The Poetry of Car Mechanics

Gr 5 Up–Stemple’s latest novel in verse tells the story of 15-year-old Dylan as he struggles to connect with his grandfather, who has become his guardian after his mother has been absent for the past three years. While dealing with his mother’s unpredictable mental health was not easy, she understood Dylan’s softness and love of poetry. His grandfather, however, has a much narrower view of masculinity, and the two clash over race and xenophobia. They find common ground while working in his grandfather’s auto shop. The logic of machines speaks to Dylan, as does his love of birding and nature. His encounter with an injured hawk leads Dylan to a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Stemple’s artful writing will have readers flying through the pages, though the emotional depth deserves a moment to pause and savor each word. Many readers will find Dylan’s journey relatable, even without sharing his experiences. Back matter includes resources on mental health and bipolar disorder.