People of all ages start thinking about their future jobs and careers, but in today’s complex world, it’s crucial for readers to have current, reliable resources to help them identify their strengths and guide them toward a successful and fulfilling path. These series provide realistic depictions of a wide range of well-known and niche career paths, organized in ways that suit different types of learners. Covering everything from required education and key skills to salary expectations, industry insights, and a typical day on the job, these series provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of various careers. With vibrant photos, informative captions, quick facts, and recommendations for further reading, these books offering something valuable for every reading level.

Elementary

Mattern, Joanne. Carpenter. ISBN 9798892131551.
––––. Electrician. ISBN 9798892131582.
––––. Mason. ISBN 9798892131612.
––––. Mechanic. ISBN 9798892131643.
––––. Plumber. ISBN 9798892131674.
––––. Welder. ISBN 9798892131704.
ea vol: 24p. (Trade Careers). Jump!/Pogo. Aug. 2024. Tr. $18.95.
Gr 1-5–This series highlights specialized skilled trades such as welding, plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, mechanics, and masonry, making these careers accessible to early elementary readers. With shorter chapters designed to build confidence, the series provides in-depth information while remaining approachable for younger audiences. Text and photographs alternate throughout the pages, while visual glossaries help readers identify and understand the tools of each trade. Each book includes a simple activity to allow readers to try out the work themselves—like a picture frame-making activity in the carpentry book. True to the publisher’s style, engaging illustrations, infographics, and “Did You Know?” sections are woven into each chapter, making the content both captivating and informative. Men and women are featured in various roles across all trades. VERDICT This series would be a valuable addition to public, middle, and high school library collections.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

First, Rachel. Amazon. ISBN 9798893040029.
––––. Barbie. ISBN 9798893040036.
Olson, Elsie. DreamWorks. ISBN 9798893040043.
––––. Electronic Arts. ISBN 9798893040050.
ea vol: 32p. (Behind the Brand). Bellwether/Blastoff!. Aug. 2024. Tr. $19.95.
Gr 3-8–These additions to an ongoing series delve into the fascinating evolution of four of the most well-known names in the business world. Informative, engaging text pairs with vivid images to uncover the backstory of each brand, from significant milestones and visionary leaders to pioneering products that have shaped fields and industries. Key features spotlight the brands’ origins, profile influential figures, track sales growth, and showcase each company’s philanthropic endeavors. Each book is sorted into short chapters, and sentence structure is simple for beginning readers. In addition to offering an insightful look into the rise of these companies, the series stands out for its historical accuracy, drawing on well-researched sources to provide a reliable narrative of the brands’ journeys. The timeliness of the series makes it particularly compelling, as it arrives during a period when consumers are increasingly interested in corporate responsibility and the history behind the products they use daily, and the companies and brands they see in the media. VERDICT Larger collections in schools and public libraries would benefit from having this series on their shelves.

Marsico, Katie. Budgeting and Saving. ISBN 9781668947029.
––––. Buying Goods and Services. ISBN 9781668947036.
––––. Earning Income. ISBN 9781668947043.
––––. Inflation and Cost of Living. ISBN 9781668947050.
––––. Paying Taxes. ISBN 9781668947067.
––––. Planning for Financial Risk. ISBN 9781668947074.
––––. Understanding Investing. ISBN 9781668947081.
––––. Using Credit. ISBN 9781668947098.
ea vol: 32p. (Money Talks: 21st Century Financial Literacy). Cherry Lake. Aug. 2024. Tr. $32.07.
Gr 4-8–This series offers an engaging and accessible introduction to finance, tailored for aspiring financial experts. Each book explores a wide range of financial literacy topics, including purchasing goods and services, budgeting and saving, investing, maintaining good credit, earning income, paying taxes, assessing financial risks, preparing for financial challenges, and understanding inflation and the cost of living. Readers are not only introduced to key financial concepts but also learn how to make informed financial decisions. The series excels in promoting holistic family financial literacy, making it valuable for both young adults and their caregivers. This publisher has produced other series that similarly stand out for their broad appeal and practical value. Photos, a glossary, and infographics help readers better understand new concepts. VERDICT This series is an excellent choice for any larger collection in a school or public library.

Upper Middle School to High School

Bell, Samantha S. Be a Social Media Coordinator. ISBN 9781678209407.
Cornell, Kari. Be a Web Designer. ISBN 9781678209445.
Forest, Christopher. Be a Telecommunications Technician. ISBN 9781678209421.
Henzel, Cynthia Kennedy. Be a Cybersecurity Specialist. ISBN 9781678209384.
Teitelbaum, Isabel. Be a Computer Support Specialist. ISBN 9781678209360.
ea vol: 64p. (Hi-Tech Jobs Without College). ReferencePoint/BrightPoint. Aug. 2024. Tr. $33.95.
Gr 8 Up–These titles offer a comprehensive guide to technology-based careers that do not necessarily require a college degree, making it an excellent resource for teens and young adults exploring alternative career paths in a fast-paced, tech-driven world. Through engaging narratives, the series outlines the key aspects of each profession, from the types of training required to daily responsibilities on the job. In the book on computer support, for example, readers learn about the role of support specialists, the hands-on training they typically undergo, and the promising career outlook in this growing field. Readers will appreciate the clear explanations of these technical roles, which are complemented by helpful graphics, source notes, and resources for further exploration. Each book emphasizes that while formal education can be beneficial, many professionals in these fields thrive with certifications, on-the-job training, and experience rather than a traditional college background. VERDICT This series serves as an empowering guide for young adults seeking to break into the technology industry without the need for a four-year degree, and would make an excellent addition to any public or school library collection that serves teens or young adults up to the age of 20.

Cornell, Kari. Jobs If You Like the Creative Arts. ISBN 9781678209223.
Hubbard, Martha. Jobs If You Like Gaming. ISBN 9781678209162.
Troup, Roxanne. Jobs If You Like Social Media. ISBN 9781678209186.
––––. Jobs If You Like Sports. ISBN 9781678209209.
Ventura, Marne. Jobs If You Like the Culinary Arts. ISBN 9781678209247.
ea vol: 64p. (Job Discovery). ReferencePoint/BrightPoint. Aug. 2024. Tr. $33.95.
Gr 6 Up–This fascinating series is designed to inspire and guide teens toward careers that align with their hobbies and interests. Presenting several possible careers in each book, the series covers essential information such as the steps required to break into these industries, the necessary skills and training, and what daily life is like for professionals in these fields. The inclusion of at-a-glance statistics, such as salary ranges and job growth, provides valuable context for each career. Each book excels in making complex information accessible to a wide audience, including those who benefit from hi-lo books. The concise, informative writing style, paired with visual elements, ensures that the material is easy to follow while still offering substantial content with simple language and short paragraphs that will hold readers’ attention. Another standout feature of this series is its emphasis on diversity, both in the variety of careers represented and the people featured within each profession. VERDICT This is an essential purchase for high school libraries and a strong candidate for public library collections that serve teens and tweens.

Crooks-Johnson, Jenny. Quick Guide to Living on a Budget. ISBN 9781678209087.
Rowley, Kris Erickson. Quick Guide to Insurance. ISBN 9781678209049.
––––. Quick Guide to Saving and Investing. ISBN 9781678209148.
Ventura, Marne. Quick Guide to Jobs and Taxes. ISBN 9781678209063.
––––. Quick Guide to Loans and Credit. ISBN 9781678209100.
––––. Quick Guide to Renting. ISBN 9781678209124.
ea vol: 64p. (Quick Guide to Financial Skills). ReferencePoint/BrightPoint. Aug. 2024. Tr. $33.95.
Gr 5 Up–Another excellent hi-lo series, these titles address crucial topics such as insurance, jobs and taxes, loans, and renting, as well as how to successfully live on a budget. The information is tailored specifically to the unique challenges faced by young readers. Each book breaks down these complex subjects into easily digestible information, helping readers navigate the financial decisions they’ll encounter as they transition into adulthood. These books are packed with pragmatic, useful information, while maintaining broad appeal. A standout feature of the series is its use of engaging visuals, including graphics that present key information at a glance, making it easier to understand and retain. Additionally, source notes and carefully curated resources are provided in each book to support readers who want to dive deeper into further research or seek practical guidance. VERDICT A great series for middle school libraries that introduces basic mathematical thinking and financial skills.

Eboch, M. M. I Want to Be a Camp Counselor. ISBN 9781680209716.
Kelaher Fredeen, Kerry. I Want to Be a Babysitter. ISBN 9781680209709.
––––. I Want to Be a Cashier. ISBN 9781680209723.
Kennedy, Elise. I Want to Be a Dog Sitter. ISBN 9781680209730.
Mooney, Carla. I Want to Start a Lawncare Business. ISBN 9781680209747.
––––. I Want to Work in Food Service. ISBN 9781680209754.
ea vol: 48p. (You’re Hired!). Mitchell Lane. Jul. 2024. Tr. $40.
Gr 5 Up–For many teens, the prospect of growing skills and discovering new talents through landing their first job brings excitement, curiosity, and a little anxiety. Securing a part-time job provides valuable opportunities to discover professional strengths and areas for growth while experiencing the satisfaction of earning their own money. This up-to-date, informative series explores some of the most common first jobs available to teens, offering insight into different roles and responsibilities. Some teens may thrive in positions as cashiers, food service employees, or camp counselors, while others may prefer the entrepreneurial route of starting their own small businesses, such as babysitting, dog walking, or lawn care. With vibrant color photography, an engaging “Find Out More” section, and a practical index, this series equips teens with the knowledge and confidence to embark on their first job search. VERDICT Whether exploring traditional employment or entrepreneurial ventures, readers will feel empowered to take the first steps toward their professional journeys thanks to this series that’s perfect for school library collections.

Morkes, Andrew. Construction. ISBN 9781422249048.
––––. Entrepreneurs. ISBN 9781422249055.
––––. Healthcare. ISBN 9781422249062.
––––. Hospitality Managers. ISBN 9781422249079.
––––. Podcasters. ISBN 9781422249086.
––––. Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents. ISBN 9781422249093.
ea vol: 80p. (Careers with Earning Potential). National Highlights/Mason Crest. Sept. 2024. Tr. $27.95.
Gr 7 Up–As college costs soar and exploring alternatives to traditional four-year degrees becomes more popular, this series offers high school and early college students valuable insights into rewarding careers that require diverse skills and education without always necessitating a college degree. The series continues to expand, with these latest books highlighting high-earning, sometimes nontraditional career paths in fields such as healthcare, podcasting, entrepreneurship, hospitality management, construction, and real estate. The notable value of these books is that they are detailed, comprehensive, and informative without being dry. They are as engaging as they are educational, with a focus on practical strategies to help readers stand out in the job market. The visual elements reflect workplace diversity, while long sections of text are broken up with engaging graphics and fast facts that offer practical insights for building a successful career in any of these fields. Each book includes actionable steps and practical advice for further exploration. VERDICT A valuable resource for students seeking educational alternatives to traditional college pathways.

Suivski, Nicholas. Borrowing Basics: A Teen Guide to Credit and Debt. ISBN 9798765629994.
––––. Dollars and Sense: A Teen Guide to Managing Money. ISBN 9798765630006.
––––. First Job 101: A Teen Guide to Employment. ISBN 9798765630013.
ea vol: 64p. (Fund Your Future). Lerner/Twenty-First Century. Aug. 2024. pap. $12.99.
Gr 6 Up–This engaging three-book series offers a comprehensive road map for teens stepping into the world of personal finance, debt management, and career development. Each volume simplifies essential life skills into clear, practical lessons, making complex topics like budgeting and credit approachable for young readers eager to take control of their futures. The first book demystifies debt and credit, covering everything from distinguishing between good and bad debt to building and maintaining a strong credit score, arming teens with the knowledge they need to make smart, responsible financial decisions. The second book deepens the focus on financial literacy, delivering useful tips on budgeting, saving, and investing, while the third book provides a detailed guide to navigating the job market, from crafting resumes to mastering professionalism. Together, these books empower teens with the confidence to manage their money wisely and present themselves as capable professionals in their early work experiences. VERDICT Rich with career planning advice and practical strategies for funding their education, this series encourages teens to start planning early and approach their future with purpose, turning what might feel overwhelming into a manageable, achievable process.

A highlight of this season’s collection is “Job Discovery” (ReferencePoint/BrightPoint), which engages a diverse audience across various reading levels by connecting readers’ hobbies and interests to potential careers. The series effectively helps readers explore job opportunities that align with their personal passions and favorite activities. Similarly, “Hi-Tech Jobs Without College” (ReferencePoint/BrightPoint) will inspire and motivate teens and young adults to explore rewarding career opportunities beyond the traditional college route.