So You Want To Be A Waterslide Tester (So You Want To Be A...)
About
WINNER of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award
What if your job was riding waterslides?
It sounds like the best job in the world — and for thirty seconds at a time, it is. But before any waterslide opens to the public, someone has to ride it. Again, and again, and again. Someone has to feel exactly where the curve grows too tight, where the water layer goes thin, where a body shifts in a way a designer in an office could never have predicted. That someone is a waterslide tester.
This nonfiction career-exploration book introduces young readers to one of the most surprising jobs in the world — equal parts adrenaline and physics, joy and rigor. They’ll discover what testers actually do (it isn’t just sliding), how the thin layer of water on every slide is the single thing keeping a ride from becoming dangerous, why testers have to ride the way ten-year-olds really ride (sideways, arms crossed, holding hands in tubes), and why some of the most important work in the world is work no one ever notices got done.
Inside this book:
- The five critical things every tester checks on every ride
- A real day in the life — from 7 AM at the empty park to the signed certification at 4:30 PM
- Famous waterslide testers in history, including Tommy Lynch’s four years and 108,000 miles of slides
- A glossary of tester words — banking angle, hydroplaning, flow rate, transition, and more
- Hands-on experiments any reader can try at home
- The book’s heart: safety and joy are not opposites; they are the same thing
For ages 10 to 14, with insights and surprises that hold attention well beyond. A book for the kind of child who notices things — and for every parent or teacher who wants to show them that careful, quiet work matters, even when no one ever knows your name.
Praise for this book
"So You Want To Be A Waterslide Tester by Linda Soules offers young children a look at what it takes to be a waterslide tester. It sounds like a fun job, but there’s more to it than spending all day whizzing down waterslides! Spending the day at a theme park or water park is great, but not many people give any thought to what goes into making things safe. This book is for all those kids—big and small—who want to know what it takes. You’ll learn exactly what a waterslide tester does, why there’s already water on the slide (and how it keeps you safe), and how testers determine the right water flow and why. You’ll walk through a day in the life of a tester, from sunup to when the park is shut for the day, and you’ll even meet some famous testers. If you’ve ever thought you might want this job, this book prepares you for what to expect.
So You Want To Be A Waterslide Tester by Linda Soules goes to the heart of plenty of young kids’ dreams, explaining exactly what being a waterslide tester really means. The book is plainly written with some wonderful illustrations; it leaves readers—young and older—in no doubt about what the job entails. It incorporates physics, explaining it clearly and cleanly, and through every stage the tester must evaluate it for your safety. You’ll learn how all the different types of slides are tested, the tools a tester needs, and yes, you’ll even learn what makes the job truly great—30 seconds of sheer joy, plummeting down toward the pool at the bottom—but also the hard parts. A Day In The Life tells you everything you need to know about a waterslide tester's daily life and who else they work with. At the end of the book, you’ll learn about some of the most famous testers in the world and plenty of fun facts designed to keep you safe. And for all those who really want to give this job a go, there are even some practical ways you can prepare at home. It’s fun and informative, and if your dream job involves sliding your way through the day, this could be just what you’re looking for. Or if not, it’s a great way to understand what keeps you safe when you spend the day at your favorite water park."
"So You Want To Be A Waterslide Tester by Linda Soules is an engaging and informative children’s nonfiction book that turns a dream job into a fascinating STEM lesson. At first, waterslide testing sounds like nothing more than riding slides all day, but this book quickly shows young readers that the job involves physics, engineering, careful observation, and a serious commitment to safety. Soules presents the work of waterslide testers as both exciting and important, helping kids understand that the fun they experience at a water park is made possible by people doing detailed behind-the-scenes work.
One of the book’s strongest qualities is the way it explains complex ideas in language children can understand. Readers learn about water flow, speed, surface friction, G-forces, hydroplaning, banking angles, and landing impact without feeling overwhelmed. The book also makes the science feel practical by showing how testers ride slides repeatedly, checking every curve, transition, and splashdown area to make sure the ride is safe for real kids and families. The day-in-the-life structure, from the morning briefing to the final safety report, gives the book a clear sense of purpose and helps readers see how much preparation goes into opening a waterslide to the public.
I’ve read many books in this series, and I always appreciate the inclusion of “The Hardest Parts of the Job” section because it shows that the book is honest about the challenges of each career rather than presenting only the fun parts. In this book, the line “Testing the same slide two hundred times is also as repetitive as it sounds” is a great example of how it balances excitement with reality.
The colorful illustrations add to the appeal and help keep the subject lively for younger readers. They make the technical information easier to follow while maintaining the playful energy of a book about water parks and slides. The glossary, fun facts, and hands-on activities are also valuable additions, especially for children who enjoy asking how things work or who are curious about building, design, and unusual careers.
So You Want To Be A Waterslide Tester is a wonderful choice for curious kids, especially those between the ages of 10 and 14 who enjoy science, engineering, theme parks, or learning about jobs they may never have imagined existed. It captures the fun of waterslides while emphasizing that safety and joy are connected, not separate. Parents, teachers, and librarians will appreciate how the book encourages curiosity, observation, and respect for quiet, careful work that keeps people safe. This is an entertaining and educational read that makes science feel adventurous, memorable, and fun."
"So You Want to Be a Waterslide Tester by Linda Soules is probably one of the most interesting books I have read in this career series so far because, honestly, who knew that waterslide testing was an actual job? The title alone immediately made me curious. I initially imagined someone spending the day riding waterslides and deciding whether they were fun. Soules quickly shows readers that there is much more to this unusual profession. Waterslide testers are responsible for evaluating safety, speed, water flow, comfort, forces, transitions, and even how a rider lands at the end of a slide. Suddenly, a day at the water park looks a little different when you realize how much work happened before anyone was allowed to climb those stairs and take that first ride.
'Linda Soules turns one of the most unexpected jobs imaginable into a fascinating look at the science, skill, and responsibility behind every thrilling ride.'
One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was learning about the science behind something most of us probably never stop to think about. Soules explains that a waterslide is essentially a physics machine. Gravity gets you moving, friction slows you down, and water plays an important role in controlling the interaction between your body and the slide. I was especially surprised to learn just how important the amount of water flowing through a slide actually is. Too little can increase friction and make the ride rough or dangerous, while too much can cause a rider to move too quickly or even hydroplane. I think this is where Soules’ narrative style works especially well. She takes concepts like gravity, friction, water pressure, speed, and force and places them inside an experience children already understand—going down a waterslide. Young readers may not even realize how much science they are learning because they are too busy imagining the ride.
The 'Tools of the Trade' section was another favorite of mine because this is where the career becomes even more fascinating. Soules introduces flow meters, pressure gauges, timing systems, surface testers, instrumented suits with pressure sensors and accelerometers, and weighted test dummies used before certain human test runs. Yet with all of that technology, one of the most important instruments is still the tester’s own body. A trained tester can feel subtle changes in vibration, water spray, speed, and landing impact that equipment may not capture in quite the same way. I thought that was fascinating because it shows young readers that technology and human observation work together rather than one replacing the other.
Of course, Soules doesn’t take the fun out of the job. The 'Best Parts of the Job' section acknowledges exactly what children are probably thinking—yes, riding waterslides for a living really can be as fun as it sounds. But I liked the distinction Soules makes between the ride and the work surrounding it. A tester may have an exhilarating thirty seconds flying through a slide, but the rest involves measuring, documenting, inspecting, climbing stairs, making adjustments, and doing it all over again. Sometimes the same slide may be tested more than one hundred times before opening day. The exciting ride is almost the reward for all of the careful work surrounding it.
What stood out to me even more was the responsibility of being the person who goes first. Before children and families ever ride a new waterslide, someone has to test it. Soules compares this responsibility to other professions where someone must test something before the public can safely use it. I think this gives the book more depth than its fun title might suggest. The 'A Day in the Life' section really helped me picture myself doing this job. Imagine starting your morning in a nearly empty water park before the crowds arrive, meeting with engineers and the safety team, and then climbing to the top of a slide that hasn’t been certified yet. You ride it several different ways, take notes after every run, notice that something doesn’t feel quite right in a turn, and report it. Later, a hydraulic engineer adjusts the water flow and you ride the slide three more times to see whether the change worked. By the afternoon, another slide passes its certification runs, and then comes the part that really puts everything into perspective—you sign the report stating that the slide is safe. That signature carries a tremendous amount of responsibility.
'Behind every carefree splash is a professional whose careful work helps make sure families can simply enjoy the ride.'
I also enjoyed how Soules connects the job back to the people waterslide testers are ultimately helping. Their work may be invisible to the families enjoying a water park, but that is actually the point. If everything has been tested properly, a child gets to fly down a slide, splash into the pool, laugh, and run back to do it again without ever knowing the names of the people who made sure it was safe. I thought this was one of the most meaningful messages in the book because it teaches children that some very important careers involve protecting people quietly, without recognition or applause.
Soules also gives young readers a clear idea of the qualities needed for this profession. A good waterslide tester needs to be observant, systematic, calm under pressure, precise when communicating, and willing to say that a ride isn’t ready even when everyone wants it to open. I especially liked the section about learning to translate physical sensations into useful information. Instead of simply saying that a turn 'felt weird,' a professional tester must be able to explain exactly where and how the force changed so an engineer knows what to fix. That is such an interesting skill, and it helps children understand the difference between simply experiencing something and learning how to evaluate it professionally.
The illustrations are colorful, exciting, and probably some of the most appealing in the series for young readers. The towering slides, twisting tubes, splash pools, testers wearing specialized equipment, and behind-the-scenes engineering scenes make the career feel like an adventure. I also enjoyed the historical examples, especially learning about Tommy Lynch, who worked as an official slide tester for First Choice Holidays and traveled thousands of miles visiting resorts and testing their slides. Soules also introduces readers to professional testing teams that combine engineering analysis with actual human ride testing. These examples reinforce one of the most surprising things about the entire book: this unusual-sounding career really exists.
Overall, So You Want to Be a Waterslide Tester is a fun, informative, and surprisingly thought-provoking introduction to a career most children probably don’t even know exists. Linda Soules takes something children already associate with summer fun and uses it to introduce physics, engineering, observation, teamwork, communication, and public safety without making the material feel like a science lesson. I would recommend this book for young readers who love water parks, science, engineering, thrill rides, problem-solving, or discovering unusual careers. After reading this book, I don’t think I’ll ever look at a waterslide quite the same way again. Somewhere, before all the screams, splashes, and laughter began, someone had to climb those stairs and go first."
"'Yes, this is as fun as it sounds.' This book was fun. I learned a lot about a job I never really thought of before. Parents and children will enjoy learning about what it is like to be a water slide tester. I like the extras in the book - the glossary and fun facts sections. 'If the slide is the gift, the people who certified it are the reason that gift can be opened.'"
"I personally do not enjoy water slides anymore, but my grandkids love them. This is a job they would love to have. I recommend this to anyone who has kids or grandkids who may not have been down a water slide yet, but wants them to learn about them."
"This is so cool. I never gave a thought about testing a water slide. But if this job sounds interesting to you, this book can give you much information about all aspects of the job. Plus there’s dozens more different jobs in the book series."
"This book definitely kept my attention and I’m not a child. I think it’s great for kids and adults alike. I love that it teaches physics and yet it all seems so fun! If I were a kid reading this book, it would paint the perfect picture of my dream job!"
"A very interesting look at an alternative career. This book was very informational and unexpected. Thoroughly enjoyable."
"Fun and informative book for kids, would be a great option for reading in preparation for a trip to a theme park or water park, 1. to teach about safety on ride and 2. it's a really fun topic to read about! Looking forward to other options in the series."
"My child was fascinated to learn about the actual engineering that goes into keeping water park rides safe and exciting. The book does a wonderful job of breaking down how things work behind the scenes without getting too complicated. It wraps everything up into a genuinely enjoyable read."
"Fun book in a series of So You Want To Be A ... books. Fun read for young people showing that behind the scenes of fun activities are people that make them work safely. Good encouragement for young people to realize that something you like can turn into meaningful employment in the future."
"This book has a very thorough look at what happens behind the scenes at a waterslide. Things like how they really work and the amount of prep that goes into making sure they are safe for use by the general public. Information is given out with colorful illustrations that look nice and would probably be helpful in keeping a younger audience interested. Would recommend to younger kids who have a curious nature of wanting to know more about the things they like."
"Kids are always curious about how things work and this is a great book that explains how watersides work and how they could become a tester. I’d love to have this whole series in my classroom as kids always need inspiration for career choices and I like to show why school is important. This book shows kids all the hard work and skills people use to make sure water slides are safe."
"I never would have thought in a million years to be a waterslide tester. This book is a eye opener for kids as to what other jobs are out there and available. I didn't know what all a waterslide tester entailed until I read this book. Very informative."
"I genuinely did not know there were water slide testers as a profession. From the physics to the slide testing is incredible! Understanding that makes me greatly appreciate the work done behind the scenes. As a kid who enjoyed White Water and Hurricane Harbor growing up, this put a whole new perspective on my childhood. I will be using this book series to teach my daughter about all of these amazing jobs!"
"This book provides a great insight on what it takes to be a water slide tester. Who knew this was even a job? How neat!! For any kid curious about all the different jobs out there, this book would be great! The book goes into detail what it takes to be a water slide tester, how it can be a fun job but is also very important for the safety of the riders to come. It explains the physics behind water slides and how the tester measures speed and exit velocity as well as water depth and testing how the body moves through the slide to ensure that every aspect is perfect for the safety of the public. The book explains the attributes such as ability to say not yet to a slide being ready that are necessary to be a tester. It also talks of different companies and a famous tester. Lots of fun illustrations and fun facts! A great book and interesting career option."
"Five stars. Honestly! The illustrations are so colorful and draw you in immediately and they stay throughout the book as well! It doesn’t just tell you water slides are awesome and so fun what a crazy super awesome job! Nope! The author made it so upbeat and fun to keep reading along that I could probably become a water slide tester at this point. It gives examples of the good and of the bad and it was just an incredible book. To find out it is also a series and there are more just like it?! Definitely going to be checking that out asap!"
"I had no idea being a waterslide tester was a job! This is so interesting and makes so much sense because everyone should be able to ride the ride and physics do matter. I am fascinated because this is something unexpected and an awesome read."
"So You Want To Be a Waterslide Tester is a fun and educational book that gives kids a behind-the-scenes look at a job most people never even think about. The author explains how waterslides are tested for safety, speed, and performance in a way that is easy to understand and keeps readers interested from beginning to end.
The colorful illustrations are eye-catching and do a great job bringing the information to life. I also liked how the book mixes science, engineering, and real-world problem-solving with exciting facts about water parks and different types of slides.
This is a great choice for curious kids who enjoy learning about unique careers and how things work. It’s informative, engaging, and packed with interesting details that make learning fun. Highly recommended for young readers and classrooms alike!"
"This fascinating book for kids - and adults too - explains a job most people probably have never thought about before - a waterslide tester! Readers will learn exactly what this job entails, the science involved, what qualities are needed, what a day in the life looks like, fun facts, famous waterslide testers in history, and much, much more. If you enjoy the thrills of a water park, you should definitely read this book to explore the science behind every waterslide and the hard work that goes into making sure every slide is safe for everyone to ride!"
"This is a really unique read. I enjoyed the bright visuals, paired with a plethora of information. There’s lots of interesting explanations about the science involved, as well as things that I hadn’t even thought about before when it came to water slides! I especially enjoyed the section about famous waterslide testers throughout history, and how detailed the 'day in the life' portion is. Absolutely great for curious kiddos in that 5th grade - 8th grade age range! But… it’s also a fun read for adults too."
"Be ready to take your kids to a water park after reading this book. The illustrations are colorful and detailed. The book covers all areas of what is involved in a water slide. My babies loved it!!!"
"So many details I had never thought about! My daughter was fascinated reading this, and now wants to build a water slide in the backyard."
"Enjoyed this as an adult! I had NO idea all that went into testing a waterslide. From the engineers hired to work with the testing team, the science behind the 'slide' (the ultimate descent from the top), the test dummies and real human testers, how the catch pool has to work in order to safely land the slider...it was fascinating!"
"What do you want to be when you grow up? Standard answers might include: athlete, teacher, butcher, baker or candlestick maker. Water slide tester… probably not so much. In her nicely illustrated book: So You Want To Be A Waterslide Tester: A Kids' Guide to Waterslide Testing, Linda Soutes takes us on an interesting and well written journey into the world of water slide testing. While it may sound like a walkoff dream job, it turns out to be anything but. Everyone would agree that the most important component of any ride that involves speed and gravity is safety. Soules explains water slides in such a direct and entertaining way that you may not realize that each of the chapters included a free Physics lesson. Supported by colorful and informative illustrations, you will learn not only what it takes to be a tester but how a typical day might look. A glossary explains relevant professional terms from banking angle, to flow rate, and transition. While written for kids ages 10 to 14, it’s presented as if they were attending their first college career day. What do you want to be someday? It's a question that children have heard and then in turn asked their own children years later. The difference is this is one of a series of 187 books that give today’s kids a fantastic resource explaining the many careers available to them. Pick up a copy today, You and your children will learn new ways to answer the question. What do you want to be when you grow up?"
"My 6 year old and I saw a YouTube video about water slides and she wanted to know more about them. This book was so engaging for us both. The graphics were eye catching. But the science behind it all was something we both learned from. I never considered how they test slides, or how the water flow impacts so much. Comparing it to a slippery soap really helped put it into perspective of my daughter."
"This book was great! It would make a really nice addition to any classroom library. I liked how informative the book was. It went through a lot of interesting information about the different tools and instruments that waterslide testers use, but also gave cool information about waterslides themselves and how they work. The illustrations were colorful and it definitely made the job sound cool. I like that it kept things realistic however. They talked a lot about the necessity of using physics and how much precision and work it takes to be a waterslide tester. Great kids read!"
"So You Want to Be a Waterslide Tester by Linda Soules is a nonfiction book that introduces young readers to a unique career while making science and engineering feel exciting and accessible. Through a conversational writing style, the author explains the physics behind waterslides, the responsibilities of testers, and the critical role they play in keeping people safe. Rather than simply presenting facts, the book invites children to think like investigators and problem-solvers, showing how observation, patience, and attention to detail can transform a fun activity into meaningful work. The combination of practical information, real-world examples, and thought-provoking questions makes this an excellent resource for curious readers interested in STEM careers.
The illustrations are colorful and perfectly matched to the book’s subject matter, helping readers visualize concepts such as water flow, force, speed, and slide design. The images break up the text effectively and add energy to each page, making complex ideas easier for children to understand and enjoy. Particularly effective are the scenes that show waterslides in action and the diagrams of testing equipment and procedures, which reinforce the educational content while maintaining a sense of adventure. Together, the writing and illustrations create an engaging reading experience that is both entertaining and educational, inspiring young readers to look beyond the thrill of the ride and appreciate the science and teamwork that make it possible."
"Very interesting book, even for adults. There are frequent scientific terms and definitions used throughout the book. The visuals are great and show the tester as well as the families using the waterslides once the parks are open. I loved that there were fun quick facts at the end as well as a glossary."
"So You Want To Be A Waterslide Tester is a wonderful book for any teenager thinking about their future. With so many possible opportunities available being a waterslide tester was not one that would ever have crossed my mind as a teenager. The author goes into great detail of the job description and how a day plays out. This book should be in every high school library careers section so students can explore the possibly of fun unusual career."
"Surprisingly informative and interesting. Even though this book is geared more towards kids around middle school age, I actually enjoyed it and learned a good bit when I finished it."
"I really enjoy this series of books. They are well written and the behind the scenes details are done well. I never knew how much work goes into creating the perfect waterslide. A great series for young adults to read to find the career they want."
"I loved this book especially since my family and I love the water parks! It was full of interesting facts about what goes into making them. I loved the colorful illustrations and text features throughout. It will be a great addition to my classroom library!"
"The book is a colorful and detailed guide about the scientific testing that is put into making water slides safe. It explains how the water slides are designed; the safety checks executed and the important role of testers. The book is fast paced, and the images thoroughly explain the complex procedures involved in waterslide testing."
"This is actually a pretty cool book. On what goes into planning a water slide and making sure it is safe. Lots of stuff I would not have thought about. Great book for kids with curious minds."
"Found this book right before going on a family vacation and read with my extremely curious nephew. This book is a pretty easy read with a lot of great information on waterslide testers. My nephew loves water slides and reading the behind of scenes of what goes into making water slides safe was fascinating. I enjoyed the suggestions on what children can do at home on a smaller scale of what testers do, such as using a tarp and using objects to compare and contrast the water on the tarp and no water to show friction. My nephew wanted to test water pressure too. This was an engaging book that gets children to see that there are so many jobs out there for everyone and what it takes to have such an important job."
"This is an amazing book! I didn't expect it to be as educational and fun as it was, and I really loved how much the author explained the safety of the water inside. Will definitely recommend!"
"This is a wonderful book for any kid who wants to be a waterslide tester. This book has fabulous pictures to go with the detailed information about what the job is really about, the data, where to work, and how. So, if you have a kid who is amazed by water slides and can't get enough of them, then this is the book for them. They will thoroughly enjoy it."
"There was an amazing amount of knowledge portrayed in language kids could understand. I loved how detailed the day in the life of a water tester was broken down and easy to follow. It paired the right amount of facts with the fun and whimsy of this profession to be really appealing. The attention to detail with the beautiful artwork paired wonderfully for this reading. And the emphasis on safety and how important paying attention to even tiny nuances couldn't have been worded any better. Young readers will enjoy learning about this profession by reading this book."
"Books like So You Want To Be A Waterslide Tester allow kids to not only enjoy reading but learn facts and how things work. These books go deeper than the surface of careers that you probably didn’t even realize were a thing. Who knew that there were people who actually get to ride waterslides over and over for their job! This book tells you about actual people, like Tommy Lynch who gets to travel the world trying out all kinds of rides! I look forward to reading more books from her because I love learning! You don’t find cool stuff like this in the adult section. :)"
"There was a lot to this book that I had never considered before. I've ridden tons of water slides and never once thought about the rigorous testing that goes into getting and keeping them open and running. This book had me wondering if I was too old to work towards water slide tester. It explained the physics of the water slide in details but simple enough terms for kids to understand. The emphasis on water flow and friction was fascinating. I especially appreciated the list of reading materials, websites and resources at the end. I love that it allows the kids to take the next steps, and even has hands on experiment ideas to really keep young readers (and aspiring water slide testers) engaged and thinking. I especially love that the entire book encourages kiddos to think outside the box and strive for an interesting job that they would truly love. "
"The scientific explanations in this book are great for kids and adults alike! I teach STEM classes for elementary students and will definitely be using this book. I think we don’t often realize all the work that goes into making these fun water slides safe. Without the layer of water skin against fiber glass would burn us. I loved the day in the life section. The illustrations are fantastic as well! Super eye catching!"
"This is such a unique and sort of fascinating little book! It takes what would be a dream job for kids and flips it into a learning experience that includes, science, engineering, and safety all in one. This book is full of interesting facts. Definitely a great read for the curious kiddos!"
"I really like this series, and this one about becoming a water slide tester is especially fun and appealing to kids. The author does a great job of including the science included in the job, in addition to the fun aspects of testing water slides. I also really appreciated the glossary at the back of the book. That was a great addition."
"This book was pretty cool! Who knew that a water slide tester was an actual job!? The information was great and my nephew (5) who is very smart and loves science, was engaged and paid attention to almost the entire book. He absolutely wants to do this when he grows up now!"
"What a fun job! A job like this involves a lot more than just sliding down a water slide. Great learning experience on what job actually involves including safety and science. Pictures are colorful. I appreciate the hardest parts of the job. Kids need to know that even though being a water slide tester is fun, there is a serious aspect too."
"If you love water and the thrill of water slides, you might to consider this profession: waterslide tester! A tester must check the flow of the water, the speed, the turns, the landing and everything in-between! They may test the same slide 200 times just to get everything calibrated correctly! It's not as easy as it sounds, but the fun to watch kids enjoy the slide you tested!"
"My 5 year old is obsessed with the idea of becoming a 'professional waterslide tester,' and this book totally delivered. It’s goofy, colorful, and secretly educational — like sneaking veggies into mac ’n’ cheese. If your kid loves theme parks, big imaginations, or anything involving water and chaos, this one’s a total win."
"This book is one is a very big series books about future careers for young children to think about and explore. When I was growing up my parents suggested 2 or 3 things that I might like to do as an adult and I ended up doing one of those - and I think it is mainly because I did not have the knowledge that there were so many other possibilities out there - I was sheltered and naive. Today’s children do not have to be - and this is a great book to give to the child who is detail driven, inquisitive and wants to understand how things work and why. In all my decades of life I NEVER thought about a waterslide tester job - now I know - how cool it that. The book is wonderfully illustrated and easy to read and understand. The author provides a glossary at the end related to waterslide terminology, links and great resources to explore and throughout the book details the importance of safety in such a job. At the end the author also lists all the other 'So you want to be a' books - I’d love to read them all and think these would be a great way to expose any child in middle school to what might be available to them based on what they already love doing and learning."
"This book actually surprised me, in a good way. For a shorter book, I wasn’t sure how much information there’d be, but there was a lot more than I thought there’d be. The author doesn’t just focus on just one thing or area either. Lots of things are taken into account. I never would have thought that engineering would have to be considered, after reading this, it makes sense, to help ensure the safety of those using the slides. I know there are people of different sizes but I never took into account that the designers would have to take that into consideration too."
"This book provides a great detailed explanation of the science behind this job. While most kids will think something like this sounds fun and exciting, the why behind the job is broken down into wording they can understand and the reasoning behind why the job is so important. The illustrations that go along with the story and colorful and sure to grab and keep kids' attention to the reading. Great and informative book!"
"We loved this book!
My 8 year old nephew was already a water slide enthusiast but after reading this book he now wants to be a water slide tester! 😂
It was fascinating to learn all about how water slides actually work and run smoothly for all to enjoy!
We learned things that are needed like speed, water flow, forces & containment, transitions and landings! Plus flow meters and timing systems so everything runs smoothly and safely!
We did not know these books "so you want to be" existed but my nephew is so stoked now to read them all 😂 even though he's still going to be a tester but he says why not learn them all and be more than one thing! Such a brilliant child, he will become a star!!!
Highly highly recommend these books, ignite your child's imagination and confidence!
This would make an outstanding gift for any child!
I found it fascinating as well at 65 and can't wait to read more with him 😁"
"I want to be a water slide tester! Who knew that was such a thing? Putting the fun aside, I was surprised on how technical being a tester is. Quite a bit of science involved! Highly recommend! So interesting!"
"Such a fun read!! It was informational and exciting! It definitely kept my attention the entire story. I loved the fun facts at the end as well as the resources for learning more about waterslides. I will definitely recommend this to any child or adult wanting to learn more about what it takes to become a water slide tester."
"I was quite impressed with the book and it's details, descriptions about the daily testing guidelines and what a waterside tester actually does to make everyone safe. I had NO IDEA this process could take months or years without the in depth breakdowns given by Linda Soules. When I took my rides down waterslides it was usually to cool off. I didn't think of the safety, physics, building of the slide or the effect it can have on people and the many body types. I can totally understand the reason behind height and weight limitations now. I look forward to reading more in her So You Want To Be... series."
"This is a very well written and illustrated book. So very interesting and informative for kids to know that this type of career exists. I will look for other books by this author of the same series."
"So You Want to Be a Waterslide Tester is a fun and creative book that introduces kids to a unique job they may have never imagined. I loved the behind-the-scenes look at how waterslides are created, the tools used, and the best and worst parts of the job. It’s a great way to encourage kids to think beyond the typical careers and explore their imagination."
"A very concise and interesting explanation of how water slides are tested. The book goes into great details of checking each slide for correct water flow to ease the run down the slide and achieve maximum enjoyment.
Each slide is checked at 7 am each day before paying customers arrive to ensure maximum enjoyment for said paying customers.
The perfect read if you want to do this for employment"
"It was actually interesting. I never knew there’s such a thing as a water slide tester. I know this book is aimed to children between 10 and 14 years of age. However as an adult it was very enjoyable read. I love how the images are on each page visualising the text. Definitely a good read for children and adults."
"Great book for kids who love waterslide or want a job that is not an office space. This book helps kids know that there is safety involved and the steps to make sure water slides do what they are designed to do."
"This is a great and educational read about water slide testing as a career path. For an easy-read book, this does give a thorough explanation of the science and strategy behind the creation of our favorite attractions at the theme park!"
"If you're interested in becoming a water slide tester, you should read this book. This book is informative and gives you an in depth look into what it takes to become a water slide tester. I for one did not know there was such a job until reading this book. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed learning about this career."
"This book was very informative to read. This is a good book for a child to read when they have an interest in waterparks. Theme park safety is a job that more people need to fill and something that needs to be heavily considered now. I think this book covers the curiosity of what goes into making people safe before theme parks open."