So You Want To Be An Explorer (So You Want To Be A...)

"If you've got a kid who's always asking 'what's over there?', this book is a great place to start. It reminds kids (and parents) that exploration isn't over. It's in the deep ocean, under our feet, up in the treetops, and in tiny worlds we can't see without tools.

This book works best as a guide for young readers stepping into the role of an explorer. Linda Soules introduces frontiers that still contain blank spaces, then explains what explorers do in practice: observe, measure, record, and bring knowledge back. It moves from striking facts (like how little of the seafloor has been mapped) to hands-on missions a kid can try, mapping a neighborhood, following a stream, and starting a field notebook. It also includes brief snapshots of figures such as Sacagawea and Shackleton, emphasizing that exploration depends on preparation, teamwork, and decision-making, not only equipment.

Soules' writing is clear, energetic, and full of 'you can do this' momentum. The best pages feel like a coach and a storyteller teamed up. For parents, it's easy to use as a springboard for weekend walks, museum visits, and simple 'what did you notice?' conversations.

In the end, this book lands a powerful message for ages 10-12: the world still holds mysteries, and the best explorers aren't reckless. They're prepared, respectful, and responsible with what they find. It's a strong pick for families who want a nonfiction read that nudges kids off the screen and into noticing the real world."

"So You Want to Be an Explorer by Linda Soules continues the So You Want to Be series. The world we live in is amazing, but so much of it has never been seen. If you’ve ever dreamed of being the next big explorer, this is the book for you. It will show you exactly what being an explorer is all about and what it takes to become one. It details the years of training, the survival skills you’ll need to build, and the physical and mental toughness needed to explore some of the farthest-flung and most secret places in the whole world. You’ll visit the deepest oceans where light never penetrates, subzero ice fields, the deepest, thickest jungles, and even the solar system in this fascinating guide that will prep any teen for a career in exploration.

So You Want to Be an Explorer is another amazing book in Linda Soules' wonderful series. It’s written in plain language, breaking down a complex career and explaining it simply. This in-depth guide leaves readers in no doubt about what it takes to be an explorer. To most kids, it sounds like an exciting career, and it is, but not many realize that it’s not just a case of setting out with a map and a backpack. It takes years of training, and explorers have to be physically and mentally fit, too. Readers will learn about a typical day in the life of an explorer, the tools they’ll need, the kinds of environments they’ll be working in, and much more. The book is filled with amazing facts, and it answers every question a person might have, giving them everything they need to decide if this is the career for them or not. It’s tough to decide what you want to do with your life, and books like these are an excellent starting point to make that decision. I wish there had been books like this when I was at that stage of life! Another excellent addition to the series, highly recommended for any young reader who dreams of exploring places where no one has ever been before and of making that next great discovery."

"This book was an insightful way to think about what it means to be an explorer. It goes through what you need to do, and what tools you need to learn to use. I appreciated that it talked about the high points of being an explorer, but also the difficulties and challenges that many explorers face. It's such a vast and expansive type of job that I wasn't expecting how deep this book would go."

"This is a very interesting book on exploring the ocean, Antarctica, the rain forest and various other places on the earth. I liked the way it explained what an explorer does and how to document what he discovers. It was so interesting to learn how much we don't know about the earth."

"Absolutely love reading this book. Wish I would have had it back when I was a girl scout leader. This is the type of book that should be in every elementary library!"

"Great book that's fun and educational. Lots of information from the good to the bad parts of exploration."

"It gives a realistic look into those who would love to be an explorer someday, and shows that there is a need for explorers with so much undiscovered land and creatures left to be discovered and explored."

"Honestly I just love this book series. It’s so informative and really digs into the career. The pros and cons, how it affects the world, the reasons you might do it… this author just does a great job and has great illustrations to go with it."

"A excellent informational guide for a kid who wants to be an explorer. Nothing was left out."

"This book does a great job of showing kids that exploration isn't just about traveling far away, it's about curiosity and discovering the unknown. The illustrations are beautiful and really bring the idea of exploring different environments to life, from oceans to mountains. I also liked how it encourages kids to ask questions and see the world differently."

"This is a book that will grab your imagination and let you believe that you can truly be what you want to be when you grow up. It is age-appropriate, but detailed. It explores what an explorer is and the different kinds of exploration. It gives you fun facts about places we have explored. There is a section detailing what you need to do to begin your exploration journey. I also love that it gives additional resources so that you can further 'explore' the subject. One of my favorite parts of this book is the beautiful, colorful illustrations that tell the story alongside the author. Well done."

"This was a great book for my pre-teen son to read as we plan for our summer break. The illustrations really got him thinking about all the 'unexplored' places in the world and how he could make that approachable. This book also helped him understand the time horizon for exploration. It isn't always just a weekend but a lifestyle."

"It would make a great gift for a kid who loves exploring the outdoors or a scout. Five out of five. I will be reading others in this series."

"I loved the caves and just all the large views of beauty. I love the story and I love how it applies to life and was so great to share with my nephews and nieces."

"Very informative read for those wanting to put on their hiking boots and possibly discovering the world's next greatest find. Jam-packed with information and some great resources as well - if you're wanting to kick off a career as one searching for new lands, this read is without a doubt for you."

"So You Want to Be an Explorer by Linda Soules is a wonderful introduction to exploration for young readers. I especially appreciated how the book breaks down different aspects of exploring with detailed descriptions and engaging photographs that help children better understand the concepts being presented.

The author does an excellent job of making exploration feel accessible and exciting. Rather than simply inspiring curiosity, the book provides age-appropriate ways for children to begin exploring on their own, encouraging observation, discovery, and a love of learning. The combination of informative text and vivid visuals makes this both an educational and enjoyable read for its target audience.

I would recommend this book to parents, teachers, and young adventurers who are interested in learning more about the world around them."

"Another great book in this collection that gets kids excited about future careers. This book allows an inside look at the pros and cons of being an explorer--the excitement of discovery, the loneliness, etc. It also helps kids to see that they don't have to travel to the ends of the Earth or outer space to be able to explore new terrain or objects; they can find things in their nearby environments.

I love how these texts include book lists so children and families can encourage further reading on topics they are interested in."

"This is a fascinating read! The author describes exploration in an honest and compelling manner. This book is one of many in a series to aid children in deciding what to be in the future. I love that it includes steps to take today to begin exploring. There is also a page dedicated to further learning opportunities. I recommend this book for parents and teachers."

"I loved this book! It’s great for young minds who aspire to be explorers and learn more about the world around them. The illustrations were incredible! The author doesn’t only focus on the cool parts of the job, but is truthful about the complexities of the job and lifestyle. I like the way they include tips for how children can prepare now for their future."

"So You Want to Be an Explorer by Linda Soules is a nonfiction book that invites kids to imagine discovering the unknown. Instead of following one character, the book talks directly to the reader and explains what it’s like to be a real explorer. It describes incredible facts, like how most of the ocean is still unexplored and millions of species haven’t been discovered yet. The book takes readers into different “frontiers,” such as deep oceans, caves, forests, and icy regions, showing how explorers study these places and turn their discoveries into knowledge. It also shares both the thrilling parts, like seeing something no one has ever seen before, and the difficult moments, such as long journeys, uncomfortable conditions, and time away from home. Overall, it feels like a conversation that encourages kids to stay curious and brave.

The illustrations help bring these faraway places and ideas to life, making it easier for readers to picture being an explorer. The pictures show dramatic scenes like dark caves, icy landscapes, and scientists working with tools, which match the detailed explanations in the text. They make the book feel adventurous but also realistic, helping readers understand both the beauty and challenge of exploration. Together, the vivid illustrations and fascinating facts make this book perfect for kids who love adventure, science, and asking big questions about the world."

"I love that this series of books introduces children to the wide range of professions that exist. This book, in particular, embraces my love of geography so I found it especially great. Would highly recommend to any kid with a wanderer's spirit."

"I really like how detailed this book series is. They give you insight on the full perspective of these careers. I personally did not want to be an explorer when I grew up only because I did not know it was an option. Most kids hear about doctors, police officers, or even firefighters, but you do not hear anything about being an explorer. This book gave lots of insight on how important it is for parts of the world to be discovered."

"Another great one! This whole series is amazing, but I especially find the less popular careers fascinating. Overviews including pros and cons, a day in the life of, and much more. There are a few tips for young potential explorers to try and I found 2 of them to be really great. One said to map your neighborhood by walking the same route 10 times and noting something different each time. My parents have lived in their current home for 25 years; recently a new acquaintance told me she lives on the same road and yet I had never noticed that house! I could go on and on about this book!"

"I really loved this one out of the series. Kids loved the pictures and the facts. Great illustrations."

"Great book for young children, pre-teens and teenagers to read if they are interested in the career of exploration. The book gives great detail about the career including day to day tasks and activities, the pros and cons, where to explore and how, and famous explorers. You can feel how deeply the author cares about exploration by explaining the career in a fascinating way to the audience, you can hear the passion as you read and how important it is to the author that the reader knows about this career. Informative read!"

"I was so excited to stumble across this series! I teach 4th grade and feel books like this are a great read for them! This series will give kids options of looking into different professions that they may never have thought of. This specific book has incredible illustrations throughout really depicting the scenery that an explorer may come across. It describes challenges that an explorer may encounter, the tools necessary for a successful exploration, and the difference between being an explorer and a tourist. I can't wait to share this series with my class!"

"Another wonderful book by Linda Soules. She does an amazing job describing how important explorers still are despite the fact that we think we have knowledge about everything. In this book, she describes how there are still many new frontiers on our planet that explorers need to find. :)"

"I was always a runner when I was young, loved to explore and find new things. This is exactly the kind of book I wish I had when I was young. It gives a good primer on just how much of the world still needs people driven by curiosity. It makes clear all the skills and characteristics that are most important to someone looking to become an explorer. Even the role models, famous explorers, support the idea that there's still so much left to find in this world."

"​I bought this book for my nephew, and it has been an absolute home run. As a Uncle, I’m always on the lookout for gifts that can actually compete with screen time and spark some real-world curiosity. This book nailed it.

​What I love most about So You Want To Be An Explorer is that it respects its young readers. It completely skips the cliché, sugar-coated 'pirate treasure map' tropes and gives kids an honest, deeply fascinating look at what modern, real-life exploration actually takes. It dives into the real science, the mental grit, the survival skills, and the teamwork required to face extreme environments like deep oceans and polar ice fields.

​The artwork is another huge selling point. When you look at the cover, you get an immediate sense of the immersive, stunning illustration style inside. It beautifully captures that awe-inspiring feeling of looking out over an uncharted horizon, completely drawing kids into the adventure.

​It balances the thrilling fun of discovery with the actual discipline it takes to get there, showing kids what they can start doing right now to build those skills. If you have a kid in your life who is constantly asking questions about the world or staring at maps wondering what's past the edges, do yourself a favor and grab them a copy. It’s inspiring, educational, and beautifully put together. Highly recommended!"

"I have loved every book by this author and this series is awesome. She uses wonderful and realistic illustrations that make the words come to life. In this text we learn about explorers and the remaining unexplored frontiers on our planet. Readers follow along as the text discusses tools, schedules, locations, history, and so many possibilities for a new explorer! Readers are provided with famous explorers, fun facts, important questions, and ways to dive into this career. An included glossary can help clear up any confusing words. These books are tailored to 10-12 years olds which is perfect when they are trying so hard to decide what to do with their lives."

"I have read close to ten books by this author now and every single one of them is worth your time. This one, like the others is packed full of important information that would be great in a classroom. The sections that I like the most are the day in the life, the breakdown of attriubutes that are best for this job and a breakdown of myth vs fact. I have really enjoyed gaining insight into the who, what, where, why and how of exploring as a possible career field. I think this works best for learners in middle school or early high school. Would also make a great edition to a career counselor's office."

"A very well written book, about being an explorer. I loved all the different levels of information it gave along with thought provoking questions for the reader to ask of themselves or to think about. This book would be a great addition to a classroom or to a homeschooling family/community. It has beautiful pictures that any young child would enjoy along with information for them as they get a little older."

"This book is full of fun facts about the world and how much of it has yet to be discovered. Being an explorer is a hard job but something that a lot of kids probably would enjoy."

"This book made me want to be an explorer at 42! It outlines all of the hard work and persistence it takes. Wonderful read for a new explorer."

"My 10 year old son is homeschooled and I read this book in hopes of finding new materials to add to our curriculum. This was the first book I read from the 'So You Want To Be' series and I think that it would be a nice fit for a 5th grader looking for a general overview of a given topic. It gives just enough information to peak the curiosity of the reader. The illustrations make it less intimidating for younger readers, breaking up the information and making it more digestible. It is written in a way that evokes emotion, perfectly suited for early teens. It offers a description of the career, list of necessary character traits for someone to be successful in the field, and additional sources of information for those that might choose to dive deeper into the topic. As a parent that is selective about the material I present to my child, I appreciated that the topic was presented with ethical considerations. I would recommend this book, and likely others in the series, for readers ages 9-14."

"This is a very in depth inquiry into exploring - at a kid's level. In the description of answering the 5 W's about exploring, this book teaches the importance of being one with the land. The oath that an explorer must respect the Earth and investigate while not disturbing the Ecosystem. It is a great young read outlying who makes the best explorers, what is involved, how exploring works and how exploration involves documentation. I really like the message of zen and respect for the Earth."

"This was a fun and educational read! It introduces kids to the world of exploration in a way that's engaging, easy to understand, and full of interesting facts. The illustrations are colorful and help bring the adventures to life, making it even more enjoyable for young readers. A great choice for curious kids who love geography, history, and discovering new places!"

"It is evident through her storytelling that this author is dedicated to not only encouraging a love for reading but to educating young readers. The amount of research she conducts just to ensure that she is providing the most accurate information in her books is clear. This series is truly a little history lesson for young readers and I love it. It showcases the little parts of history that people may not know as well as the ones many take for granted. This is by far my favorite series for young readers."

"I bought this book for a young reader who loves learning about new places and adventures, and this book was perfect for them. The book was easy for kids to read and gave lots of fun and interesting facts. It does a great job of keeping kids engaged. It is a fun and educational read that encourages curiosity about the world."

"When I started with this book I thought it would be great for my homeschool kids….. come to find out we all enjoyed it, even myself! A great interesting read, it’s crazy to think there is so much still unexplored."

"This was actually a very interesting read! To get information from one person's perspective for multiple explorers made you want to know more. To know how much of the world has been explored, and how much more there is to see is incredible to think about!"

"You Want To Be An Explorer: A Kids' Guide to Exploration, Adventure, World Geography, and the Daring Travelers Who Discover New Places and Cultures by Linda Soules is an enjoyable and fast read that provides children with real life information about what it takes to explore what is not known through exploration. Linda Soules takes children on a journey exploring instead of just telling old stories about pirate ships or treasure chests. She explains factual modern exploration such as diving into pitch-black ocean trenches to surviving frozen polar ice fields and prepping for space travel. The book also explains the realistic side of the career like how teams plan expeditions, master navigation, and build physical and mental toughness before ever setting foot onto the unknown. In addition this is a short read with only 39 pages and has beautiful illustrations that really help to capture the information being explained in the book."

"So You Want To Be An Explorer is a good book and definitely motivational for children who don't know where to begin. The book offers great information and the fun facts were a great addition."

"My 12-year-old liked this book the most because he's really into this kind of stuff. He loves learning about exploring, maps, and being outdoors. My 8-year-old was more interested in the pictures at first, and they really grabbed his attention. They both enjoyed the book. We ended up having a really good conversation about how explorers survive in the field and how they find their way using maps. After we finished reading, both of them went outside into the yard pretending to be explorers. They were digging for rocks, making maps, and using sticks to mark where they 'found' things.

I think that's what I liked most about this book. It got them away from the screens and using their imagination. I would recommend it for kids who enjoy adventure and learning about the world."