The Homework Machine :: Education by Design Store

Customer Reviews

questionable language for 4-6th graders

2008-09-02
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.

teacher of grades 4-5

2008-07-13
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.

Military families beware

2008-06-11
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.

THE BEST BOOK EVER !!!!

2008-05-31
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!

Hal's review

2008-05-02
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

2008-01-22
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!

Giggle-inducing book - a joyful read for our son 2008-01-21
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!!!!!!!!!! 2007-12-12

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 2007-12-07
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.

Grades 4-6 will love it. 2006-12-01
Four students form an unlikely friendship that leads to problems in this story written for the upper elementary age group. The story is told through the voices of the students, teachers and parents in depositions given to the police. The Asian-American computer genius is stereotypical, but not demeaning.