A beautifully illustrated introduction to what it means to be a professional singer.
Details are just enough to make the reader want to research concepts and practices.
I would highly recommend to parents of young adults who show an interest in singing."