So You Want To Be A Teacher (So You Want To Be A...)

"Most of us can remember being asked as children, 'What would you like to be when you grow up?' Few questions invite more thought than this one. Luckily, there is a 48-book series by Linda Soules that offers assistance to the undecided youngster. Her latest title is So You Want To Be A Teacher: A Kids’ Guide to Education, Classroom Life, Lesson Planning, and the Inspiring Mentors Who Help Young Minds Learn, Grow, and Shine. Written for ages 8-14, the book also explores a day in the life of a typical teacher, the many types of teachers, how to become one, and the tools of the profession, and provides names of famous teachers, fun facts, and a glossary.

What I appreciated the most about So You Want To Be A Teacher is how kid-centric it is. Linda Soules knows her audience well, with every detail designed for the middle-grade reader – from well-researched details and many colorful illustrations to the age-appropriate language and a conversational tone that never condescends. And although the book emphasizes the positive aspects of teaching, such as the daily opportunities to make a difference in a young person’s life, it also presents a few negatives: for instance, most teachers do not have the entire summer off. Many work other jobs, continue their education, or plan for the next school year. As a former educator, I highly recommend So You Want To Be a Teacher to help young readers (and their parents) gain valuable information about the job that prepares us for all our jobs. Teaching is truly that fundamental."

"SO YOU WANT TO BE A TEACHER offers a thoughtful introduction to a profession that is often taken for granted, presenting teaching as work built on patience, preparation, and sustained care for others. I appreciated that author Linda Soules speaks honestly to younger readers instead of reducing the career to inspirational clichés, a common thread in the series. The book acknowledges the excitement of helping someone understand a new idea alongside the less visible responsibilities that fill a teacher’s day, from planning lessons to adapting when those plans inevitably change. That balance made the portrait feel convincing, especially because it leaves room for both satisfaction and frustration without overstating either.

Reading it reminded me how much of teaching happens beyond the classroom hours that students actually see. Soules gives equal attention to collaboration with families and the quiet encouragement that can shape a child’s confidence years later. The illustrations also reinforce the book’s welcoming tone, making complex responsibilities accessible to its intended audience. In sum, SO YOU WANT TO BE A TEACHER succeeds as a sincere guide for young readers considering the profession, while offering adults a timely reminder that education rests as much on human relationships as it does on curriculum and instruction."

"SO YOU WANT TO BE A TEACHER is a delightful introduction to one of the world's most important professions.

Linda Soules invites young readers into the everyday life of the classroom and show how teaching is built on creativity, patience, as well as a genuine desire to help others learn.

It's beautiful how Soules explains the profession in an engaging way while keeping the language and writing style age-appropriate. The author breaks down concepts such as lesson planning, classroom management, and supporting students into ideas that children can easily understand.

I also love how the read presents teaching as an exciting career full of opportunities to make a difference."

"This book was so well written and chock-full of accurate information! As a retired teacher, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this book. Teachers are often portrayed as complainers: about how hard they work for little money, the amount of work done outside of school, and don’t forget their defense of their summers 'off'.

'You want to teach a child to read. To question. To notice.'

Learning to read is so important and that leads to reading to learn; not just parroting back memorized information. A great teacher will do all of this. The author hit upon all the buzz words, the characteristics of a great teacher, and the love a teacher has for children. Is it a hard job? Yes! Is it a labor of love? Yes! At the heart of being a teacher is loving children and accepting or at least acknowledging their quirks. We all hear about test scores, but the author acknowledges that oftentimes the impact of a teacher is not apparent until years down the line. The one kind word, the compliment, 'I see how hard you are working' means more than you will ever know. Every teacher I know has had at least one student come back as an adult and tell them how much that particular teacher has impacted their lives. It has happened to me and that is so confirming of my career choice.

I do appreciate the author referring to all the planning and work both inside and outside the classroom. Plans are great, but a teacher needs to be flexible and reflective on how a lesson went; you may be doing it again the next day in a different way. A great teacher can work a classroom and keep all the plates spinning. A sense of humor is HUGE!!

This book is geared towards children 10–14 years of age. It should also be a part of the curriculum for educators. It is not a long book, but it certainly touches on all the important aspects of teaching. Students, school staff across the board, and parents working together are all key to students being successful.

'Belief in Every Child.'

'Children rise toward the expectations of the adults around them. Hold them high.'"

"Here is another great book in this series. This particular one offers great insights into the daily life of a teacher. It also tells many of the exciting and rewarding things that concert being a teacher, as well as some of the challenges teachers may face.

I love how all of her books include a list of well-known people in whatever profession is being featured. I also love how the author gives ideas of things a child interested in becoming a teacher later in life can do now to start preparing.

As a teacher myself, I can honestly say this book is spot on! It would make a great addition for an upper elementary classroom or library."

"This book is a wonderful look into a teacher's life in and out of the classroom. It gives the reader a glance into the daily life of a teacher and all the challenges they face each day. A wonderful book."

"SO YOU WANT TO BE A TEACHER has a bright, friendly energy that makes learning about teachers feel fun. It shows why and gives a peek into how teachers can make such a big difference every single day.

The short read introduces the idea of teaching through simple language and cheerful illustrations that keep the pages lively. I smiled at how it celebrates all the little things teachers do, as well as the big ones like believing in children even when they’re lost and cheering them on when they finally figure something out.

The writing is clear and playful. The book shows that beyond lessons, teachers inspire confidence, encourage curiosity, and help children discover their own potential. I love this positive message and feel it gives the book an uplifting tone while helping young readers appreciate the impact educators have on communities."