So You Want To Be A Stunt Performer (So You Want To Be A...)
About
FINALIST — 2026 Literary Global Children's Book Awards (Adventure and Sports Categories)
The explosion goes off on cue. The car rolls exactly three times and stops. The hero falls from the building and hits the crash pad at the precise angle that makes it look unsurvivable — and walks away. The audience sees danger. The stunt performer sees a problem they spent six months solving.
So You Want To Be A Stunt Performer takes young readers ages 10–14 inside one of the most physically demanding and most invisibly skilled professions in all of entertainment — not the action-movie version, but the real one. The years of athletic training and cross-discipline mastery that happen before a stunt performer ever steps in front of a camera. The specific discipline of making danger look real by making it, through extraordinary preparation and precision, genuinely safe. The team of stunt coordinators, riggers, safety specialists, camera operators, and pyrotechnicians working in careful coordination so that the moment that will last three seconds on screen is planned, rehearsed, and executed with the exactness of a surgical procedure. The take that lands perfectly — and the one that sends everyone back to the drawing board to make it safer before they go again.
This is a book about what stunt performers actually do: the fighting choreography they master across multiple martial arts disciplines to make combat look brutal and leave everyone uninjured, the precision driving and motorcycle work they train for years to perform at speeds and angles that would be catastrophic without total technical mastery, the high fall and wire work they rehearse obsessively so that the physics of a body in the air is never a surprise, and the fire and water work they execute with a calm that comes not from fearlessness but from the deepest possible preparation. It’s also a book about what the work costs, what it demands, and why the people who do it say that the greatest compliment they can receive is an audience that never once thinks about them — because all they see is the story.
Inside, young readers will discover:
- What a real stunt performer’s training and on-set work actually looks like — from cross-discipline athletic preparation to camera blocking to the moment action is called
- The physics of controlled danger — falls, impacts, fire, and vehicles — and the engineering and preparation that make extreme action survivable
- The physical demands and mental precision the profession requires — and how stunt performers build the body and the nerve to meet them
- The history of stunt performance and the legendary performers whose courage and craft made modern action cinema possible
- 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 Stunt Performer 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 demands total physical mastery and total mental control in the same breath. For the kid who watches the impossible action sequence and doesn’t just feel the thrill — they immediately wonder how it was done.
Every heart-stopping moment on screen began with someone who turned danger into a discipline. Who trained until the impossible became repeatable. Who made the risk disappear so the story could live. Maybe that someone will be you.
Ages 10–14 · Nonfiction · Careers & Professions · Illustrated
Praise for this book
"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."
"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!"
"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!"