The Homework Machine Review

Manufacturer: Aladdin
Author(s): Dan Gutman

ISBN: 0689876793 EAN: 9780689876790
Binding: Paperback
Pages: 176
Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Average Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Retail Price: ~~$5.99~~
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Doing homework becomes a thing of the past!

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!

User Submitted The Homework Machine Reviews

October 30, 2008
good
I enjoyed this book and use it in a group situation for reading in a third grade class. It arrived on time and was exactly what I expected.

October 24, 2008
GREAT BOOK FOR AN 11 YR. OLD BOY NOT SO INTERESTED IN READING!
MY 11 YR. OLD SON COULDN'T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! HE IS NOT AN AVID READER BUT THIS BOOK REALLY CAPTURED HIS INTEREST. WE SINCE HAVE PURCHASED OTHER "DAN GUTMAN" BOOKS.

September 2, 2008
questionable language for 4-6th graders
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.

July 13, 2008
teacher of grades 4-5
Kids in grades 4-5 will love this book! It is a bit too easy for middle school kids, but a fun read none the less. It is written unlike most other chapter books. It is written more like an interview conducted with each character as the school year progresses and problems arise with Belch. This book can teach valuable lessons on ethics and morals. This is a definite read for my students this year. If you are a child who does not like to read or are a teacher or parent who knows kids who are reluctant readers, Dan Gutman books are fabulous. My students all rave about them.

June 11, 2008
Military families beware
The book had a few clever bits of writing which might appeal to young readers, however the format made for very fragmented characters. It does not deserve the Sunshine State award. I also object to the paragraph written about Sam's father: "He died for nothing." The paragraph is only a few sentences and is really the only reflection of feeling from the characters when this major event happens. It is an abrupt explaination of a very complex situation and completely inappropriate for this reading level. If the author wanted to venture into the subject of US foreign policy then he should have either written it with less cruelty and more background information or written a book for a more mature reader. It is possible for our young students to understand the seriousness of war and the political areana that surrounds it, however, we must educate them with facts from all sides of the issue and encourage healthy debate. This cruel paragraph was clearly the author's simplistic hostility or at the very least a lazy author not able or willing to fully handle a sensitive and important subject.

May 31, 2008
THE BEST BOOK EVER !!!!
The homework machine is a great book it is about a group of kids who become friends. They become friends by using a machine made to do homework codenamed Belch. The book is very very funny and knows just when to add humor to it. The only bad thing about this book is that you wish the book was longer.

I think this is a good book for kids and grown-ups alike. You should read this book as soon as you can, so you can read it before people start talking about it and you look like a dummy. Read it today!

May 2, 2008
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.

January 22, 2008
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.

January 21, 2008
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!!

December 12, 2007
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

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