The Invasion

Author: K.a. Applegate

What kid wouldn't want to read a book about a machine that does your homework for you? And what parent in their right mind would let them? Don't worry, parents. The Homework Machine dangles this prospect enticingly toward readers, and while the concept is fun, the cast of characters in this story learn a valuable lesson, and the homework machine does much more for them than provide hassle-free homework. Told from the point of view of four kids, who, at first, seem like Breakfast Club type stereotype students. There's Brenton, the brains of the operation, an unpopular genius; Snik, who doesn't do well at school. Kelsey, who is struggling like Snik, and Judy who works really hard at school but would like some more time for socializing. Each of these students finds out the secret of the homework machine, and they become unlikely friends. Some even discover that they have things in common with the others. When their secret threatens to leak out, some friendships strengthen and others dissolve. What, at first, seems like a simple story has amazing depth as readers follow the kids through their stories and learn about each other. This is an amazing story of friendship with a slight sci-fi bent, centered around Brenton's invention.