7.6 /10 1 Votes7.6
OCLC 302827 Page count 141 | 3.8/5 Goodreads Language English Pages 141 Originally published 1958 Genre Science Fiction | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Followed by Danny Dunn and the Swamp Monster Similar Jay Williams books, Children's literature | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Danny dunn and the homework machine side 1
Danny Dunn and the Homework Machine is the third novel in the Danny Dunn series of juvenile science fiction/adventure books written by Raymond Abrashkin and Jay Williams. The book was first published in 1958 and originally illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats. This is the first novel in the series to feature Irene.
Contents
- Danny dunn and the homework machine side 1
- Danny dunn and the homework machine side 2
- Plot
- Current science
- Miscellania
- Reception
- Editions
- Musical
- References
Danny dunn and the homework machine side 2
Plot
Danny uses a computer that Professor Bulfinch has created for NASA to prepare his homework, despite Professor Bullfinch's warning that Danny is to leave the machine alone. With his friend Joe Pearson and his new neighbor, Irene Miller, Danny has some success with the machine before it is sabotaged. Danny figures out what is wrong with the machine and corrects the problem. Danny's teacher also learns about the machine, and has her ideas for the Homework Champions. Once she finds out, she thinks of a way to trick the kids.
Current science
The "homework machine" is in the style of the large mainframe computers of the 1950s, and one that uses paper punched cards. The concept of students using computers for research is common today; however, this computer was somehow able to accept "programming" of students' text books that enabled it to write reports on topics that were covered by the text books.
Miscellania
Amateur radio is used for the first (and possibly only) time in the series, with Danny and Irene attempting to get a homework question answered. The callsigns used would have been accurate for mid-western operators in that era but not for the mode used (shortwave). In any event, there was too much static and the kids resorted to opening the windows and talking across the alley.
Reception
Floyd C. Gale wrote in the August 1959 issue of Galaxy Science Fiction that the book was "another funful adventure".
Editions
McGraw-Hill
MacDonald and Jane's
Archway Books
Pocket Books
Musical
Danny Dunn and the Homework Machine was turned into a musical children's album on both Golden Records (Golden LP 239) and Wonderland Records (WLP-338), with music composed by Julie Mandel.