If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It [Nonfiction Nov]

If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It: How 25 Inspiring Individuals Found Their Dream Jobs by Colleen Nelson and Kathie MacIsaac

Summary 💬

What does it take to become a stuntperson? How does a mathematician spend her days? When does a barber become the center of a community? In this refreshing take on a careers book, meet twenty-five individuals of different backgrounds, genders, and abilities who have found their careers through a wide range of experience, education, intention, and inspiration. From Joshua Jones, who built a business where he could thrive as a Deaf interior designer, to Teresa Tam, whose hunger for knowledge led her to the position of Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, each of these dreamers found ways to dig deep into their passion, to gain experience and knowledge, and to turn that into a job.

Goodreads

Review ✍🏻

Last week, I had the joy of attending the launch for If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It. Kathie and Colleen both reside in my hometown and are well known members of the online middle grade community. One activity I’ve been enjoying since moving back has been attending book launches at the local independent book store! I don’t read much middle grade non-fiction, but of course I have to make any except for this book. And how fitting that its falls during Nonfiction November.

If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It profiles 25 people who share their stories of how they came into their dream jobs and what those jobs entail. Sidebars include pro tips, spin off jobs, why not try, and living the dream – mini profiles of young people doing related work in the field. Front and back matter thoughtfully acknowledges that there is no wrong answer when it comes to how you pursue a career, or what is the right career to pursue. Each profile emphasizes that notion by showing varied paths through diverse fields. I also appreciate the Canadians featured throughout, including a number of local folks.

My favourite profile (and probably a profile that would pique many kids’ interest!) is the final one in the book. Stephanie Harvey, a “professional video game player/gaming expert”, describes her path from professional Counter-Strike player to director of business development at an esports org. I like to think in another life I would have a career in the behind-the-scenes of content creation. Women in gaming continue to fight an uphill battle against sexism in the industry, so it’s great to read about a successful woman like Harvey. From a responsible grown up perspective, I could also say it’s nice to have an example of career path that’s not only ‘streamer’, which stemmed from a love of a gaming.

The Bottom Line 💭

Keep If You Dream It, You Can Do It at hand for kids pondering that age old question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” – both those who are full of big dreams for their future and those who could use a little inspiration.

Further Reading 📰

🍂 Authors online: Colleen Nelson’s website | Kathie MacIsaac’s Twitter
🍂 Interview @ MG Book Village
🍂 Reviews: Laurie @ Bit About Books, Stephanie @ Storytime with Stephanie, Colleen @ Mrs C Heidrich
🍂 Related: For more reviews of non-fiction for kids, check out the final post in my 25 KidLit Annotations series.

What was your childhood dream job?