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

"So You Want To Be an Inventor by Linda Soules invites readers to imagine themselves as inventors, emphasizing curiosity and observation as the starting points for new ideas. It explains that invention is not about sudden inspiration but about noticing problems and asking how things might work better. The narrative walks readers through the process of experimentation, showing how early prototypes often fail and how those failures help shape better solutions. The book highlights how inventors work in a variety of spaces, from simple home workshops to professional laboratories, and introduces tools such as notebooks, prototypes, and modern technologies like 3D printing. It also explores the realities of the field, including the gap between an idea and a finished product, and the persistence required to keep improving. The book encourages readers to start small, observe the world around them, and take their first steps toward creating something new.

So You Want To Be an Inventor guides readers through complex concepts in a natural way, with pacing that moves from simple questions to more detailed explanations. The writing relies on direct address, posing questions that draw readers into the process and make the material interactive. Detailed, generated illustrations reinforce each idea and clarify how inventions take shape. The book also uses real-world examples and brief narratives to ground abstract concepts, making them easier for young readers to grasp. Repetition of key ideas, such as curiosity and persistence, reinforces the central message while maintaining consistency. Readers who enjoy hands-on thinking, problem-solving, and creative exploration will find Linda Soules' book especially helpful. The combination of educational themes and an encouraging, imaginative approach invites readers to see themselves as capable creators."

"So You Want To Be An Inventor by Linda Soules, written for ages ten to fourteen (and engaging for younger readers with a parent), delivers a message every tinkerer-parent recognizes: curiosity matters more than genius.

The book explains what inventors do: identify problems, build prototypes, fail, adjust, and try again. It shows where work unfolds, from garages to R&D labs, and how notebooks and 3D printing support each cycle. A jar-opener day covers morning pages, patent reading, and mechanism tests. Sections on Velcro's burr origin, multiple discovery, and Edison's thousand filaments replace genius myths with honest process. Further pages cover testing, accidental discoveries like Post-it Notes and the Super Soaker, and cross-field thinking behind the kingfisher-inspired bullet train.

Soules keeps sections bite-sized, each with workshop details like solder smells and cardboard builds. Illustrations throughout make the book more attractive and enjoyable for children. Within the So You Want To Be A series, this title matches the research-heavy approach found across astronaut and engineer titles.

For children who keep asking how things work, take objects apart, or list daily annoyances, this is the guide to choose. Soules offers practical direction, not just inspiration. Parents, teachers, librarians, and guardians will find this practical career book worth the purchase."

"This book was perfect for my pre-teen son. It kept him interested and I liked that it didn't only glorify the inventor's job. It told an honest account of a 'day in the life,' what is unexpected and even frustrating and how he could prepare now for an inventor job."

"I really enjoy this book series! It is so informative... Such a useful tool for students exploring different careers!"

"Another wonderful book in the series. Love how the illustrations include adults and kids working. Love how the famous inventors are not the typical people you hear about. Just a great inspiring career book."

"I like that this book walks you through the process of inventing and doesn't spare difficult terminology like 'patent' and also recommends further reading."

"This book captures the young inventor's imagination with great illustrations and even better explanations of who an inventor is and what she does. I learned quite a few new things reading this."

"I love this as a book geared to stimulate conversations."

"Recently found this series for my classroom and want to add more. The illustrations are well done and the information is given in a variety of formats. I love that a wide variety of reading levels can access this book."

"Honestly this is such a fun way to teach kids about the world of inventions!"

"This is a fun book that offers a new perspective on inventing, showing that it’s really about identifying problems and finding solutions. It’s a great choice for kids who love to create and think outside the box."

"A well presented book. It has all the insights a young reader needs to know with regards to being an innovator. The book prepares the reader for all ups and downs one faces and how to deal with them. The note from the author at the end is quite useful too."

"As a teacher, I highly recommend the book So You Want to Be an Inventor by Linda Soules for curious young readers who love to ask questions and think creatively. This engaging and educational book does an excellent job of introducing children to the exciting world of invention in a way that is both easy to understand and inspiring. Linda Soules explains the invention process with enthusiasm and clarity, helping students see that inventors are not just famous historical figures, but everyday problem-solvers who use creativity, persistence, and imagination to improve the world around them. The book encourages children to think critically, experiment with ideas, and never be afraid of making mistakes while learning. What I especially appreciated as an educator is how the book combines real-world information with encouragement and motivation. It introduces important STEM-related concepts in a fun and approachable way, making it a wonderful classroom resource for sparking discussions about science, engineering, and innovation. The writing keeps students engaged while also building confidence in their own ability to create and invent. This book is perfect for elementary and middle school readers, especially those who enjoy hands-on learning and dreaming big. So You Want to Be an Inventor is an inspiring guide that reminds children that great ideas can come from anyone; including them."

"I'd never thought that inventing is really just finding a problem and solving it."

"Reading So You Want To Be An Inventor with my son was such a fun experience! The book kept him curious and excited while also teaching some really creative ideas about inventing and problem-solving. We both loved how easy it was to read together, and it sparked so many conversations and 'what if' ideas afterward. A great read for kids who love to imagine and create!"

"My favorite aspect of this series is how genuine the writer is in her dedication to sharing the joys and hardships of each career with the reader. I loved learning about inventors and their work and agree this would be wonderful for middle grade readers. The kids will definitely be inspired to think and create!"

"Perfectly highlights how helpful curiosity, determination, and a lack of tolerance for things that could be worked a different way can all work together to help create something great."

"Very well written. Geared towards aspiring young minds who are dreaming of their future and figuring out where they fit in the world."

"Good inspiration for children to be creative. Very informative also to help them understand how to be a good inventor and all the steps to make their invention great."

"I have been very impressed with this series and this book was no different. The author writes in a way that allows the reader to completely understand the topic and everything that goes into the process of being an inventor in a way that kids can enjoy and feel challenged by. And the artwork is an excellent companion to the writing. Excellent job."

"This was an excellent read! This author has a wonderful series on different jobs that exist to inspire the generations to come.

This one is such a positive read-it explains and defines what the role of an inventor can entail. It gives a general overview, asks the reader questions to determine interest and even gives historical perspectives on past inventors of note, including those who received recognition well after their inventions were acknowledged.

The intro emphasizing curiosity above all else, the beautiful art work throughout and the glossary at the end really bring it home to all the curious future inventors."

"This is the third in this series I have gotten and it did not disappoint! I love how it lays out what a day might look like, what traits an inventor might have and it’s all done with beautiful pictures and written in a way young people are interested. This book even mentions an 11 year old inventor that helped fix the water problem in Flint, Michigan! Great series!"

"I enjoyed reading this book! Very educational, fun, and informative read. I view this book as being great for children, teenagers, and adults."

"I'm really impressed with how well-organized and informative this series of books are. The author's formula for helping readers truly understand what it is like to be an inventor is phenomenal. While I knew that it took a while for an invention to make it to consumers, I didn't realize how long it really took from the idea stage to implementation and the author helps the reader to understand that. I encourage anyone interested in becoming an inventor to read this book."

"Inspiring book for young readers...or anyone who has a dream. This book encourages you to be curious and to solve problems. Some inventors get frustrated or stuck, they learn the phrase, 'not yet' and they don't give up. This book takes you through a day in the life of an inventor and helps you think of ways you could help people. Every classroom should have a copy of this book!"

"Another great entry in this author’s series of books. She writes as if she’s speaking directly to the reader.

In this submission, she clearly outlines what it takes be an inventor, and how it isn’t defined by success but rather by the ability to stick with an idea through the development and testing.

Planning to add several of these to my kids' library."

"I am very impressed with this series! What a great way to introduce different careers to children (and adults) and show some of the behind the scenes to inventing and learn about prototypes!"

"This little book is extremely enlightening. It shows children an excellent outlook from multiple sides and encourages failure in a positive way. I love that it references past great inventors, as well as giving history behind major historical inventions. It also has suggestions for further research which is wonderful."

"Very informative for children interested in being inventors with great visuals to accompany the information! Specifically enjoyed the explanation of the day to day expectations of an inventor."

"Definitely 5 star. I loved this book as much as my kids. I learned new things I never knew and the pictures were just wonderfully illustrated. I can't wait to read all the other books that are listed on the second to last page with my kids and incorporate them into our homeschooling. What a fantastic book to bring the imagination of kids to life and get them excited about inventing."

"Great book to read with your children! Very insightful information about inventors in the past. Informative with how to go through the process of inventing, generating ideas and the process for working through the entire scenarios to obtain prototypes and the testing phases. For sure would recommend and if you homeschool your children as I do, could turn it into a class lesson and build up a great lesson plan utilizing this as a good reference point."

"As an elementary teacher who has taught science and STEM units, this was a great read to add to a classroom library or lesson resource library for teachers. The book would be good for intermediate level readers and the illustrations are very engaging. I also like the inclusion of important inventors and fun facts at the end of the book."

"This author's books are highly detailed and very beautifully illustrated. They go over so much about the job that I probably would've never thought about to mention. Good info inside for kids to learn about."

"​This book proves you don’t have to be a genius to be an inventor! It shows kids that inventing is really about staying curious, solving everyday problems, and never giving up when a design fails. From sketching ideas in a notebook to using 3D printers, it maps out the exact steps to turn a wild idea into a real product. It's proof that the next big invention can start right at home!"

"Inspiring book for future inventors that have a curiosity to solve problems. Inventors see a problem, work hard to solve it and society benefits."

"This is a wonderful book that will appeal to readers of all ages. It explains the scientific method in a way that is understandable and easy to follow. The pictures help the reader understand exactly what each step looks like. This book also guides the reader on how to set up their area and get started inventing! I think all kids will enjoy this book and be anxious to try their hand at inventing."

"A great book with so much to discover. It introduces readers to some of the greatest inventions and also includes a wealth of historical facts, making it both educational and fascinating. Highly recommended."

"This book was an excellent addition to our homeschool curriculum. The pictures are awesome to keep the kids interested from even a young age. I loved how it taught you all about becoming an inventor and it included so many facts! I’m excited to read something that encourages mistakes because that is how we solve problems."

"I really enjoyed this book! It does a great job of showing kids that inventing is about being curious, trying new things, and not giving up when something doesn't work the first time. It was easy to read, engaging, and encouraging without feeling overly complicated. The historical aspects are an added bonus, even for an adult reader!"

"This book is interesting because as an adult I rarely thought about how one would go about becoming an inventor, but inventors do power our world. I don't think enough potential career opportunities were really talked about to me as a kid so not only is this a cool collection, but this particular book also went over things like contests, personality traits, and behaviors that will help professionally. Keep kids creative, keep the world running. The day in the life did also seem very realistic in the sense one should expect small improvements over time and not be discouraged. Looking at other existing patents makes a lot of sense but I'm not sure I would have thought of it."

"I love at the end of these books, it gives real life examples. It blew my mind on some of the inventions that were by mistake. It’s crazy what people can come up with, just having determination to make something better!"

"I LOVE these books. Every step to being an inventor broken down for you. And I love a day in the life of! And let’s not forget the illustrations are fabulous."

"Super informative book on turning your ideas into products! I enjoyed the history of great inventors and how products came to be."

"Linda Soules’s inspiring book, So You Want To Be An Inventor.pdf, is a masterful breakdown of the creative process that completely demystifies the stereotype of the "lone genius". What I loved most about this book is how it reframes failure not as a dead end, but as essential data on the path to success. Soules explains that innovation is deeply iterative, relying on basic curiosity and acute observation to solve everyday problems that others simply ignore....Reading this book instantly took me back to my childhood, reminding me of the summer I tried to invent a hands-free book holder out of old coat hangers and duct tape so I could read while eating cereal. It completely collapsed into my milk bowl, and back then, I felt like a total failure; after reading Soules’s insights, I now realize that ruined bowl of Cheerios was just my very first prototype. By exploring the practicalities of setting up a workspace and building functional prototypes from salvaged components, the book provides an invaluable blueprint for turning abstract thoughts into tangible reality. It teaches you to fall in love with the trial-and-error process, recognizing that every wrong turn is just part of the map. If you want to cultivate a resilient mindset and learn to view the minor irritations of daily life as invitations to innovate, this beautifully written guide is an absolute must-read."

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this with my daughter. She is always coming up with her own inventions and ideas. There is so much helpful info in this book, and it's presented perfectly for kids alongside the whimsical illustrations. We loved it!"

"The best quote for me, from the book is 'You need a place to think, materials to work with, and the willingness to make a really spectacular mess.'"

"A very informative little book. It breaks down the concepts of what an inventor is, what they do and what it takes into sections that are easy to understand. I also enjoyed the section of facts about different inventors, inventions, and terminology at the end."

"I really like reading these types of books to my little one. It opens their imagination and lets them dream big. They ask so many questions. They are really cute books."

"Such a great series! I love this for children to know you can be anything!"

"I will always recommend this growing series. It gives you an idea of a career beyond what most books would."

"I love this series! The inventor one is especially interesting. Almost everything in our homes was invented by someone. I liked the honesty that there are many failed inventions. I liked the fun facts and the role models. I learned about different groups inventing the same thing at almost the same time independently. How cool is that! Kids need goals and this series gives them so many options. It inspires them to apply themselves now to be able to reach dreams later."

"This encourages turning everyday problems into ideas for inventions. It promotes exploring creativity and curiosity to develop and test new inventions."

"My kids are always sharing what would make their toy better, we make changes when we can but so many ideas are just chatter. I picked up this book to show them that these ideas could become a job, they loved the colorful photos, engaging descriptions and the fun facts about what you might not expect to need, it's not all about math or drawing skills. Next book is to being a robot builder, one book at a time!"

"This is a wonderful book for kids that want to grow up to be an inventor. It talks about what tools they use and how they don’t have to be perfect because they can always improve. It tells about a day in the life of an inventor. Very well written and the pictures are great."

"This is an engaging and informative introduction to the world of inventing that would be especially appropriate for children around ages 8–12, or grades 3–6. The author does an excellent job explaining the exciting parts of the career, such as seeing an idea finally work and creating something that may improve other people’s lives. Just as importantly, the book realistically addresses the challenging side of inventing, including repeated failures, lengthy trial-and-error, and the patience needed to keep improving a design. The colorful illustrations and honest portrayal of both the rewards and difficulties of the job make this a great choice for curious young readers interested in STEM, problem-solving, and creative careers."

"A really solid start to understanding the basics of the world of inventing. The book runs you through key phrases, what to expect, some famous inventors, and how to get started."

"This is the first book I have read in the series by Linda Soules, but I plan to read more! I loved the simplicity of explaining what an inventor does, and the process of being an inventor. It's a great way to introduce kids (students) to the world of inventing. If the rest of the books in this series are as good as this one, it would make a perfect individualized unit for my students to research different careers they may be interested in."

"This book is great! It teaches children to not always take the easiest path, and hard and dedication is necessary for the inventor to be successful. Once you have read the book, there is a list of other books and websites to use as additional tools. The illustrations are fantastic! Definitely a good read for those with curious minds."

"This one's a different animal from the novels I've been reviewing — it's a nonfiction career guide for kids, part of Linda Soules's 'So You Want To Be A..'" series, and it's built less around a plot than around a single, sustained pitch: you could be an inventor, and here's honestly what that looks like. The book speaks directly to the reader in second person, walking through a 'day in the life' of jar-opener prototyping, tool-of-the-trade breakdowns (the prototype, the notebook, 3D printing), and the emotional highs and lows of the job — the 'it works' moment alongside the 'most inventions fail' reality check. It's illustrated throughout with warm, painterly spreads of kids and adults tinkering in cluttered workshops, which do a lot of the storytelling on their own.

Where the book comes alive is in its real historical figures, and I checked the specifics because a kids' book playing fast and loose with facts is a pet peeve of mine — but this one holds up well. Garrett Morgan's breathing hood really did save workers trapped in a 1916 tunnel disaster under Lake Erie, and he really did have to hire a white actor to demonstrate it to buyers who wouldn't meet with him directly — a genuinely gutting detail that the book doesn't shy away from. Hedy Lamarr's frequency-hopping patent from 1942, ignored by the Navy for decades and only recognized shortly before her death in 2000, checks out too, as does Gitanjali Rao's story of designing a lead-detection device at eleven after reading about Flint's water crisis, later becoming TIME's first-ever Kid of the Year. The 'fun facts' section is similarly solid — the Super Soaker's accidental bathroom-plumbing origin, the moth taped into a 1947 logbook that gave us the word 'debugging,' Robert Kearns's twelve-year legal fight over intermittent windshield wipers — all standard, verifiable invention-history trivia.

The best scene, if you can call it that, is the Edison bit early on: the famous 'I didn't fail 1,000 times, I found 1,000 ways that didn't work' line, used to reframe failure as data rather than defeat. It's a well-worn quote, but the book earns it by circling back to the idea again and again — in the 'hardest parts of the job' section, in the closing author's note, in the practical to-do list that ends with "go build the ugly first one." That's really the whole book in miniature: less about genius, more about stubbornness, curiosity, and a willingness to make a mess. For the 8–12 age range it's aimed at, it reads like a good teacher who respects that kids can handle the boring, frustrating parts of a dream job, not just the highlight reel."

"What a cute book! There's a lot of illustrations in this book, which I really liked. The art is nice and vibrant and in a cute style. My friend's kids love books like these, her boys are changing what sort of job they want to have as adults every other week, so I've been introducing them to books about a lot of different career fields!

These books are nice because they're pretty short and easy to read. The book even has a section where it breaks things down by time blocks so kids can get an understanding of how a day in the life of the inventor might go. It does a good job of giving a lot of detail in simple words about what an inventor actually does, and the processes they work through to create things. It also talks about how someone in this job field might be able to make products that can change lives, which I think is really important for kids to know!"

"This is a cute book and a great series! I love that it’s super encouraging for kids, but also gives some realistic information about what an inventor does and how to become an inventor. The illustrations are lovely too!"

"What a lovely read. An inspiring short book about recognising and creating a vision to improve and innovate. The artwork is warm and captivating and there is an underlying message supporting trial, error and quick failure to learn and grow. Practical, informative and easy to digest."

"I read this book to my 3 1/2 year old in 30 minutes. He listened eagerly and when I finished she immediately says “I want to be an inventor, the story taught me.” This book was extremely informative and enjoyable. I learned things like Garrett Morgan who invented the traffic signal, also invented the breathing hood. Hedy Lamarr, a woman over looked on her radio-signal invention because she was a woman and Hollywood actress, but we still use her invention to this date. Like the book said if you have an idea move on it quick because there’s sure to be someone or others thinking and/or doing the same."

"Very informative for young readers or even adults on the topic of inventions. This short read gives you the encouragement you need to pick up a pen and write down your invention ideas."

"So You Want to Be an Inventor by Linda Soules is an inspiring book that encourages readers to be curious, creative, and willing to solve problems in new ways. The book shows that inventors are not simply people who have amazing ideas; they are people who notice problems and keep trying to find solutions.

One of my favourite parts of the book is the quote, 'I didn’t fail 1,000 times. I found a way it didn’t work 1,000 times.' I like this quote because it shows that failure does not always mean you should give up. Instead, every mistake can teach you something and bring you closer to finding the right answer. I think this is an important lesson, not just for inventing, but for everyday life too.

I also like how Linda Soules makes invention seem exciting and possible. The book encourages readers to use their imagination, experiment with ideas, and not be afraid of making mistakes. It shows that sometimes the best inventions can come from simple problems and creative thinking.

Overall, So You Want to Be an Inventor is a motivating book that teaches readers to keep trying, even when things do not work the first time. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys creating things, solving problems, or coming up with new ideas."

"So You Want To Be An Inventor by Linda Soules does more than tell kids that inventing is exciting—it shows them what the process actually looks like. One detail that stood out to me was the emphasis on failed prototypes and learning from what doesn't work. That makes the idea of invention feel much more realistic and approachable.

I also liked how the book introduces practical tools such as inventor's notebooks, prototypes, and 3D printing, while explaining how an idea can move from identifying a problem to testing and refining a solution. The discussion of the patent process is another useful touch because it gives young readers a glimpse of what happens after an invention moves beyond the idea stage.

What I appreciated most is the message that inventors don't have to be lone geniuses. Curiosity, persistence, experimentation, and collaboration can all play a role. It's an engaging STEM book that could genuinely encourage a young reader to look at an everyday problem and start asking, 'How could I make this better?'"

"So You You Want to Be an Inventor is the kind of book that nudges you to look at the world a little differently. Instead of making invention feel like it’s only for geniuses, it focuses on simple curiosity, like asking why things are the way they are. The language is straightforward, not technical, and it does a good job of keeping things grounded. What I liked most is how it treats mistakes as part of the process, not disasters. It keeps the message positive without feeling unrealistic, which I think is important. It reads smoothly from start to finish, and even if you’re not super creative by nature, there’s still stuff to pull from. Overall, I’d say it’s inspiring in a low-key way, like a quiet nudge to pay attention to everyday problems and think, huh, maybe that could be better. I’d recommend it for younger readers or anybody who wants a gentle push toward innovative thinking without a lot of jargon or pressure."

"I think this was a fantastic read for kids who are interested in inventing and creating things. It was down-to-earth easy reading that really got the point across. I loved the history that was added in as it felt inspiring especially with the young inventors. Even as an adult, I feel inspired to think about something that could be done better and invent! Great job."

"This book gives hope to anybody that wishes to become an inventor. I really enjoyed how it highlighted the goods, the bads and everything in between. A day in the life of inventor was an inspiring section, really gave me a good idea of what inventors do!"