The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman.
Youth Fiction - Gutman
Every kid's dream becomes a reality in this story of a 5th grader who invents the homework machine. All he has to do is scan his papers into the computer, and the computer searches the Internet for the best answer. Out comes a completed homework assignment. But that’s not all; the computer knows his handwriting and can reproduce it perfectly. Not only his, but also the handwriting of several of his classmates. As people become suspicious of their perfect papers, Brenton begins to sabotage his own efforts.
Although the students love the freedom of not having to complete their homework, they begin to question their choices and soon realize that they are entrapped in their lies, spiraling deeper and deeper into the consequences for their actions. Maybe the homework machine wasn’t the best thing after all.
The Homework Machine uses short monologues of each and every character involved to tell the story. Gutman fills in the blanks without becoming overly repetitive through the different narratives. Students will be able to relate to the characters, as well as their opinions and worries. Great for group discussions or to read on your own!