The homework machine
Dan Gutman
The homework machine
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Dan Gutman
The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if a machine could do all your homework for you? Four very different fifth graders find a computer that might just be the answer to their problems. But when secrets start to unravel, will their plan backfire?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fiction explores the story of four diverse fifth graders who create a computer to complete their homework, leading to unexpected consequences. The book touches on themes of cheating and the pressures of school life, making it suitable for readers aged 9 to 12. Parents should note the story includes discussions about honesty and responsibility in an elementary school setting.
Why we rated The homework machine 9LN
The homework machine is written at a Level 4-5 reading level across 146 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, The homework machine works for readers up to grade 6.5.
We rate The homework machine as 9LN ("Light — Neutral") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Cheating.
Thematically, The homework machine explores homework, cheating, elementary schools, and friendship — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about homework, cheating, elementary schools.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
9LN — Light — NeutralLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Content Flags
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781416953753
- Pages
- 146
- Publisher
- Aladdin Paperbacks
- Published
- 2007
- Type
- Fiction