Gutman, Dan. The Homework Machine. New York: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2006.
Sam, Judy, Kelsey, and Brenton are four students with absolutely nothing in common except that they are in the same group in their fifth grade class. Their teacher put them together, but a slip of Brenton’s tongue keeps them together. Brenton invented a homework machine so that instead of spending his time doing homework, he could be doing much more important things such as finding a cure for spinal cord injuries. When the others see the machine work, they begin coming over every day to use the machine. What they do not realize is that although they have nothing in common besides the machine, their shared experiences (including a mysterious stalker and a computer that has a mind of its own) are helping them forge lasting friendships.
This story is told through the perspective of each character as they are being interrogated. Initially, I did not like the way the story switched from perspective to perspective as I read, but after the first chapter, I found it made the book even more interesting. I found myself hearing the story in different voices as I got to know each character. I would recommend this book for upper elementary students who enjoy mystery and humor rolled up in the same package.
What others have to say…
“A dramatic and thought-provoking story with a strong message about honesty and friendship.”
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