So You Want To Be An Animal Rescue Worker (So You Want To Be A...)
About
WINNER of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award
A dog stands on a highway overpass at dawn — no collar, no name, and no idea that the person walking slowly toward her has come to help.
What happens in the next twenty minutes is the whole job. You lower your body. You speak softly. You wait. And when she finally decides you mean no harm and lets you come close, you understand why people give their lives to this work.
So You Want To Be An Animal Rescue Worker invites curious young readers inside one of the most emotionally demanding — and most necessary — careers in the world. This isn’t a list of facts to memorize. It’s an honest, beautifully illustrated look at what it really takes to be the person standing between an animal and the worst day of its life: the patience to earn trust one quiet minute at a time, the skill to read a frightened creature’s body when it can’t say a word, and the heart to come back and open the door again tomorrow.
Written for ages 10–14 (and treasured by readers as young as 8), this book trusts kids with the real texture of the work — the wonder, the hard parts, and the surprises almost no one expects.
Inside, young readers will discover:
- Why the biggest obstacle in rescue is often the law, not the animal — and why animals are still treated as property
- How wildlife rehabbers raise baby birds in leafy camouflage, feeding them with puppets so the chicks never imprint on a human face
- Why caregivers at Kenya’s Sheldrick Wildlife Trust sleep beside orphaned elephants all night long
- How search-and-rescue dog handlers stage “practice finds” to keep their dogs from losing heart on long deployments
- Why saving one animal at a time is like bailing out a flooding boat — and what actually slows the water at its source
Along the way, readers meet real-life heroes who couldn’t walk past an animal in need: Cleveland Amory, who found a starving kitten on a snowy Christmas Eve and built a sanctuary for hundreds of rescued creatures; Betty White, who spent decades of her fame raising millions for animals; Jane Goodall, who left the forest because the animals needed her voice in the world; and Sterling “TrapKing” Davis, a former musician who proved that “you don’t lose cool points for compassion.”
A full “Day in the Life,” a glossary of real rescue words, fascinating fun facts, and an honest look at both the joys and the heartbreak make this a book children can grow into rather than out of — and a springboard for the kind of conversation a parent or teacher won’t see coming.
Best of all, it shows kids they don’t have to wait until they’re grown to begin. The kid who walks dogs at a shelter, fosters a litter, or speaks up for an animal in trouble is already doing the work.
Because every animal rescue worker was once a kid who saw a hurt animal and couldn’t look away.
That heart is yours. Follow it.
Part of the So You Want To Be A… series — career-exploration books that take young readers seriously and meet them eye to eye. One for every dream, every passion, every curious mind.
Praise for this book
"So You Want To Be An Animal Rescue Worker is an informative, heartfelt, and surprisingly honest guide for young readers who love animals and may be curious about a future in rescue work. Written for middle-grade readers, especially ages ten and up, this book goes far beyond the simple idea that rescuing animals is just about cuddling puppies or helping cute wildlife. It gives children a realistic look at the patience, courage, knowledge, and emotional strength required to care for animals in need.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is how clearly it explains the real work behind animal rescue. Readers learn that rescuers must understand body language, move slowly around frightened animals, follow laws and safety rules, and sometimes make difficult decisions when resources are limited. The book doesn’t hide the heartbreaking parts of the job, such as compassion fatigue or the reality that not every animal can be saved. This honesty makes the book more powerful because it helps young readers understand that rescue work takes dedication as well as kindness.
The book is also filled with fascinating examples that bring the profession to life. Wildlife rehabilitators feed orphaned birds with puppets so they do not imprint on humans. Caregivers at Kenya’s Sheldrick Wildlife Trust sleep beside orphaned elephants. Search-and-rescue dog handlers even stage 'practice finds' to keep their dogs encouraged during long searches. These details make the book exciting and memorable while showing that animal rescue involves science, problem-solving, teamwork, and deep compassion.
Another excellent feature is the inclusion of real-life heroes such as Jane Goodall, Betty White, Cleveland Amory, and Sterling 'TrapKing' Davis. Their stories show children that helping animals can take many forms, from hands-on rescue to advocacy, education, fundraising, and public awareness. I especially appreciated how the book explains that helping animals often helps people too, such as when a rescued dog becomes a comforting companion for a child. This broader perspective gives the book emotional depth and helps readers see animal welfare as part of a larger community.
The illustrations are another highlight. They make the book visually engaging and help young readers connect with the material. The 'Day in the Life' section is especially useful for older children because it shows what a rescue worker’s schedule might actually look like. The glossary is also a valuable addition, introducing real rescue terminology in a way that builds vocabulary and confidence.
So You Want To Be An Animal Rescue Worker is an excellent resource for children who love animals, classrooms studying careers, or families who want to encourage empathy and responsibility. It’s educational, accurate, engaging, and compassionate without being overly sentimental. This book shows that animal rescue is rewarding, but also demanding, and that even young people can begin making a difference. For any child who has ever seen a hurt animal and wanted to help, this book is a wonderful place to start."
"So You Want To Be An Animal Rescue Worker by Linda Soules offers a grounded introduction to a demanding field that speaks to both curious young readers and the adults guiding them. Written for ages ten to twelve, it presents the work with honesty and enough detail to hold a family conversation.
Inside, the book covers shelter rounds, field rescues, and matching animals with caring families. An hour-by-hour workday account gave me a clearer sense of how the role actually unfolds. Catch poles, microchip scanners, and wildlife care facts are the kind of detail kids tend to pause on. It also points to simple ways kids can help now, whether by volunteering, fostering, or putting together a supply drive. The harder side of the job, including compassion fatigue and legal limits, is handled with care. Young readers drawn to animals may finish feeling this work is closer than they thought. Parents will find useful context for the harder conversations that tend to follow.
Soules writes with warmth and directness. Short sections and second-person language keep complex ideas readable for kids while leaving parents room to weigh in. The images help children picture tools, shelter routines, and wildlife care moments. As part of the So You Want To Be A... series, it works on its own and may lead a family to another title.
A steady choice for families who care about animals and want something both generations can read and discuss together. It respects the subject, the young reader, and the quieter questions that often follow."
"Linda Soules introduces children to the reality of what it is like to be an animal rescue worker in So You Want to Be an Animal Rescue Worker. Being an animal rescue worker is about more than just liking animals; there are many different aspects involved in the job. Linda shows the day-in and day-out work of animal rescuers (caring for abandoned pets, helping injured wildlife recover, and appreciating the wild) and provides examples of real events and valuable information. She also discusses the more difficult aspects of the profession, including legal issues, and that there are times when animal rescues will not end happily. Readers learn about the positive and negative aspects of becoming an animal rescue worker through her balanced approach to the profession.
One of the best parts about So You Want to Be an Animal Rescue Worker is its accessible writing style. Linda Soules explains things for her readers in an easy-to-understand, yet thorough and respectful manner, supported by photographs, fun facts, a glossary, and a section called “A Day in the Life.” These features help make the information more engaging and easier for younger readers to understand. By including animal advocate profiles, such as Jane Goodall, who studied chimpanzees and became a lifelong voice for wildlife conservation, this story shows how one person’s dedication can create a lasting impact in the world. Goodall’s work is a strong example of how passion for animals can grow into meaningful global change. Overall, readers will find an enjoyable and logically organized book that will be of interest to those who love animals or are interested in pursuing a career that makes a positive contribution to both animals and people."
"A surprisingly in-depth look at what it takes to be an Animal Rescue worker. If your child has expressed an interest in this field, or even just a love of animals, this is a great resource to help them learn what this job entails. Each section contains great information that is to-the-point and easy to read. The illustrations are great, too. This would be a great addition to any elementary classroom library!"
"As a first-grade teacher, I’m always looking for books that introduce students to careers they may not have considered, and So You Want to Be an Animal Rescue Worker by Linda Soules does exactly that. This book does a wonderful job of showing young readers what it means to care for and advocate for animals in need.
What I appreciated most was how the author presents the work in a realistic yet encouraging way. Students often think working with animals is just playing with cute pets all day, but this book helps them understand the responsibility, compassion, and dedication that animal rescue workers bring to their jobs. It opens up great conversations about empathy, kindness, and helping those who cannot help themselves.
The writing is clear and engaging, making it accessible for younger readers while still providing meaningful information. My students were especially interested in learning about the different ways rescue workers help animals find safe and loving homes. The photographs and examples kept them engaged and sparked lots of thoughtful questions.
I would highly recommend this book to teachers, parents, and anyone looking to inspire children to explore careers that make a positive difference in the world. Linda Soules has created another informative and engaging resource that encourages both career exploration and compassion for animals."
"I initially downloaded this book for my students to read for an upcoming career discussion. I didn't realize how detailed and informational it would be! My students absolutely loved it and I noticed that they huddled around the i-pad in groups having in depth discussions over what they were reading. I noticed that there are other books with career topics from the same author. I will definitely be purchasing these books to have in my classroom next year!"
"So You Want To Be An Animal Rescue Worker is an inspiring and educational book that introduces kids to the rewarding world of animal rescue and rehabilitation. It highlights the compassion, dedication, and hard work involved in helping injured and abandoned animals while making the information easy for young readers to understand. A wonderful read for any child who loves animals and wants to make a difference in their lives."
"A subject very close to my heart. This was well handled and thoroughly executed, per Linda’s usual style. I think kids who love animals will be inspired to at least be responsible pet owners and maybe even volunteer, if not actually pursue this as a career field. Definitely recommend to 10 and up."
"I cannot say enough wonderful comments about this book. As an animal lover and advid rescuer, this book is actually beneficial for all ages. The book provides information that is not overwhelming and gives a very good idea and representation about the life of rescuing animals. I hope this book inspires many people to become involved somehow in rescuing animals but we need more out there!"
"This book gives an excellent explanation for kids wanting to be an animal rescue worker. It explains the things the worker sees, as well at giving an example of what a day looks like. It explains the downsides to the job as well. I love the artwork and pictures of the dogs and cats no matter the emotions and the artist has almost every emotion shown in the pictures. The book also describes what it takes to be a rescue worker as well as the skills needed. This is for ages range of 10 to 12 years. For any child wanting to do research the book lists some famous rescue workers as well as some interesting facts in history."
"Amazing book on how to be an animal rescuer! Not only do you need trust, you need to be calm when working with rescues. It takes time for them to trust you. This book includes facts on animal rescuing and some things you wouldn't think this profession needs. Get your detective eye out and help us rescue these sweet animals!"
"This book was amazing. This definitely gives really good information to any young child or young adult trying to figure out what they want to do in life. Really good read for any age."
"This is a great resource for someone, especially a child, interested in animal care. The author does a great job identifying the pros and cons of the job, as well as what an average day looks like. This is a series of many different careers...check them out!"
"Really great book explaining what it takes to be an animal rescue worker. I have so much respect for these workers for all they do to protect animals."
"This is a great guide/book for those teenagers and pre-teens who want to work as a vet or with animals. This book covers the good and bad of this career along with the tools of the trade. I enjoy this series because of the immense amount of information provided. The author takes the time to do in-depth research to help dispell myths so that the reader can see the truth behind the expectations of this field. Like the other books in this series the writer is able to list the attributes and competencies required for this kind of work. I recommend this book for teachers, guidance counselors and anyone who works in middle school or high school career counseling."
"This book really highlighted how fulfilling this career can be and how many animals you could help. I am so glad there are people out there who love animals this much and I hope this book inspires more people who will go into animal rescue as a career."
"Very well written! Easy to read for kids to understand but it also taught me a few things as well. I love the Things You Can Do To Prepare Right Now section. That's so helpful for kids that want to start right away! The Glossary was perfect."
"I bought this book for my niece, who is a massive animal lover, and it has completely blown us away. It is so rare to find a book that treats them with such respect, skipping the sugar-coated fairy tales and showing them what it actually takes to be a real-life hero for animals.
What makes this book so immersive is how it immediately puts you into the emotional heart of rescue work. The cover artwork perfectly captures that incredible, quiet patience required to earn a terrified animal's trust on a busy overpass. That same level of care and detail carries through every single page.
The book is packed with fascinating, real-world insights, including:
True-life hero stories: From wildlife rehabbers feeding orphaned birds with puppets to caregivers sleeping beside baby elephants in Kenya.
The real science and psychology: Teaching kids how to read a frightened animal's body language and understanding the emotional grit needed for the job.
A 'Day in the Life' breakdown: Giving young readers a very clear, honest look at dawn-to-dusk rescue operations, complete with real rescue vocabulary.
My niece was completely glued to it. It doesn't just make them dream about the future; it empowers them by showing what they can do right now, like volunteering at shelters or fostering. If you have a young animal lover in your life who has a big heart and a desire to make a real difference, this is the perfect gift. Highest recommendation!"