What Can I Do When I Grow Up?: A Young Person's Guide to Careers, Money - And the Future

by The School of Life (Author) Tyla Mason (Illustrator)

What Can I Do When I Grow Up?: A Young Person's Guide to Careers, Money - And the Future
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
A unique, illustrated guide to the world of work, bringing clarity to children's essential questions on potential future careers. It's impossible for a child to spend too long around adults without one of them coming up and asking, as if it were the most normal thing in the world, "What do you want to do when you grow up?" They mean for this to be a relatively simple question; the idea is that you'll quite easily be able to say something like, "A teacher" or "A doctor" and then the adult will move on--and bother someone else. But the truth can be a lot more complicated, and if you've ever felt confused or annoyed by the question, you have every right: Knowing what you might want to do with your working life is one of the biggest, oddest, and hardest questions of all. It might take many decades to find a good answer to it--and it's one that most adults are still grappling with... This is a unique book about careers and the world of work written expressly for children. It takes us on a journey around some of the most essential questions within the topic: How can one discover one's passions?, what should a "good" job involve?, what is a good amount of money to try to make?, how does the economy function?--and acknowledges that the job you might do one day probably doesn't even exist now. The result is a book that should spark some exceptionally fruitful conversations and help children look to their future work life with positivity and anticipation.
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Kirkus Reviews

Broadens horizons and provokes critical thought about an essential issue. (Nonfiction. 8-16)

School Library Journal

Gr 4-9--The School of Life, a global organization founded by author and editor de Botton, aims to provide people with tools and techniques to gain knowledge and lead more fulfilled lives. This volume focuses on careers and finding a satisfying way to answer the question, "What do you want to do when you grow up?" The book begins with a historical look at careers, including tracing the increasing specialization in jobs. There are chapters on concepts that are seldom addressed in the typical career guide, including why it is hard to do, visible vs. invisible jobs, and how professional work is different from school. Some chapters discuss the role of money in career choice and why some people get paid more than others, as well as what it means to have meaningful work. The easy-to-read text is entertaining and contains examples and analogies that are both creative and relatable. Mason's colorful cartoon-style illustrations greatly enhance the text. Most chapters end with an activity to reinforce and apply the concepts presented, a feature that would be especially useful for teachers and guidance counselors. VERDICT Recommended as an entertaining and thoughtful volume on careers and the many factors that influence career choice.--Theresa Muraski, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Library

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

Broadens horizons and provokes critical thought about an essential issue. - Kirkus Reviews

Recommended as an entertaining and thoughtful volume on careers and the many factors that influence career choice. - School Library Journal

Great book! I love the content and the informal voice. This is so relevant and important! - Marla Conn, Read-ability

I think this is a fun book to read to learn about what I would like to do when I get older. - Kid's Book Buzz

The School of Life

The School of Life is a global organization helping people lead more fulfilled lives. Through our range of books, gifts and stationery we aim to prompt more thoughtful natures and help everyone to find fulfillment.


The School of Life is a resource for exploring self-knowledge, relationships, work, socializing, finding calm, and enjoying culture through content, community, and conversation. You can find us online, in stores and in welcoming spaces around the world offering classes, events, and one-to-one therapy sessions.


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The School of Life Press brings together the thinking and ideas of the School of Life creative team under the direction of series editor, Alain de Botton. Their books share a coherent, curated message that speaks with one voice: calm, reassuring, and sane.

Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781912891207
Lexile Measure
1110
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
School of Life
Publication date
June 20, 2020
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF011000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Careers
JNF050000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | School & Education
JNF040000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Philosophy
JNF070000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Inspirational & Personal Growth
Library of Congress categories
Occupations
Psychological aspects
Work
Vocational guidance
Job satisfaction

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