The Homework Machine

If you had a machine that could do all your homework for you, in minutes, would you use it?

I just finished reading one of our new books, The Homework Machine, by Dan Gutman, and I loved it.

The D-squad is a group of four fifth graders whose desks are grouped together by their teacher. They couldn’t be more different. Ordinarily, they’d never be seen in public together. There’s Brandon, the natural genius—he’s always been the smartest in the school; he gets top marks effortlessly, but he’s a little awkward…he doesn’t have too many friends, and he’s fine with that. There’s Kelsey, the slacker—she doesn’t care too much about school, dyes her hair wild colors, and does just enough work to barely pass…that’s good enough for her. Snikwad is the cool kid, new to the school—he’s never done well in school, and doesn’t plan on changing that. And then, there's Judy, a model student, who works really hard at it—she puts in lots of homework-time after school, and sometimes wishes she had more time for other things, like dance classes.

When Snik grills Brandon about how he gets his homework done and how he got to be a genius, Brandon nonchalantly reveals that he’s invented a homework machine. That’s right: he figured out how to revamp his computer to do his homework for him. Snik doesn’t believe him, and insists on seeing it for himself. Brandon shrugs and says sure, come over and see.

Before long, the D-squad is going to Brandon’s house everyday after school. They’ve made a pact to keep this a secret. They hang out; Brandon’s mom brings them snacks; the computer churns out their homework; and they say goodbye.
Soon the D-squad is making perfect marks. Sweet Miss Rasmussen isn’t even suspicious; she’s just overjoyed that they’re getting along and doing so well.

Of course, while they’re busy getting their homework done, they accidentally get to know each other—they could even be called friends.

Miss Rasmussen might not be suspicious, but the rest of the class is. Rumors are circulating…something’s up: why are these four hanging out so much?

Things begin to unravel when a mysterious, creepy man starts IM-ing the D-Squad, asking about the machine; and they realize that even when they unplug the machine, it stays on…like it has a mind of its own.
Oh, and I almost forgot: the police are on their case.

Will the D-Squad remain friends? Does the Homework Machine Survive? Did they do something illegal?? Are they going to jail? Will the creepy guy track them down?—What does he want?

Read this book! Good choice for UE!