Nerds are so hot.
Especially battle robot building nerds.
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.
This sharply funny, academic rivals to lovers romance explores both the challenges girls of color face in STEM and the vulnerability of first love with unfailing wit and honesty.
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Gr 7 Up-This novel is full of charm. The story follows Bel, a girl who does not want to stress about the future, such as college applications, and has no interest in any after-school activities, for she has other things in mind instead-like laying low and not worrying about what is to come. A problem arises for her when she showcases her hidden talent, which is that she's good at engineering. So good, that she finds herself immediately dragged into the school's robotics club. Problem is, it's all mostly guys in there, and the girls don't seem to really like her. But, when she meets Mateo Luna, who is captain of the club, he makes it obvious that he believes in her talents. Bel and Mateo start disagreeing, but she also loves that he supports having women in STEM careers. What follows is an engaging story, filled with lessons about believing in yourself when you never thought you could and believing others who might see the shine you never thought was possible. VERDICT Perfect for middle school and high school libraries seeking a unique story.-Aurora Dominguez