Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

Have you ever drawn a house and wished it was real? So You Want to Be an Architect by Linda Soules is a non-fiction children’s book that introduces readers to the world of being an architect. Soules describes these professionals as part artist, part engineer, part listener, and part dreamer. For them, the simple act of sketching ideas can be the first step toward building a real structure. In this book, young readers get a behind-the-scenes look at this career. An architect’s work includes sketching designs, constructing models, visiting construction sites, and more. Another aspect of this field is understanding clients’ needs. Architects create spaces that turn those wishes into something real. Also included are sections on the tools they use, where they work, and the types of projects they design. Challenges and rewards are also highlighted. At the end, there are pages introducing famous architects and a glossary of terms. So, do you want to be an architect?

I’ve read several books in Linda Soules’ So You Want to Be… series, and just like the others, So You Want to Be an Architect did not disappoint. I love how she continues to introduce children to different careers while reminding them that these opportunities are for everyone. The dedication says it is for “every kid who ever drew the floor plan of an imaginary house,” and I was one of those kids. I really connected with Linda Soules's description of architects as dreamers. As an educator, I would read it during a careers unit. Then, as a follow-up, we could vote as a class for our favorite buildings. Students can also design their own structure or create a model. I’d also use the glossary to help young learners understand new architecture terms. I also appreciate how Linda Soules presents so much information in a way that is clear and accessible to kids. I can tell how much hard work she puts into each title. The artwork adds another layer to the experience. My favorite is the one depicting a woman wearing a hard hat on a construction site. Julia Morgan, the architect behind San Simeon, once said, “Architecture is a visual art, and the buildings speak for themselves.” This guide shows children that their drawings could one day become places that really matter to others. Anyone looking to read about unique careers, creativity, or designing will want to pick this one up.