Kids can explore 'extreme careers'—August 22, 2008
Children are often introduced to unusual careers by watching television programs or movies. But how accurate is Hollywood’s portrayal of these careers? You can learn more about some unusual jobs by reading the books in the “Extreme Careers” series, found in the children’s department of the library.
Each of the fifteen titles in this series provides information about the necessary education, training, and on-the-job duties for a specific career. Each book also includes a glossary of terms used in the book, a list of organizations and their web sites that can provide more information, and a list of suggested titles for those who would like to do further reading.
This series takes you from outer space, with “Astronauts: Life Exploring Outer Space” by Chris Hayhurst, to the depths of the oceans, with “Submariners: Life in Submarines” by Brian Wingate. It explores careers that can prove dangerous for different reasons: “War Correspondents: Life Under Fire” by Magdalena Alagna, “Biohazard Technicians: Life on a Trauma Scene Cleanup Crew” by Stephanie Cooperman, and “Arctic Scientists: Life Studying the Arctic” by Chris Hayhurst.
Are you curious about tornados and hurricanes? You’ll find information about the destructive forces behind these severe weather systems and the people whose jobs involve studying these dangerous storms in “Hurricane Hunters and Tornado Chasers: Life in the Eye of the Storm” by Lois Sakany.
If you like to solve puzzles, you might enjoy reading “Cryptologists: Life Making and Breaking Codes” by Aaron Rosenberg. Perhaps you are fascinated by the idea of being a spy. If so, look for “Secret Agents: Life as a Professional Spy” by Claudia B. Manley.
Indiana Jones leads a life of adventure, but if you want to know what life is like for a real archaeologist you should read Holly Cefrey’s book “Archaeologists: Life Digging Up Artifacts.” And if you enjoy watching shows like “CSI,” you might want to learn more about this type of work by reading “Detectives: Life Investigating Crime” by Nicholas Croce or “Forensic Scientists: Life Investigating Sudden Death” by Suzanne J. Murdico.
Other titles in the series provide a glimpse into the lives of oil rig workers, bomb squad experts, adventure tour guides, and bodyguards. And all of the books in this fascinating series are available at your library!
