By: Dan Gutman Publisher: Aladdin Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Aladdin Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 176 Publication Date: June 26, 2007 Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Meet the D Squad, a foursome of fifth graders at the Grand Canyon School made up of a geek, a class clown, a teacher's pet, and a slacker. They are bound together by one very big secret: the homework machine. Because the machine, code-named Belch, is doing their homework for them, they start spending a lot of time together, attracting a lot of attention. And attention is exactly what you don't want when you are keeping a secret.
Before long, things start to get out of control, and Belch becomes much more powerful than they ever imagined. Now the kids are in a race against their own creation, and the loser could end up in jail...or worse!
Hal's review 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.
The Homework Machine I bought this for my Grandson (age 7) but he isn't quite old enough to thoroughly enjoy it - I think on reading it that a nine-year-old would enjoy it more and I'm saving it for him to read in another year or two. He is, however, a great far of Mr. Gutman's "My Weird School" series.
Giggle-inducing book - a joyful read for our son This book was such a source of fun and pleasure for our 8 year old son during a recent vacation in New Zealand which involved LOTS of hours on the road. P. is an avid and advanced reader and had already gone through the books he brought for the trip, so his older sister lent him The Homework Machine. He enjoyed it so much, he read it 3 times in just a few days and was giggling throughout the book. What made it a great experience for the whole family was that he would read his favorite passages out loud to us so we could all enjoy the humor. There were also alot of interesting facts in the book that provided new learning for him and served as interesting topics of discussion as a family. Highly recommend this book to any family library!!
I Wish I Had That Machine!!!!!!!!!!
The Homework Machine is about 4 kids who sit next to each other at Grand Canyon Middle School. Their names are Brenton Damagatchi, Kelsey Donnelly, Sam Dawkins, and Judy Douglas. Do you notice that their last names all start with D? Well that is why they are called the D Squad by their class. Brenton is a genius, Kelsey is a average girl, Sam is the average bully , and Judy is Brenton's friend. They all are bonded together with one secret: Belch. Belch is what they call The Homework Machine. They come every day to Brenton (The creator of Belch)'s house to `do' homework. They decide to keep Belch a secret, because if someone finds out, everyone will use it. But then, someone spills the secret of the homework machine. Who is it? You will have to read the book to find out. I thought The Homework Machine was GREAT! It's perfect for all ages, unlike other of Dan Gutman's books (Which are also good) that use the word Cr-p. Dan Gutman barley uses stereotypes, especially not the teacher. The lesson from the book is: DO NOT CHEAT!!!! Overall, I thought that this was one of the best books I have ever read (And I read every Roald Dahl book!) END
By Joshua, age 10
Homework Machine Sometimes adults should just kick back and sit down with a kid's book for a few hours. I did, and what a great Saturday afternoon it was! A big bowl of popcorn, a couple of cans of Dr. Pepper, the wife out with "the girls" for an afternoon of shopping, and me sitting by the fire with The Homework Machine. It was wonderful!!
Sure, there are plot holes. And I certainly don't remember using some of those words when I was in 5th grade (no, not dirty words, big words!). But I recognized every one of the four main characters, and I bet if I got out my fifth grade class photos, I could still pick them out. I remember those exact same sentiments being expressed about friendship and homework. We even had a new, young teacher. Miss Wineberg. Sigh.
Apparently author Dan Gutman is so accurate in his descriptions of fifth grade life that a fellow professor I know uses the book in his college education class and has his students analyze the various interactions.
But read The Homework Machine just for fun. Don't over-analyze it, don't worry about the plot holes, put yourself into what we academics like to call "willing suspension of disbelief," and let the world take care of itself for a few hours. It will be time well spent.
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Trevor
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