About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts viewing schoolwork as a chore to be bypassed or is struggling with the pressure to perform at any cost. It provides a non-preachy entry point for discussing academic integrity and the slippery slope of 'victimless' shortcuts. Through a clever premise about a machine that does homework, it validates the frustration kids feel while illustrating how easy it is to lose one's sense of self and accomplishment when we stop doing the hard work ourselves. The story follows four very different fifth graders who form an unlikely bond over a high-tech secret. As their grades soar and their free time increases, so does their anxiety and the complexity of their lies. It is an excellent choice for kids aged 8 to 12 who enjoy realistic school stories with a techy twist. Parents will appreciate how the book emphasizes that learning is about the process rather than just the final grade, all while maintaining a fast-paced, engaging mystery format.
