Return of the Homework Machine

July 1, 2009
Gr 4-6-Brenton, Snik, Kelsey, and Judy thought that they had disposed of their homework-completing computer at the end of "The Homework Machine" (S & S, 2006), but the device apparently isnt quite off-line yet. Brenton remembers that the main power chip was still live when they pitched the machine into the Grand Canyon, and the friends believe that the powerful component has never been recovered. The kids decide to retrieve the chip, but discover that two old adversaries are also interested. Ronnie, the school bully, wants to build a similar contraption, and con-man Richard Milner has a more sinister scheme in mind. When the childrens teacher proposes a treasure-hunting expedition into the heart of the canyon, the four are excited, but they find that Ronnie and Milner have the chip and are also after the Egyptian artifacts that are rumored to be hidden in the park. Slightly darker than the first book, "Return" also has some welcome touches of humor, particularly concerning the online religious cult the kids start as a prank. There is a lot going on herelost Egyptian hoards, Japanese gangsters, even model rocketry, but it all comes together. The unconventional and challenging narrative consists entirely of excerpts from police interviews (conducted after the treasure-hunting expedition, when one character is killed) that depict the action from multiple viewpoints. Familiarity with the first book is helpful but not essential. An exciting choice."Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL"

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