The Homework Machine

Name: The Homework Machine
ISBN: 9781632452740

by Dan Gutman

A diverse group of fifth graders, dubbed the D Squad, share a monumental secret: a machine that does their homework. This invention promises freedom but brings unexpected dilemmas about honesty, frien

About This Book

"The Homework Machine" introduces readers to the D Squad, a group of fifth graders who stumble upon a device that completes all their homework. This middle-grade novel by Dan Gutman explores the immediate relief and subsequent ethical quandaries that arise from using such a machine. It's a humorous and thought-provoking story that delves into themes of honesty, friendship, and the pressures of schoolwork, making it an excellent conversation starter for children aged 8-12 and their parents about responsibility and integrity.

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, aclass clown, a teacher's pet, and a slacker. They are bound together by one very big secret: the homework machine. B

Concepts

Teamwork & Collaboration Honesty & Integrity Justice & Fairness Friendship & Loyalty Self-Confidence & Identity Anxiety & Worry Shame & Guilt Curiosity & Wonder Freedom & Independence Resilience & Perseverance Peer Pressure Making Friends Growing Up School Life Friendship & Social Coding & Technology Puzzles & Games

Heads up, parents

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Discussion Prompts

If you had a homework machine, would you use it? Why or why not?

What are the good things about doing homework? What are the challenging things?

How do you think each member of the D Squad felt about using the machine? Did their feelings change?

What does it mean to be a good friend when you're keeping a big secret together?

Is it ever okay to cheat? What are the possible consequences?

External Reviews

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