The Homework Machine (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: Miss Rasmussen, Grand Canyon, Principal Wilson (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-Fifth-grader Brenton is a computer genius, but the other three members of his work group think he's a nerd. So, when he tells them that he has invented a machine that does homework, they taunt him until he agrees to demonstrate. The machine actually works, and Kelsey, Sam, and Judy convince him to let them use it. At first, they are delighted with their freedom, but things quickly get out of hand. Their teacher is suspicious of the suddenly errorless work, and other friends resent the time that they spend together. The dynamics within the group are stressful as well. Judy, a talented student, feels guilty about cheating, but is pressured to excel. Kelsey is concerned that her friends will shun her for associating with nerds, but her improved grades earn privileges at home. Wisecracking Sam makes fun of Brenton but needs his help in playing chess by mail with his dad, who is serving in Iraq. The children gradually begin to bond, especially after Sam's father is killed in combat. Eventually, their secret causes conflict with the law. The story is told entirely through short excerpts from police interviews. This device shows the developing relationships through the kids' own observations. There are touches of humor in the way the four classmates talk about themselves and one another. Ominous hints about the legal trouble maintain tension throughout the story, but its exact nature isn't revealed until near the end. A dramatic and thought-provoking story with a strong message about honesty and friendship.-Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Gr. 4-6. In a novel about a boy clever enough to make his computer do his homework for him, Gutman delivers a fresh take on an idea as old as Danny Dunn and the Homework Machine (1958). The nontraditional narrative unfolds through the words of a large cast of characters, from a teacher to the police chief to the students in a fifth-grade class. Each chapter is a series of first-person entries, from a single line to a page in length, focusing primarily on four very different students who are assigned to the same group in school. Although they are not friends at the beginning of the book, they form an alliance of convenience that grows into something more after the temptation of a homework machine draws them together. A vivid subplot involves Sam, whose father is sent to war in the Middle East. This fast-paced, entertaining book has something for everyone: convincing characters deftly portrayed through their own words; points of discussion on ethics and student computer use; and every child's dream machine. Booktalkers will find this a natural, particularly for those hard-to-tempt readers whose preferred method of computer disposal involves a catapult and the Grand Canyon. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (February 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689876785
• ISBN-13: 978-0689876783
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #460,298 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars questionable language for 4-6th graders, September 2, 2008

By	SusieQ - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Homework Machine (Paperback)

I purchased this book for my about-to-be 4th grader. I liked the format of everything written in the first person-i.e. each of the four characters writes a narrative. The plot ended up being a little thin and the ending was a let down.

My biggest objection was the multiple uses of the word "sucks" and at least one "freaking" (as a substitute for the "F" word). Maybe it's acceptable for teens to use these words on a regular basis but I didn't feel it was appropriate for a 9 year old. I discontinued this book with my kids after 2 chapters for this reason. Call me old fashioned but I just thought other parents might like to know the content.

As other reviewers have mentioned, the treatment of the war was a little much for this age as well.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hal's review, May 2, 2008

By	Hal Derbyshire "Hally D" (Manchester, UK) - See all my reviews

This book is about four kids who create a homework machine to do they're homework for them, but is this a gift or a curse? Their classmates begin to get suspicious and attempt to get them to admit it, but will one of them crack?

I enjoyed how everyone gets to express they're own point of view throughout the book, and how the author introduces different characters throughout the book. It's a shame that it didn't last longer, but then again I didn't stop reading it so that would be why.

The homework machine is one of my favourite books of this genre the layout is fun to read, Dan Gutman has exceeded himself in this book. I like how people that are completely different gradually over time become friends. This was one of the greatest books I've read in a long time. You have to read this book, beacause it is a brilliant read that will interest your kids and most likely yourself.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Poorly researched, bad plot, and stereotypes galore, July 26, 2009

By	S. G. Anderson "Library Buyer and Avid Reader" (Thurston County, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Homework Machine (Paperback)

We've got a kid who lives near the Grand Canyon but his father is assigned to Luke Air Force base. If you look at the area around Bright Angel, none of the locations written in the book would realistically happen here but assuming they did, this dad would have a FOUR HOUR DRIVE to work. If you put the location down closer to Flagstaff you couldn't have kids riding their bikes to the Grand Canyon AND you'd still have a 3 hour commute. How hard would it have been to research out a plausible location for the book and it's characters?
Also - in reference to the Air Force family. You have a dad who is an AIRMAN, not a soldier. But in the book he continually is referred to as a soldier. A soldier is in the Army. An airman is in the Air Force. Period. It would also be very unlikely for an airman to have ever been driving patrols or carrying guns in to schools. It's just not plausible at all. Unless it was his personal weapon, the military is very careful about where the issued weapons are brought and I can guarantee you that guy would be breaking about every rule possible to have brought his weapon to a school.
The only reason that family was written about as such is because Mr. Gutman had a political agenda. The unfortunate thing is that he didn't even get it right. It smacks of unintelligent and poorly researched opinion pasted on to children. That is irresponsible. Kids will have opinions about important events, like the war and that's fine. But you must give them the correct facts.

The other thing that bothered me to no end was the Milner guy. He is introduced as having tracked these kids down almost magically and knowing everything about the kids. That plot line went nowhere and made no sense at all. The fact that Gutman just passed him off as some marketing dude was a poor payoff with no resolution of the actions previously in the book.

As far as the red button staying on despite the lack of electricity running to the computer? Random inference of artificial intelligence run amok.

This was a totally ill-conceived and poorly researched book with no follow-through on some of the most major issues. I'm very disappointed with the fanfare this book has received.