Readers will be excited to explore an array of captivating career options in these series, which offer insights into diverse professions. From veterinarians and chefs to engineers and health heroes, the jobs outlined in these series speak to various interests and educational levels. Whether readers are in early grades, middle school, or high school, these books provide a valuable resource for discovering and understanding different career paths. This season’s series continues the trend of offering up-to-date series on a variety of topics that are suited for readers at all levels.

Elementary

DICKMANN, Nancy. App Design. ISBN 9781534546455.
––––. Artificial Intelligence. ISBN 9781534546486.
––––. Computer Animation. ISBN 9781534546516.
––––. Computer Games. ISBN 9781534546547.
––––. Robotics. ISBN 9781534546578.
––––. Web Design. ISBN 9781534546608.
ea vol: 32p. (Cool Computing Jobs). Greenhaven/KidHaven. Dec. 2023. Tr. $28.88.
Gr 2-4–Careers in app design, artificial intelligence, computer animation, computer games, robotics, and web design are all explored in this series. These books include a variety of colorful illustrations, photographs, and work product examples that are relevant to each field. Lots of color photographs represent diversity well and relate to the text and topics at hand. Short blocks of text are interspersed with photos, captions, and fast facts, making these books easily digestible for beginning readers. A table of contents, glossary and suggestions for further reading are included in each book. To test reading comprehension, the end of each book includes a quick quiz. VERDICT A purchase best suited to larger collections.

DICKMANN, Nancy. Borrowing Money. ISBN 9781781219294.
––––. Earning and Saving. ISBN 9781781219263.
––––. Keeping Money Safe. ISBN 9781781219300.
––––. Managing Money. ISBN 9781781219287.
––––. Smart Spending. ISBN 9781781219270.
––––. What Is Money? ISBN 9781781219256.
ea vol: 24p. (Moneywise). Brown Bear Bks. Jan. 2024. Tr. $35.70.
Gr 2-4–What is money? Readers find out in this six-book series that explores concepts related to borrowing money, earning and saving, keeping money safe, managing money, and smart spending. The series gets young readers familiar with the idea of money and its impact on our day-to-day choices. Through captivating illustrations and straightforward language, these books provide high level information about money and its importance in different contexts. The series features a variety of formatting elements including lots of pictures and photos, infographics, and practical exercises to engage readers. There are also word problems for those who are looking for a challenge. Opportunities for applying concepts in these books are abundant thanks to prompts in each chapter. Readers will gain insights into differentiating between necessities and desires, mastering financial management, and making prudent financial choices. VERDICT A good choice for school or public libraries.

KUKLA, Lauren. I’m a Custodian. ISBN 979888770102800.
––––. I’m a Flight Nurse. ISBN 97988877010800.
––––. I’m a Paramedic. ISBN 979888770120200.
ea vol: illus. by Nadia Gunawan. 32p. (Health Heroes). Mayo Clinic/Mayo Clinic Press Kids. Mar. 2024. pap. $9.99.
PreS-Gr 2–In this series readers will gain insights into the tools utilized by healthcare professionals as they collaborate with their team to maintain the well-being of patients and those they serve. Custodians working in healthcare environments, flight nurses, and paramedics are profiled in this series for budding readers in the early grades. Readers encounter example professionals in each role and are taken along on some of their daily adventures in serving the community and keeping us healthy. Short, simple sentences of no more than 10 words, and no more than four or five sentences on each page, are complemented by colorful, simple illustrations. Early learning libraries will appreciate how these books incorporate words and text to encourage vocabulary development and retention. These books are great for independent reading as well as one-on-one reading with a caregiver. VERDICT Best for larger collections, this series is ideal for public libraries.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

HARRIS, Beatrice. Jobs in Artificial Intelligence. ISBN 9781502670281.
––––. Jobs in Environmental Science. ISBN 9781502670311.
––––. Jobs in Genetic Engineering. ISBN 9781502670342.
––––. Jobs in Global Health. ISBN 9781502670373.
––––. Jobs in Information Technology. ISBN 9781502670403.
––––. Jobs in Robotics. ISBN 9781502670434.
ea vol: 32p. (The Inside Guide: STEM Careers). Cavendish Square. Dec. 2023. Tr. $30.21.
Gr 5-8–This insightful series explores crucial issues facing Earth today, emphasizing the urgent need for creative solutions. It introduces diverse environmental science careers, from protecting oceanic giants to studying microscopic soil bacteria, inspiring readers to make a positive impact. Global health careers, dedicated to addressing public health challenges worldwide, are highlighted, showcasing professionals combating diseases and promoting well-being, as well. Artificial intelligence (AI) is demystified in a captivating section that unveils AI-related careers in various domains like manufacturing, medicine, and virtual assistants. The series also explores information technology (IT) careers, revealing the essential role played by individuals in storing, retrieving, and sending data. It introduces occupations such as computer programming, database administration, and information security analysis, highlighting their significance in our technologically driven world. VERDICT This comprehensive series is a valuable addition to any STEM library, providing an engaging overview of impactful careers shaping the future.

REEVES, Diane Lindsey. What Auto Mechanics Need to Know. ISBN 9781668938065.
––––. What Chefs Need to Know. ISBN 9781668938072.
––––. What Construction Managers Need to Know. ISBN 9781668938089.
––––. What Firefighters Need to Know. ISBN 9781668938102.
––––. What Nurse Practitioners Need to Know. ISBN 9781668938119.
––––. What Pilots Need to Know. ISBN 9781668938126.
RHATIGAN, Joe. What Farmers Need to Know. ISBN 9781668938096.
––––. What Veterinarians Need to Know. ISBN 9781668938133.
ea vol: 32p. (Career Expert Files). Cherry Lake. Jan. 2024. Tr. $32.07.
Gr 4-7–Veterinarians, chefs, auto mechanics, construction managers, farmers, firefighters, nurse practitioners, and pilots are covered in this career series that’s ideal for the middle grades. These books focus on what kinds of specialized tasks make each professional an expert in their field. Each book offers fast facts about each career path, with a mix of short and long text sections, captions, and photographs. Books are divided into short chapters, making these a slam dunk for readers who might need more support or confidence-building. Each chapter includes a “stop, think, and write” prompt that will encourage readers to get involved with what they read. Additional notes about where to look for more information are included, in addition to a glossary and an index, helping to build reference skills. VERDICT A good series to consider for middle school collections.

SCHWAB, Chris. Artists & Entertainers Who Never Gave Up. ISBN 9781731657718.
––––. Scientists & Inventors Who Never Gave Up. ISBN 9781731657695.
ea vol: 32p. (Driven to Succeed). High Tide. Feb. 2024. Tr. $27.50.
Gr 4-9–This two-book hi-lo series focuses on professionals who never gave up on their dreams, from famous artists and entertainers to scientists and inventors. Readers will love learning more about the creator of Pokémon, Frida Kahlo, Charles Schulz, Wilbur Wright, and more thanks to these books that show how creativity, tenacity, and perseverance can help us overcome life challenges. In addition to sharing inspiring stories of people who made it despite the odds, this series informs readers about concepts like resilience, having boundaries and self-compassion, the importance of failure, and strategies for coping with rejection and obstacles when they arise. This is an informative series that will appeal to reluctant readers or those who might need more support understanding interpersonal concepts. Color photographs, recognizable graphics, and lots of room around the text make these books palatable for a broad audience. VERDICT Great for classroom libraries.

Upper Middle School to High School

CURRIE-MCGHEE, Leanne. Hi-Tech Jobs in Medical Technology. ISBN 9781678207045.
––––. Hi-Tech Jobs in Video Gaming. ISBN 9781678207021.
DOUGHERTY, Terri. Hi-Tech Jobs in Science. ISBN 9781678207083.
KALLEN, Stuart A.Hi-Tech Jobs in Robotics. ISBN 9781678207069.
STEFFENS, Bradley. Hi-Tech Jobs in Social Media. ISBN 9781678207106.
ea vol: 64p. (Exploring Hi-Tech Jobs). ReferencePoint. Mar. 2024. Tr. $32.95.
Gr 6 Up–Hi-tech jobs are in high demand, making STEM careers a popular choice. These five books present different hi-tech career options in fields like medical technology, science, video gaming, robotics, and social media that are suitable for middle and high school students. Some of the careers covered include biomedical engineer, video game developer, environmental scientist, robotics programmer, and social media manager. Each job profile includes labor statistics, average annual salary, personality traits, projected job growth, and a sample description of “a day in the life.” Working conditions, skills, and future outlook are also included. Topics like avoiding burnout, advocating for oneself in the workplace, and navigating potential pitfalls in each career path make this series unique. The publisher does a great job making information comprehensive and detailed while being concise and easy to follow. VERDICT Another standout series from ReferencePoint that’s ideal for school library collections; school counselors should also consider.

KLATTE, Kathleen A. Auto Mechanic. ISBN 9781499475739.
––––. Carpenter. ISBN 9781499475760.
––––. Electrician. ISBN 9781499475791.
––––. Hairstylist. ISBN 9781499475821.
––––. Physical Therapist. ISBN 9781499475852.
––––. Plumber. ISBN 9781499475883.
ea vol: 96p. (The Right Career for Me). Rosen Young Adult. Dec. 2023. Tr. $39.77.
Gr 7 Up–This standout series for teens delves into vital aspects of each career, encompassing requisite skills, educational prerequisites, training programs, future career outlooks, and other essential particulars. Each of these books not only provides updated information about exciting careers, but also shares how the jobs have evolved over time—and why they’re so important in the present day. For example, this series presents electricians as essential professionals who help us access everything from hot water to the internet. Whereas carpentry careers used to involve old-school tools like hammers and nails, this series resets that assumption by showing the hi-tech side of carpentry and the lucrative opportunities that await. Real-life issues take center stage in informative sidebars, offering additional guidance for teens, along with captivating, action-packed photos and suggestions for further career exploration. VERDICT Rosen knocks it out of the park with this series; school counselors should definitely consider.

These career series form a rich tapestry, weaving together diverse professions, educational levels, and engaging formats to provide a comprehensive and accessible resource for readers of all ages. Whether sparking curiosity in the youngest minds or guiding teens toward informed career choices, each series contributes uniquely to the realm of career exploration. Libraries, educators, and caregivers alike will find these series to be invaluable tools in fostering a love for learning and inspiring the workforce of the future. In “Exploring Hi-Tech Jobs,” ReferencePoint once again offers an exemplary update to its suite of career-focused books for teens that will inspire readers to think critically about the career options available to them.