The Poetry of Car Mechanics

The Poetry of Car Mechanics, written by Heidi E.Y. Stemple and published by Wordsong, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers, a division of Astra Publishing House.

Book cover of The Poetry of Car Mechanics. A shadow illustration of a human profile looking left is seen enmeshed with the image of a hawk's profile looking right, as if they are all one body.

About

Stemple’s emotionally charged novel-in-verse follows fifteen-year-old Dylan who feels like an outsider.  Havoc created by his mother’s bipolar disorder affects all aspects of his life. He escapes through fixing cars in his Pop’s auto shop, writing poetry, and birdwatching.  Themes of self-discovery, masculinity, and healing are explored.

Awards Won

Title Year
Schneider Award Seal Schneider Family Book Award

The Schneider Family Book Awards honor an author or illustrator for a book that embodies an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences.

Learn more about the history and criteria of the Schneider Family Book Award [PDF link]

2026 - Honor(s)