“What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a common question educators pose to children. Oftentimes, youngsters declare their career choices with little thought, drawing only on the familiar. These series expose readers to more unique choices: driver of the Mars rover, video-game creator, and Navy SEALS, to name a few. There’s something for the youngest students to consider as well as titles for high school age readers.

Preschool-Grade 4

GREGORY, Josh. Henry Ford: Father of the Auto Industry. ISBN 978-0-531-24777-8; ISBN 978-0-531-28463-6.

MARA, Wil. American Entrepreneurship. ISBN 978-0-531-24775-4; ISBN 978-0-531-28461-2. LC 2013004188.

–––. Sam Walton: The Man Who Invented Walmart. ISBN 978-0-531-24778-5; ISBN 978-0-531-28464-3.

ORR, Tamra B. Walt Disney: The Man Behind the Magic. ISBN 978-0-531-24780-8; ISBN 978-0-531-28466-7.

ROOME, Hugh with Anne Roose Roome. The Global Economy: America and the World. ISBN 978-0-531-24776-1; ISBN 978-0-531-28462-9.

YOMTOV , Nel. Starting Your Own Business. ISBN 978-0-531-24779-2; ISBN 978-0-531-28465-0. LC 2013002374.

ea vol: 48p. (A True Book: Great American Business Series). chron. further reading. glossary. illus. index. map. photos. reprods. websites. Children’s Press. 2013. lib. ed. $29; pap. $6.95.

Gr 3-6–These volumes all start with two statements, and readers are encouraged to “Find the answer in this book” to discover which one is true. Some of the titles are biographies of famous businessmen (for example, Walt Disney), while others are topical (for example, entrepreneurship), which shows a lack of focus in the series. The length of the books and the large font suggest a younger audience than the content indicates. The writing style is often choppy and stilted (e.g., “No one gets very far by being ignorant....If you studied hard and learned a lot, you’re going to do very well”). Chapters are short, with headings, large font, and plenty of captioned photos and reproductions, though some photos are grainy with distorted color. Overall, not an impressive set.

HEOS, Bridget. Be a Pet Sitter. ISBN 978-1-60753-362-7; ISBN 978-1-60753-410-5. LC 2012050607.

–––. Do Yard Work. ISBN 978-1-60753-363-4; ISBN 978-1-60753-411-2. LC 2012050705.

–––. Have a Lemonade Stand. ISBN 978-1-60753-361-0; ISBN 978-1-60753-409-9. LC 2012050573.

–––. Wash Cars. ISBN 978-1-60753-364-1; ISBN 978-1-60753-412-9. LC 2012050631.

ea vol: illus. by Daniele Fabbri. 24p. (Make Money! Series). further reading. glossary. websites. Amicus. 2013. lib. ed. $27.10; ebk. $27.10.

Gr 1-3–This series focuses on jobs children can have now as opposed to when they grow up. Each title begins with a child who wants something–a new skateboard, MP3 player, etc.–and finds a way to earn the money to buy it. The short, interesting texts cover figuring costs, finding a customer base, and advertising. They also deal with making eco-friendly choices, skills needed and correcting mistakes, and conclude with a balance sheet of income and expenditures. The multicultural characters and cartoonlike illustrations are done in bold, fun colors.

ROYSTON, Angela. Diary of a Ballerina. ISBN 978-1-4329-7579-1; ISBN 978-1-4329-7586-9. LC 2012046856.

–––. Diary of a Circus Performer. ISBN 978-1-4329-7580-7; ISBN 978-1-4329-7587-6. LC 2012046857.

–––. Diary of a Dog Walker. ISBN 978-1-4329-7581-4; ISBN 978-1-4329-7588-3. LC 2012046858.

–––. Diary of a Farmer. ISBN 978-1-4329-7582-1; ISBN 978-1-4329-7589-0. LC 2012046854.

–––. Diary of a Firefighter. ISBN 978-1-4329-7583-8; ISBN 978-1-4329-7590-6. LC 2012046861.

–––. Diary of a Pilot. ISBN 978-1-4329-7584-5; ISBN 978-1-4329-7591-3. LC 2012046862.

ea vol: 32p. (Diary of a... Series). further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Heinemann. 2013. lib. ed. $26.65; pap. $7.99.

Gr 2-4–This series examines careers by exploring a week in each vocation. For example, the narrator in Pilot takes readers from a helicopter pilot’s Sunday morning, when he takes passengers to an oil rig, to Saturday, when he contemplates the many directions his career could take in the future. The large font, bold words, and spare texts (almost extended photo captions) are appropriate for the intended audience. The books discuss many aspects of the jobs, including duties, variety of opportunities, and dangers. Large color photos, which are largely captioned, are important partners to the texts. A concluding “Writing a Diary” section in every title connects the format with the content and explains that “You can write a diary, too!”

Grades 5 & Up

BREZINA, Corona. Getting a Job in Health Care. ISBN 978-1-4488-9610-3; ISBN 978-1-4488-9617-2.

HEOS, Bridget. Getting a Job in Hair Care and Makeup. ISBN 978-1-4488-9611-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-9616-5.

HUBBARD, Rita Lorraine. Getting a Job in the Food Industry. ISBN 978-1-4488-9606-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-9620-2.

KAMBERG, Mary-lane. Getting a Job in Law Enforcement, Security, and Corrections. ISBN 978-1-4488-9605-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-9618-9.

MEYER, Susan. Getting a Job in Sanitation. ISBN 978-1-4488-9607-3; ISBN 978-1-4488-9619-6.

MOZER, Mindy. Getting a Job in Automotive Care and Service. ISBN 978-1-4488-9609-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-9613-4.

SUEN, Anastasia. Getting a Job in Child Care. ISBN 978-1-4488-9612-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-9615-8.

WOLNY, Philip. Getting a Job in Building Maintenance. ISBN 978-1-4488-9608-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-9614-1.

ea vol: 80p. (Job Basics: Getting the Job You Need Series). bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. photos. reprods. websites. Rosen. 2013. lib. ed. $33.25; ebk. $33.25.

Gr 7-10–Written in a clear, straightforward style, this series assumes readers have no prior knowledge of the featured vocations. In five or six thorough chapters per volume, the authors offer overviews of various fields and the choices students entering them need to consider. The chapters continue with the steps readers can do now to prepare, and what will be expected later. Finding a job, interviewing, paperwork, and what perspective workers will learn on the job are all discussed. The main texts can sometimes look squeezed and the spacing odd. The books contain attractive, captioned color photos; headings; fairly large font; and sidebars with additional information.

CRAIG, Jonathan & Bridget Light . Special Effects Make-Up Artist. ISBN 978-1-4109-5486-2; ISBN 978-1-4109-5491-6. LC 2012049391.

–––. Computer Games Designer. ISBN 978-1-4109-5484-8; ISBN 978-1-4109-5489-3. LC 2012049389.

–––. Mars Rover Driver. ISBN 978-1-4109-5483-1; ISBN 978-1-4109-5488-6. LC 2012049388.

–––. Wildlife Photographer. ISBN 978-1-4109-5485-5; ISBN 978-1-4109-5490-9. LC 2012049390.

ea vol: 48p. (The Coolest Jobs on the Planet Series). diag. further reading. glossary. illus. index. map. photos. reprods. websites. Raintree. 2013. lib. ed. $32; pap. $8.99.

Gr 6-9–This set covers the progression of four careers through the first-person narration of a professional. For example, a photographer takes readers from his childhood love of nature to becoming a paid and seasoned pro. Text boxes scattered throughout the volumes relay information about groundbreakers in each field, tools, education, and fun facts. The subject matter is unusual and of high interest. The photos vary in quality, with some appearing grainy and faded. The diagrams are well labeled, but the font is quite small. A quiz in every title allows students to “see if you have what it takes” to succeed in the featured field or test their knowledge. Three volumes suggest topics for further research. Overall, interesting additions to career shelves

CUNNINGHAM, Kevin. Computer Graphics: From Concept to Consumer. ISBN 978-0-531-26520-8; ISBN 978-0-531-22008-5.

–––. Roller Coasters: From Concept to Consumer. ISBN 978-0-531-26521-5; ISBN 978-0-531-22009-2.

–––. Toys: From Concept to Consumer. ISBN 978-0-531-26522-2; ISBN 978-0-531-22010-8.

–––. Video Games: From Concept to Consumer. ISBN 978-0-531-26523-9; ISBN 978-0-531-22011-5.

ea vol: 64p. (Calling All Innovators: A Career for You Series). chron. diag. further reading. glossary. index. photos. reprods. websites. Children’s Press. 2013. lib. ed. $30; pap. $8.95.

Gr 4-7–Despite the fact that the format and font make this set appears to be geared toward younger readers, the high-interest content will appeal to middle grade students. Filled with anecdotes, each volume begins with a historical look at its subject. Chapters follow with information about the current state of the field, warnings of possible pitfalls, and the jobs available within certain areas (for example, Video Games explains that game-lovers can become voice actors, testers, and/or designers). Interviews with individuals in highlighted vocations will enlighten readers about the professions and what commitment is needed to succeed. Included are time lines of business history, sidebars of additional information, and both historical and contemporary photos. A concluding career stats page is illuminating, though misleading as single figures are given, rather than a range.

EARL, C. F. Building a Business in the Virtual World. ISBN 978-1-4222-2913-2; ISBN 978-1-4222-8903-7. LC 2013011591.

–––. Marketing Your Business. ISBN 978-1-4222-2919-4; ISBN 978-1-4222-8909-9. LC 2013015652.

FISCHER, James. Business & Ethics. ISBN 978-1-4222-2914-9; ISBN 978-1-4222-8904-4. LC 2013015648.

–––. Keeping Your Business Organized: Time Management & Workflow. ISBN 978-1-4222-2917-0; ISBN 978-1-4222-8907-5. LC 2013015650.

–––. Starting a Business: Creating a Plan. ISBN 978-1-4222-2920-0; ISBN 978-1-4222-8910-5. LC 2013016931.

ea vol: 64p. (Young Adult Library of Small Business and Finance Series). chart. diag. further reading. glossary. illus. index. photos. reprods. websites. Mason Crest. 2013. lib. ed. $22.95; ebk. $28.95.

Gr 5-9–This series aims to give advice about starting a business to middle or high school aged students, but the skills and advice rendered are transferable to adults. These five volumes cover many aspects of business, from making a plan to marketing your business in the virtual world. The texts are written in a positive and encouraging tone. Short chapters with bold headings and the large unintimidating font add to their accessibility. The authors freely address the challenges and pitfalls of making a business successful, as well as the rewards. Some of the same stock photos are used in multiple volumes, and the titles do suffer from some editing issues. For example, a sidebar of information found on page 14 of Keeping Your Business Organized is repeated verbatim on page 15.

HOBBS, Mike. Communications. ISBN 978-1-59920-920-3. LC 2012051574.

–––. Entertainment. ISBN 978-1-59920-921-0. LC 2012047418.

–––. Fashion. ISBN 978-1-59920-922-7. LC 2012040212.

–––. Food and Drink. ISBN 978-1-59920-923-4. LC 2012040213.

–––. Gadgets and Inventions. ISBN 978-1-59920-924-1. LC 2013001758.

–––. Green Technology. ISBN 978-1-59920-925-8. LC 2013000082.

ea vol: 48p. (Young Entrepreneurs’ Club Series). further reading. glossary. illus. index. photos. reprods. websites. Smart Apple. 2013. lib. ed. $35.65.

Gr 5-9–The slick look and bright colors of this series will appeal to many students. The conversational texts are printed in columns and broken up with fact boxes, challenge questions, and profiles of entrepreneurs (from Bill Gates to lesser-known young inventors). Additionally, headings, subheadings, important words in bold font, and full-color photos make the texts easy and engaging to read. Every title begins with an overview of the field and jobs within, then quickly switches to small-business opportunities. The bulk of each book deals with aspects of the business, including research, product testing, finances, development, competition, budgeting, team work, leadership, marketing, and looking to the future. A useful, appealing series.

LUSTED, Marcia Amidon. Air Commandos: Elite Operations. ISBN 978-0-7613-9081-7; ISBN 978-1-4677-1761-8.

––––. Army Delta Force: Elite Operations. ISBN 978-0-7613-9077-0; ISBN 978-1-4677-1762-5.

––––. Army Rangers: Elite Operations. ISBN 978-0-7613-9078-7; ISBN 978-1-4677-1763-2.

––––. Marine Force Recon: Elite Operations. ISBN 978-0-7613-9079-4; ISBN 978-1-4677-1765-6.

NEWMAN, Patricia. Army Special Forces: Elite Operations. ISBN 978-0-7613-9076-3; ISBN 978-1-4677-1764-9.

––––. Navy Seals: Elite Operations. ISBN 978-0-7613-9080-0; ISBN 978-1-4677-1766-3.

ea vol: 32p. (Military Special Ops Series). further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Lerner. 2013. lib. ed. $26.60; ebk. $19.95.

Gr 3-7–These eye-catching titles, each written in five short chapters, will be attractive to reluctant readers. All begin dramatically with an exotic setting, an emergency situation, and/or figures exhibiting daring military skills. The second chapter places the special unit in a historical context, and the following sections flesh out the roles the unit members play within their branch and in the military as a whole. The books conclude with a chapter on training and education. The risks and destructive nature of the jobs aren’t sugarcoated, but the texts are not graphic. Transitions between chapters are smooth, though the language is sometimes stilted. The writing is filled with acronyms that are, unfortunately, often not included in the glossary. Sprinkled throughout the chapters are text boxes with definitions and additional information, quotations, and anecdotes about real operations. The clear photos are well captioned.

MARLOWE, Christie. Announcer. ISBN 978-1-4222-2887-6; ISBN 978-1-4222-8923-5.

–––. Chef. ISBN 978-1-4222-2890-6; ISBN 978-1-4222-8926-6.

––––. Dog Groomer. ISBN 978-1-4222-2893-7; ISBN 978-1-4222-8929-7.

––––. Presenting Yourself: Business Manners, Personality, and Etiquette. ISBN 978-1-4222-2898-2; ISBN 978-1-4222-8934-1.

SYREWICZ, Connor. Masseur & Massage Therapist. ISBN 978-1-4222-2896-8; ISBN 978-1-4222-8932-7.

––––. Personal Assistant . ISBN 978-1-4222-2897-5; ISBN 978-1-4222-8933-4.

ea vol: 64p. (Earning $50,000 - $100,000 with a High School Diploma or Less Series). bibliog. further reading. index. photos. websites. Mason Crest. 2013. lib. ed. $22.95; ebk. $28.95.

Gr 5-8–The series title implies that readers can make a substantial living without a higher education. Though the titles do acknowledge the need for additional training, which can be a sizable investment of time and money, it isn’t emphasized. Each volume begins with a section titled “Careers Without College,” and follows with chapters explaining the nature of the job, training needed, expected pay scale, and future of the profession. The books are written in a conversational tone with large font and nicely illustrated with captioned photographs. Sidebars of information are included as well as “Looking at Words” text boxes, which are scattered throughout the texts in lieu of glossaries.

OWEN, Ruth. Astronomers. ISBN 978-1-4777-1289-4; ISBN 978-1-4777-1389-1.

––––. Climatologists and Meteorologists. ISBN 978-1-4777-1288-7; ISBN 978-1-4777-1388-4.

––––. Marine Biologists. ISBN 978-1-4777-1291-7; ISBN 978-1-4777-1391-4. LC 2013010581.

––––. Paleontologists and Archaeologists. ISBN 978-1-4777-1290-0; ISBN 978-1-4777-1390-7.

––––. Volcanologists and Seismologists. ISBN 978-1-4777-1292-4; ISBN 978-1-4777-1392-1.

––––. Zoologists and Ecologists. ISBN 978-1-4777-1293-1; ISBN 978-1-4777-1393-8.

ea vol: 32p. (Out of the Lab: Extreme Jobs in Science Series). diag. further reading. glossary. index. map. photos. websites. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2013. lib. ed. $25.25; ebk. $25.25.

Gr 3-6–This attractive series will engage young science fans and broaden their horizons about daring careers. Each book defines its featured vocation(s), provides examples of scientists in the field, offers information about the topic being researched (volcanoes, fossils, etc.), and relays information about unusual locations to work and the types of jobs being performed under extreme conditions. For example, there are astronomers called “Cubers” who work in severely cold temperatures at the IceCube telescope in the South Pole. The books are large in size, format, and font and include nicely reproduced, captioned photos; sidebars of additional information; and diagrams. The vocabulary is rather technical, as the topics demand, but the end matter includes a glossary for support.

PERSON, Stephen. Army Night Stalkers in Action. ISBN 978-1-61772-889-1; ISBN 978-1-61772-935-5. LC 2013002388.

––––. Navy SEAL Team Six in Action. ISBN 978-1-61772-890-7; ISBN 978-1-61772-938-6. LC 2013011526.

RUDOLPH, Jessica. CIA Paramilitary Operatives in Action. ISBN 978-1-61772-892-1; ISBN 978-1-61772-936-2. LC 2013007942.

––––. Marine Scout Snipers in Action. ISBN 978-1-61772-891-4; ISBN 978-1-61772-937-9. LC 2013005973.

ea vol: 32p. (Special Ops II Series). bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. map. photos. reprods. websites. Bearport. 2013. lib. ed. $26.60; ebk. $26.60.

Gr 3-6–Each title begins with an attention-grabbing critical situation. For example, Navy SEAL opens with the mission to find Osama bin Laden. Subsequent chapters, all very short, explain the special teams’ duties, history, qualifications, and training. The titles end with spreads highlighting specific gear. The books are light on narrative and include text boxes of information (“The CIA teaches its ops different languages, so that they can communicate with people in foreign countries”) and maps. They are heavy on aptly captioned color photos. Overall, a well-designed set, though dealing with violent careers.

This season’s career series are heavy on business and military titles and short on service careers. Common professions take a backseat to radical and high-tech jobs. Bold colors, intriguing photos, and varied layouts create attractive and informative appearances, while the strong voices of many of the volumes make for interesting reading. Raintree’s “The Coolest Jobs on the Planet,” PowerKids’s “Out of the Lab: Extreme Jobs in Science,” Lerner’s “Military Special Ops,” and Bearport’s “Special Ops II” offer information about some unusual and/or risky professions. A few of the titles in Smart Apple’s “The Young Entrepreneurs’ Club” and Mason Crest’s “Earning $50,000-$100,000 with a High School Diploma or Less” describe creative and interesting jobs, though the first is more accurate and the second somewhat misleading. Most of the sets, such as Rosen’s “Job Basics: Getting the Job You Need” and Mason Crest’s “Young Adult Library of Small Business and Finance,” deliver practical advice. Amicus’s “Make Money!” and Heinemann’s “Diary of a…” introduce young readers to ways they can earn money right now and a variety of future vocations.