Don't Panic, Mechanic | Young Adult Fiction

Jenny Robson

Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature: silver (1994)

MacKenzie is no way impressed when he has to leave school to babysit his little nephew because his sister has to go back to work to help earn an income for the family. He would rather go to work than be the Nappy Chappy, but careers options are limited for a 14-year-old from Extension Six who has difficulty reading and writing as the result of his peculiar-looking squint.

Then one day MacKenzie discovers he has a talent - and that changes his whole life.