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Linda Soules is the author and creator of the So You Want To Be A... series, a growing collection of career-exploration books for readers ages 10–14 (and beyond!). The series is envisioned to span more than 180 titles in total, with 47 published to date and new releases on a steady cadence — covering everything from astronauts and marine biologists to magicians, stunt performers, and roller coaster designers. Her philosophy is straightforward: never talk down to kids. Young readers are smarter, more curious, and more capable than the publishing world often gives them credit for, and they deserve books that respect their intelligence while genuinely sparking their enthusiasm. Each title is written to pull back the curtain on a real career — its joys, its challenges, the path to get there — and to leave readers with the sense that the world is wider, more interesting, and more reachable than they imagined.
Before turning to children's publishing, Linda spent 25 years in law and finance, advising hedge funds and sophisticated financial institutions on legal and regulatory matters — a career that taught her precision, discipline, and how to translate intricate subjects into language anyone can use. She brings that same clarity and care to every book she writes, paired with a deep belief that curiosity is the engine of a meaningful life. Linda lives in Seattle with her husband and two children, where the steady rhythm of family life, the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and the questions her own kids ask continue to fuel her work.
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
So You Want To Be a Robot Builder by Linda Soules introduces young readers to robotics by breaking down complex ideas into clear explanations. The book invites readers to consider what a robot actually is, explaining that a robot senses, thinks, and acts in a continuous loop, making it far more than a simple machine. It explores how robotics engineers design and build these systems, combining mechanical parts, electronics, and software into a functioning whole. The narrative walks through the process of creating a robot, from early design and prototyping to testing and refinement, showing that improvement happens step by step. Readers are introduced to real-world applications, such as medical tools, search-and-rescue machines, and space exploration, highlighting how robots solve meaningful problems. The book also explains the environments where engineers work, from laboratories to field testing sites.
The pacing follows logical steps, beginning with basic definitions before expanding into more detailed concepts in engineering, programming, and problem-solving. The writing relies heavily on direct address, often speaking to the reader in a conversational way. Visual storytelling is central to the experience, with generated illustrations showing tools, robots, and workspaces that reinforce the text and make abstract ideas concrete. Linda Soules also uses examples, comparisons, and repetition to strengthen readers' understanding, especially the connection between thinking, building, and testing. Readers who enjoy hands-on learning, science, and creative problem-solving will find So You Want To Be a Robot Builder helpful, particularly those curious about how technology works. It’s suitable for older children who have already been introduced to technology.
