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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 Shark Researcher by Linda Soules introduces young readers to marine science through a look at the lives of sharks and the people who study them. Soules challenges common misconceptions, explaining that sharks are not the creatures often portrayed in movies but are essential parts of ocean ecosystems that help keep marine life balanced. The book follows researchers as they study shark behavior, migration, and population changes through observation, tagging, and data collection. The narrative moves between different aspects of the job, including fieldwork in open water, time spent on research vessels, and the careful analysis of information gathered over long periods. Readers are introduced to tools such as acoustic tags, underwater cameras, and photo identification systems, all of which help scientists track individual sharks and better understand their movements.
So You Want To Be a Shark Researcher combines explanations with a sense of curiosity about the natural world. The author uses imagery and comparisons to make unfamiliar environments tangible, especially in scenes that describe diving and close observation. The structure relies on short sections and focused topics to reinforce key ideas. Visual elements play a role, with generated illustrations that support the text and clarify tools and techniques. The tone is direct and encouraging, often addressing the young reader as someone capable of entering this field. Readers who enjoy science, ocean life, and hands-on exploration will find the book informative, particularly those interested in conservation and discovery. Linda Soules also addresses public fear, helping those who misunderstand sharks.
