The Homework Machine

Four youngsters become unlikely friends when they convene at brainy Brenton's to use his invention--a dream machine that does homework flawlessly, and in their individual handwriting. Though Sam initially thinks Brenton's a dork, and Kelsey and Judy worry about being seen with a nerd and a wisecracking boy, the four soon bond over their secret, one that eventually involves them with the law. Listeners must piece together the story from multiple viewpoints and a kaleidoscope of individual narrations--short excerpts from police interviews of students, teachers, and parents. The production is engaging and particularly effective in audio format, once listeners figure out the story's organizing principle. The variety of characters' voices presenting these changing points of view makes this an especially enjoyable audiobook. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine