Horn Book (Mon May 08 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

When a teacher takes note of newcomer Bel Maier's natural talents in science and pushes her to try out for the school's robotics team, high-school senior Bel -- who is less interested in academics and college plans than many of her classmates -- is wary but gives it a shot. She gets off to a rocky start with the team lead, wealthy, beloved school jock Teo Luna, when she criticizes the design of the robot created for competition, but it doesn't take long for the two to begin collaborating and develop feelings for each other. The lack of support from the team advisor and overt misogyny from competitors are frustrating forces that test Bel's self-confidence as a girl of color in STEM. This lively teen romance, with alternating narration from Bel and Teo, is packed with humor as well as tender moments, while also reflecting common anxieties around graduating high school. The characters' multiracial and multicultural family contexts (Bel's family identifies as "half Filipino"; Teo has Mexican and Jewish heritage) are naturally integrated. Though Bel is unsure of her future plans, she solidifies her friendships, familial and academic support, and most importantly, trust in herself. Gabi K. Huesca

Kirkus Reviews (Mon May 08 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Opposites attract in this YA debut starring high school engineers.Uncertain of her future post-graduation, Isabel Maier, who is Filipino and White and a transfer student at Essex Academy for Art, Science, and Technology, is reluctant to apply to colleges or think about choosing a major. Despite procrastinating on a catapult assignment, she reveals her gift for engineering design. Bel's teacher encourages her to switch to AP physics and try out for the robotics team. Jewish and Mexican robotics (and soccer) team captain Mateo Luna is determined to get early admission to MIT and win this year's national high school robotics competition. Impressed by Bel's egg-drop design during tryouts, Teo selects her as their newest teammate, much to everyone's surprise, including Bel's. From the get-go, Bel is overlooked by her male cohorts, who depend heavily on Teo's leadership; teammate Neelam-the only other girl on the team-immediately dislikes her; and even Teo seems to regret his decision as they clash over ideas. Farol Follmuth's nuanced and honest characterizations remind readers that everyone has the capacity for change. As Teo and Bel's relationship blooms from teammates to something more, Teo becomes fully aware of his privileged upbringing and the gender bias among his peers, and Bel learns to be a better team player while also standing up for herself. The message is clear: Women deserve to take up space in the STEM world too.A delightful teen romance about building robots-and new futures. (Romance. 13-18)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Seventeen-year-old Bel Maier, who is half-Filipino and half-white, doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life. She has been avoiding college applications, but her knack for engineering and love of building things lands her a spot on her private Los Angeles high school’s robotics team after a teacher encourages her to audition. Bel’s initial disinterest in math and sciences and her unorthodox approach to projects causes friction within the team, however, and she butts heads with intense club leader Mateo “Teo” Luna, who is half-Mexican and half-white, and Indian American Neelam Dasari, the only other girl on the team. When Bel and Teo fall for each other, they must navigate a relationship amid the boys’ club atmosphere of high school robotics, even as a cutthroat competition and uncertainty about their post-high school futures work against them. Follmuth’s humorous debut lightly addresses discrimination faced by women of color in STEM, as well as issues of privilege and resource accessibility, set within an upbeat romantic comedy populated by a sympathetic and inclusive cast. The characters’ struggles are realistic, and the romantic chemistry is palpable, making this a joyful read. Ages 12–up. Agent: Amelia Appel, Triada US. (May)

School Library Journal (Mon May 08 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

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 insteadlike 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