So You Want To Be A Stunt Performer (So You Want To Be A...)

"In an era of viral 'daredevil' videos and Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) saturated blockbusters, Linda Soules' So You Want To Be A Stunt Performer arrives as a much-needed reality check. Far from a collection of 'don't try this at home' warnings or a celebratory reel of explosions, Soules presents a sophisticated, well-researched look at stunt work as a rigorous discipline rooted in engineering, physics, and radical responsibility.

The book's central thesis directly challenges the 'adrenaline junkie' archetype. Soules argues that the defining quality of a stunt professional is not reckless courage, but precision under controlled conditions. She structures the narrative around a simple but vital framework: 1) plan the action; 2) engineer the safety; and 3) execute with precision.

By beginning with the debunking of the 'fearlessness' myth, Soules sets a mature tone for her younger audience. She illustrates that a performer's job is to create the illusion of danger while being the safest person on set.

Soules excels when she dives into the 'how' of the industry. The book deconstructs the formal breakdown process, showing how a few seconds of screen time result from hours of script analysis, hazard identification, and mathematical calculations.

Technical insights include detailed looks at airbags, wire rigs, and fire-retardant materials. Also covered is how equipment ratings and measurements dictate the limits of a fall or crash. Even the pivotal role of the Stunt Coordinator is covered, who holds the power to 'veto' any action that isn't perfectly prepared.

Rather than viewing stunts as 'acts of chaos,' Soules frames falling, fighting, and driving as learned technical skills. She emphasizes that a stunt performer is, first and foremost, an actor and an athlete. The book highlights the necessity of understanding physics in motion, staying calm to ensure exact timing, and working in total sync with riggers, medics, and directors.

One of the book's strongest segments is the 'day-in-the-life' sequence. It strips away the cinematic magic to reveal a world of safety meetings, repetitive rehearsals, and 'costume matching.' For a young reader, this is perhaps the most vital lesson: most of the job involves waiting, checking equipment, and refining small movements rather than experiencing constant 'on-camera excitement.'

Soules doesn't shy away from the profession's history. By profiling icons like Dar Robinson, Zoë Bell, and Jackie Chan, she connects the field's innovation to its costs. She honestly discusses how past injuries and accidents paved the way for the strict modern standards that protect today's performers. This historical context reinforces the idea that the 'right to refuse' unsafe work is not a sign of weakness, but a professional obligation.

So You Want To Be A Stunt Performer is an essential resource for children, teens, and educators. It replaces the fantasy of the 'daredevil' with an informed respect for the safety culture that makes action cinema possible.

Soules successfully positions stunt work at the intersection of athletics and physics, offering aspiring performers a path built on discipline and ethics rather than risk. It is a serious, accessible, and ultimately inspiring guide to a profession that is often misunderstood but rarely unappreciated."

"So You Want to Be a Stunt Performer introduces middle-grade readers to the art of creating movie action scenes. The book shares several industry standards in stunt design, including crash pads, wire rigs, and car crashes. It also highlights the personal aspects of stunt design, particularly the collaboration and teamwork required to ensure the safety of performers.

Soules balances the exciting on-screen explosions and fist fights with the less glamorous reality of training, spending 'ten times more hours rehearsing on a padded floor than performing on camera.' Injuries and advocating for adequate rest time on a tight filming schedule are difficulties that come with the job. The format of the book examines the multidimensional aspects of the occupation through features such as a 'Day in the Life' section and a list of qualities stunt performers possess, helping readers imagine themselves in the role. The book also introduces the nuances of a stunt performer's ability to say 'No, the safety plan isn't ready' to a dangerous stunt and to ask for more guardrails. Including the performer's right to request changes for the safety of the stunt team introduces readers to labor rights and risk assessment.

The book adds brief biographies of famous stunt performers from diverse backgrounds, allowing young readers to see themselves represented in the profession. The author also includes a helpful glossary to clarify industry terminology, along with books and websites for readers to explore stunt performance further. The book discusses ways children can apply the stunt performer mindset by learning gymnastics, martial arts, and planning skills, encouraging readers to interact with the material and learn to plan. The 'Fun Facts' add fascinating details about the history of stunt performance.

The art of stunt performance is not widely recognized as acting or directing, but it remains a crucial part of the film industry. So You Want to Be a Stunt Performer is for the curious young thrill seekers interested in learning about the fast-paced world of stunt performance and the real labor behind the scenes."

"In So You Want To Be A Stunt Performer, Linda Soules takes a subject often reduced to spectacle and reveals the discipline behind it. What begins as a child’s fantasy—jumping, crashing, flying—quickly shifts into something more grounded: a careful, methodical craft where 'the stunt performer’s craft is making the safety invisible.'

The book works best when it leans into explanation. It walks readers through the anatomy of a stunt step by step—planning, calculating, rehearsing — showing how even the most chaotic-looking moments are built on structure and repetition. Its layout supports that clarity. Each section builds logically on the last, moving from individual skills to teamwork and daily routines. The 'Day in the Life' sequence, in particular, grounds the profession in routine and preparation rather than adrenaline.

Visually, the book strikes a strong balance. Action scenes — falls, crashes, fire — are rendered with energy, but they’re consistently paired with behind-the-scenes images of rigging, planning, and rehearsal. The effect is cumulative: readers begin to understand not just what happens, but how and why.

What lingers most is the book’s insistence on responsibility. It emphasizes that knowing when to stop is as important as knowing how to perform, noting that 'the most important skill is saying NO' when something isn’t safe. That message gives the book a weight that elevates it beyond simple career exploration.

Slightly more text-heavy than a typical picture book, but that added depth is purposeful. This is a book that treats its readers as capable of understanding complexity—and rewards them for it."

"So You Want To Be A Stunt Performer by Linda Soules is an exciting, thoughtful nonfiction guide for young readers who have ever watched an action scene and wondered how it was done. At first glance, the book looks like it is about danger, adrenaline, and movie magic. But what makes it stand out is how strongly it focuses on discipline, preparation, safety, teamwork, and respect for the body. It turns a glamorous career into something real without taking away the thrill.

Spoiler-Free Plot: This is an illustrated career guide that walks readers through the world of stunt performance. It explains what stunt performers actually do, where they work, what tools they use, and how dangerous-looking scenes are carefully planned before they reach the screen. The book covers everything from crash pads, airbags, wire rigs, fire protection, breakaway glass, fight choreography, vehicle stunts, and stunt doubles to the emotional and physical qualities needed for the job.

It also gives readers a look at a day in the life of a stunt performer, introduces famous figures in stunt history, and ends with practical steps young readers can take if they are curious about the field.

My Take on So You Want To Be A Stunt Performer: What I appreciated most about this book is how it balances excitement with responsibility. It understands why kids might be fascinated by stunt work, but it never treats danger casually. Instead, it repeats one of the most important ideas in the book: the goal is not to be reckless; the goal is to make something look dangerous while staying as safe as possible.

The strongest sections are the ones about preparation and the ability to say no. That message gives the book real weight. It teaches young readers that courage is not just jumping, falling, or fighting on camera. Sometimes courage is refusing to do something until the plan is safe enough. That is a powerful lesson, especially in a book aimed at curious, adventurous kids.

The illustrations are energetic and cinematic, which fits the subject perfectly. They all give the book a big-screen feeling while still showing the invisible work behind the spectacle. I also liked that the book includes acting, communication, physics, and teamwork as part of the profession, not just physical strength.

Overall, So You Want To Be A Stunt Performer is a fun, smart, and safety-conscious guide that gives stunt performers the respect they deserve."

"I loved this book and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. It really does give you an insight of Hollywood's best kept secret. I did a little stunt performing back in the day and this literally hits the nail on the head."

"So informative! All the info on getting started, special skills, practice, a day in the life, what might go wrong, who you work with... This little book is packed with info. A great find!"

"This book definitely makes you want to be a stunt double! What fun!"

"This book was super cute and very spot on with information. My favorite page was 27 where it talked about the principles necessary to be a stunt performer. Emotional readiness and a right sized EGO are imperative....Now my granddaughter wants to be a stunt woman."

"From a teacher’s perspective, So You Want To Be A Stunt Performer...is an engaging, informative, and highly motivating resource for young readers with big dreams. This book does a wonderful job of introducing students to the exciting world of stunt performance while keeping the focus grounded in safety, discipline, and preparation—all essential values in both education and real-life careers. Rather than glamorizing danger, it thoughtfully explains that stunt performers are highly trained professionals who rely on skill, teamwork, and careful planning to create action scenes that only appear risky. That emphasis makes it especially appropriate for a classroom setting."

"What stands out most is how accessible the writing is for younger audiences. Soules breaks down complex ideas...into clear, engaging explanations that students can easily understand...As an educator, I particularly appreciate how this book encourages goal-setting and perseverance. It shows students that exciting careers don’t happen overnight; they require dedication, practice, and a willingness to learn. This aligns beautifully with classroom values such as growth mindset and resilience."

"Overall, So You Want To Be A Stunt Performer is a fantastic addition to any classroom or school library. It inspires curiosity, promotes safety and responsibility, and encourages students to explore their interests with enthusiasm and determination."

"I love the action descriptions in this book for a kid who wants to be a stunt performer. It shows how things are on set and all the different types of training available to them. This book is definitely for someone seeking adventure and someone who has a fearless personality!"

"This book was short with only 39 pages and I read it so I could read to my grandson - it honestly surprised me because it told things about stunts and movie doubles I didn't even know...Good author!"

"This book was really interesting because it showed how much planning and safety goes into stunt work. I always thought it was mostly about being fearless, but it explained how much skill and preparation it actually takes."

"Through clear explanations and vivid examples, like high falls, car chases, and fire stunts, the author makes complex ideas accessible and fascinating, especially for younger readers curious about film and action careers."

"'So You Want to be a Stunt Performer' is a great book! This is one in an expansive series that looks at how to be different occupations. This book explores what goes into being a stunt performer. I loved that this book is a good combination of illustrations and explanation. Being a stunt performer is something that kids probably do not realize has a lot that goes into it, but this book does a great job explaining all of the training, preparation, and practice that goes in to just a few minutes or even seconds in a show. This book also gives the reader an understanding of what dangers come along with this profession as well as what a day in the life of a stunt performer looks like. Being a teacher, I would love to include this book and others in the series in my classroom library."

"Loved this book!! My son is a daredevil and has said he would like to be a stuntman in Hollywood. I very much appreciated the clear message that safety is essential to being successful in this field."

"I love the 'so you want to be' stories in general but this one was super interesting! Amazingly written and so informative."

"I loved the illustrations and information in this book! It’s part of a wonderful series and dives just deep enough to pause the flood of questions from the kids. I think it’s a wonderful starting point for anyone who wants to learn about being a stunt performer."

"A fun and energetic guide that introduces kids to the exciting world of stunt performers, highlighting the skills, safety, and teamwork behind action scenes. It makes movie magic feel both thrilling and achievable while stressing the importance of training and care."

"I loved this book and the series concept. The author provides much detail about the profession titled. Any young reader interested in the topic would enjoy and learn from the book... I will continue with the series as she has listed the additional titles at the end of the book — what a fun check off list!"

"I am a grandparent to a group of fearless, high-energy daredevils. My grandparent book club buddies gave me this book. This book speaks directly to kids, especially older ones, who love action, movement, and pushing limits. I went through the book with my grandsons. It opened a discussion about training, discipline, and safety. It earns a place on the bookshelf of any family raising adventurous young minds."

"Exquisitely organized, well structured sentences on an interesting topic—good read for all ages. The illustrations were definitive and beautiful art. A fun read for kids or kids with parents!"

"So You Want to Be a Stunt Performer is a quick practical read tailored toward the younger crowd that is packed with super helpful info. Linda Soules explains what stunt work really involves — planning, engineering, practice, and staying safe — without making it feel overwhelming. She covers the skills you need, why communication matters, and how rules keep everyone protected. I also loved that she includes resources for what to learn next. Great starter book for a child curious about stunt work."

"I cannot get enough of this series!!! I’ve even read these for jobs I would never want, like this one, just to learn what the jobs are like. I’ve learned so much! The book goes into what a typical day looks like, who they work with, what skills they need and do much more! The first trait a good stunt performer needs is the ability to say no. I learned being a stunt performer is so much more that taking the fall for an actor, it’s knowing how to be safe. This is such an incredible book!"

"I just love these books! Not only are the graphics amazing but the content really pulls you in, no matter the age of the reader. Stunt performance is probably not something that would normally attract my attention, but the information in this book is so unexpected in a positive way that I am so glad I chose the topic. I love that they include information on things you might not expect to need; understanding physics, having extraordinary communication skills, most of the time we just think of the exciting action packed parts of the job. This book really makes what the job could be to someone an actual reality not just what we perceive from movies. Can't wait to share this with my nephews!"

"I remember going to Disney World and seeing the stunt shows and they showed you how everything is done safely. I can't imagine how much work goes into this job. My favorite part about this series of books is learning some of the important people in the career. As a child, Xena was one of my favorite shows and it was cool to learn just a little bit about her stunt double."

"I wish I would have had this type of book when I was younger. It’s such a great insight into the stunt performer life. The illustrations are multicultural and use vivid colors. This book grasped my attention from the start. It is extremely informative and immersive, to the point where you almost feel like you’re on set with the stunt performer. I liked that it also includes famous stunt performer and extra facts. I loved that it had a blatant focus on the safety needs as a stunt performer- so kids know it’s not all just fun and games. After reading about stunt performers, this book also switches gears from providing information about the profession to enabling consideration as to whether this could be a future career or not! It really gets the reader involved."

"This book is so cool just to read. Even if you don't want to be a stunt performer you can still learn how it works. It has a lot of really cool behind the scenes information I loved learning about."

"This book is from a series that I have come to enjoy for how informative they are. Previously I have read and reviewed a handful of the 'So you Want to be' books and I am happy to say that this is of the same quality. This series breaks down the 5Ws of who, what, when, where, why and how everything works in one specific industry or job. I think a lot of people watch moves and never think about the meticulous planning it takes to do just a few seconds of action. The writer breaks it down within the first 10 pages through five steps of stunts. Read the script, design the effect, calculate motion, rehearse and perform then she moves on to the workplace and how it works and looks. Takes a look at the tools, the best parts of the job, the hardest parts and the worst parts. And like previous editions of this series the writer looks at the most important qualities of a stunt performer. This book works best for most ages but I think working inside of a classroom for youth or a guidance counselor office is the right place for it. I think the whole series would be great for a middle school library."

"This book gives young readers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the world of stunt performers. Instead of only focusing on the exciting action scenes, it explains the incredible amount of training, preparation, and teamwork required to perform stunts safely.I especially enjoyed learning about fight choreography, high falls, and the science involved in making dangerous scenes look realistic without putting performers at unnecessary risk. The book does an excellent job showing that stunt work is not about being reckless—it's about discipline, skill, and careful planning.

The illustrations and detailed explanations kept the book engaging, and I appreciated that it presents the profession honestly, including both the challenges and rewards. This is a great resource for kids interested in movies, action sports, or careers in the entertainment industry. Highly recommended for curious young readers who have ever wondered how movie magic is created."

"Another great book in this series. It detailed things even I, as an adult, didn’t realize stunt performers did. It also respects the lives lost within this career. Great illustrations per usual."

"I absolutely love these books, especially this one! This is perfect for my fearless daughter. She is always learning and interested in how things work. Showing the steps and the realistic expectations in a more simple form for children really helps them understand what it takes to be a stunt performer."

"I love the concept of this series in helping kids figure out what they might want to be. It's very descriptive, which will give the kids every little detail they might need to make their decision. I believe the series also shows kids that if they truly commit they can do/be anything they want!"

"Another great book from the So You Want To Be A... collection. I am really enjoying these reads for my sons, but more importantly, they are really enjoying them also."

"This is a fascinating book. I particularly loved "falling is a skill, not a failure." To read and understand what takes place during those high octane action scenes has completely changed my perspective. Great job! I was interested in this book because I was told I was raising 2 stunt men for boys. Really, I was teaching them safety and awareness. I also really liked how important No is to the stunt person. I think this is true for any aspect of life. Thanks for the fascinating read."

"Great intro description of stunt performing! The prep, training, safety aspects as well as some of the drawbacks. I loved how the author listed a male and female stunt performer as well as the other resources for kids to start exploration down this path."

"The rigors and risks of a career as a stunt coordinator are well mapped out in this neat primer. The idea that your child might want to be a stunt performer can be anxiety inducing but this book makes clear the preparation needed, not to mention really hammering home that your agency and autonomy is also important."

"This is a great series for kids! It went into way more detail about stunt performing than I was expecting. Very educational!"

"'Falling is a skill not a failure.'

I didn't expect to find such an inspirational quote that could be carried through all aspects of life yet here we are!

This book provides a very insightful look into what goes into being a stunt performer. You logically know that there is A LOT of time and effort put into it, but finding out every car chase that lasts thirty seconds on screen took hours, days of meticulous planning right down to the last second or centimeter? That to put out a body on fire has to be done within a thirty second window?? The absolute science and oversight that goes into it is mind blowing.

The pictures provide a beautiful visual of the behind the scenes takes, examples of various stunts and how magic is made for some of our various movie tropes.

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I learned and enjoyed this, especially for such a short read!"

"First off, I want to say how I enjoyed all the pictures! They were very colorful and detailed! I love how detailed the book goes into be a stunt performer from the trade to what they are and what they actually do! That is a wonderful things for kids. It'll give them a chance to really think about the decision of being a stunt performer! This book really doesn't miss a beat! A day in the life, the most exciting thing, that's nice. I love the fun facts and the little section on stunt performer history. Overall, I think this is a very handy and educational book!"

"Love this series of books. So informative, short and sweet. Very detailed in what is expected of a stunt performer. Love how the author gives you the good and bad facts about the job. And I loved the fun facts at the end. Great read!"

"Another great book to this series. It was interesting to see how much actually goes in to stunt performing. My kids loved this."

"My daughter and I enjoyed reading this book and she loved it. I can't wait to get more books from this series to enjoy reading to her."

"I’ve said it before about this author and I’ll say it again. I absolutely LOVE this series of books. There's so much information in this book about being a stunt performer. I don’t believe this is just for kids to know, any age who’s interested in this line of work should read this book!"

"This was a fun and informative book about being a stunt performer. I really liked how comprehensive the book was about every aspect of stunt performing, including how to prepare for the job as a kid. It was easy to understand how the job works, what skills and characteristics are needed, and the realities of how someone can be physically affected. I also really liked the illustration style."

"A great book which thoroughly describes all aspects of performing stunts. Everything you need to know before, during, and after. Includes fun facts and famous stunt performers. Pictures are realistic and detailed. I would highly recommend."

"This book is very informative and described the jobs/duties a successful stunt coordinator and stunt performer must do. Being a stunt performer is more in depth than a person would think it would be...it requires knowledge of math, physics, acting, and planning."

"My kids and I have enjoyed the series ‘So You Want To Be… ‘, this one my youngest (only boy of 5 kids) seemed to have enjoyed it the most."