My Mechanical Romance
by Alexene Farol Follmuth
National Geographic Books 2022
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- girls in STEM
- identity and self-confidence
- teamwork
- romance
- ambition and leadership
- challenging stereotypes
- friendship
- family expectations
About this book
Bel would rather coast through senior year than think about college—until a classroom moment reveals she’s a natural at engineering. Reluctantly joining the mostly male robotics team, she clashes and connects with Teo, the driven captain who sees her potential. As competitions heat up, Bel finds her voice, her confidence, and maybe a crush—all while challenging stereotypes in STEM. Great for teens who like witty banter, school-team drama, and a smart, hopeful romance.
Setting: a contemporary Southern California high school and robotics competitions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Mechanical Romance right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for My Mechanical Romance. The reading level is AR 5.3, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include girls in STEM, identity and self-confidence, teamwork.
How long does it take to read My Mechanical Romance?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, My Mechanical Romance takes around 8.3h to finish. The book has 82,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does My Mechanical Romance have an AR quiz?
Yes — My Mechanical Romance has an AR quiz available, worth 12 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is My Mechanical Romance?
My Mechanical Romance has an AR reading level of 5.3, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.