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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 Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
So You Want To Be An Astronomer & Exoplanet Hunter is one of the more unique jobs in the So You Want To Be series by Linda Soules. Although it might seem like astronomers spend all night gazing through a telescope, there’s much more to this job than meets the eye. This is a real eye-opener into what they do, how they discover worlds that no one has ever walked on before, let alone seen, and what it takes to be that person. You’ll learn about the years of training before you even look through a telescope, how to understand what you see through it, and what you need to do your job. You’ll understand the team they work with, how they analyze what they spot, the instruments they need, and you’ll get to visit amazing worlds you’ll never see in person. Walk in an astronomer’s shoes to understand why it’s one of the most exciting jobs in the world and beyond.
So You Want To Be An Astronomer & Exoplanet Hunter by Linda Soules is part of an amazing series that helps kids of all ages decide what they might want to do for a job. Packed with clearly written scientific facts, this is a wonderful book that takes readers on a stunning journey through an astronomer’s life. Astronomy isn’t just about peering at the sky through a telescope; it’s about the joy of discovering exoplanets and of learning to understand a whole new, largely undiscovered world above us. The illustrations are lovely, helping explain things, and you’ll meet some famous astronomers and learn what they discovered. And if you want to get started right now, there are some practical steps to follow at the end, along with an informative glossary. If you’ve ever gazed up at the sky and wondered what’s beyond, wonder no more. This book is the perfect introduction to a fascinating job.
