So You Want To Be A Roller Coaster Designer (Theme Park Engineer)

A Kids' Guide to Roller Coaster Engineering, Theme Park Design, and the Creative Minds Who Build Epic Thrill Rides

Children - Non-Fiction
38 Pages
Reviewed on 05/04/2026
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

So You Want To Be A Roller Coaster Designer by Linda Soules introduces readers to the science and creativity behind designing thrilling rides. The book begins by inviting readers to imagine creating experiences that evoke excitement, anticipation, and joy, and explains that every sensation on a roller coaster is carefully planned. It walks through how designers think about forces such as speed, gravity, and motion, showing how hills, drops, and loops are shaped to produce specific physical sensations. The narrative explains that roller coaster design is both an engineering and a storytelling endeavor, contributing to a broader emotional experience. Readers learn how designers use computer simulations to test rides before they are built, followed by real-world testing to ensure safety and accuracy. The book also explores where designers work, from offices where calculations are made to construction sites where rides take physical form.

Linda Soules blends technical ideas with examples, helping readers understand how physics shapes each moment of a ride. Illustrations reinforce the text by showing track designs, testing processes, and riders' expressions, helping young readers grasp complex concepts. The structure builds logically, moving from imagination to design, testing, and real-world application, mirroring the creation of a roller coaster. Readers who enjoy engineering, design, or amusement parks may find the book especially appealing, particularly those curious about how thrilling experiences are carefully planned. So You Want To Be A Roller Coaster Designer also invites readers to observe the world around them with curiosity, encouraging creative thinking and an interest in how ideas can become real experiences. The book is geared toward older children who are familiar with roller coasters.