My Mechanical Romance

Bel would rather die than think about the future. College apps? You're funny. Extracurriculars? Not a chance. But when she accidentally reveals a talent for engineering at school, she's basically forced into joining the robotics club. Even worse? All the boys ignore Bel-and Neelam, the only other girl on the team, doesn't seem to like her either.

Enter Mateo Luna, captain of the club, who recognizes Bel as a potential asset-until they start butting heads. Bel doesn't care about Nationals, while Teo cares too much. But as the nights of after-school work grow longer and longer, Bel and Teo realize they've built more than just a combat-ready robot for the championship: they've made space for each other and themselves.

Sharply funny with a slow-burn, all-the-feels romance, Alexene Farol Follmuth's My Mechanical Romance explores both the challenges girls of color face in STEM and the vulnerability of first love with unfailing wit and honesty.