Career Exploration Books for Kids
When I Grow Up
by Al Yankovic Year Published:
This one is a silly book, but it will definitely get your students thinking creatively about their future! Billy’s class is discussing what they want to be when they grow up and he has a whole list of ideas – each career more outlandish than the last!
What Do You Do with an Idea?
by Kobi Yamada Year Published:
Yamada’s book isn’t specifically about careers, however, it does share that one small idea can become something amazing. It will teach students the power of being creative and the importance of perseverance.
Careers: The Graphic Guide to Planning Your Future
by DK Year Published:
This one is not a read-aloud, but it has a lot of great information in it! This book would be great for upper elementary and middle school students. It allows them to start with their interests and find relevant careers from there.
Also, be sure to give students the opportunity to preview picture books about specific careers as well. Peruse your school or local library to find books for kids about different jobs. Are they interested in being an astronaut, fashion designer or author? Picture books will spark ideas and get students thinking about what interests them!
Career Day
by Anne Rockwell Year Published:
Career Day is a wonderful book for the preschool/kindergarten age. Each student in the class brings a special visitor, who explains their job and the work that they do.
Who Will I Be?
by Abby Huntsman Year Published:
Huntsman’s book will get students thinking more about the root of a career – how they want to help others and provide for their community.
What Shoes Will You Wear?
by Julia Cook Year Published:
“There’s a job for every personality!” Spark children’s imaginations by determining what they enjoy and how that could turn into a career.
Stories for Kids Who Dare to be Different
by Ben Brooks Year Published:
Bjoerk, Dr Seuss, Whoopi Goldberg, Andy Warhol, Ellen MacArthur, Greta Gerwig, Andrea Bocelli, Hua Mulan ... these are men and women who all dared to be different.
Boys will be boys and girls will be girls - or so the meaningless saying goes. Because what if you're a girl and you like cage fighting? Or you're a boy and you love ballet? And what if you've always dreamed of being a scientist but you can't see anyone who looks or sounds like you, and who has left a legacy - in the form of microscopes and Bunsen burners - for you to follow?
This is the book for children who want to know about the lives of those heroes who have led the way, changing the world for the better as they go.
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women
by Francesca Cavallo Year Published:
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The unique narrative style of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls transforms each biography into a fairytale, filling readers with wonder and a burning curiosity to know more about each hero. Each woman's story is accompanied by a full-page, full-color portrait that captures her rebel spirit.
Featured Women Include:
- Ada Lovelace, Mathematician
- Amelia Earhart, Aviator
- Frida Kahlo, Painter
- Malala Yousafzai, Activist
- Jane Goodall, Primatologist
- Julia Child, Chef
- Marie Curie, Scientist
- Maya Angelou, Writer
- Michelle Obama, Lawyer and First Lady
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Supreme Court Justice
"This amazing book shows young girls they can be anything they want." -Melinda Gates
Stories for Boys Who Dare to Be Different: True Tales of Amazing Boys Who Changed the World without
by Ben Brooks Year Published:
It's an accessible compilation of 75 famous and not-so-famous men from the past to the present day, every single one of them a rule-breaker and stereotype-smasher in his own way. Entries include Frank Ocean, Salvador Dali, Beethoven, Barack Obama, Ai Weiwei, Jesse Owens, and so many more-heroes from all walks of life and from all over the world.
*Best for adolescents and early-adolescents.