Meet the D Squad
The main group of characters got this nickname because all of their last names start with the letter D.
What is the D-Squad?
This classmate's annoying teasing finally pushes Brenton to reveal his secret machine.
Who is Sam Dawkins (Snik)?
This is the clever code-name given to Brenton's secret homework machine.
What is Belch?
Sam's tough, rule-breaking attitude hides a strong sense of pride for this relative serving in the Air Force.
Who is his father?
She is the fifth-grade teacher at Grand Canyon School who keeps a close eye on the D-Squad.
Who is Miss Rasmussen?
She is the conscientious "teacher's pet" of the group who is also in the gifted program.
Who is Judy Douglas?
When Sam insults Brenton by saying he does homework all day, Brenton lets it slip that he actually spends this much time on it.
What is zero time? (or none)
Brenton first proves his machine works to a skeptical Sam by scanning this simple math equation.
What is 2 + 2?
Brenton's room stands out because it lacks typical kid posters and instead features a picture of this historical genius.
Who is Leonardo da Vinci?
Miss Rasmussen remarks that Brenton is not challenged enough and builds projects at this advanced academic level.
What is high school-level?
He is the loner and child prodigy who designs software in his spare time.
Who is Brenton Damagatchi?
This laid-back "slacker" character only rides her bike over to see the machine because she has nothing else going on.
Who is Kelsey Donnelly?
The machine is incredibly sneaky because it prints out the completed work using this exact color ink and writing style.
What is Brenton's handwriting in blue ink?
To save time for more interesting things, Brenton spent this entire school break building the homework machine.
What is the summer?
For a classroom assignment, Brenton makes a desk-sized version of this weapon using ropes, springs, and pulleys.
What is a catapult?
This character is the laid-back slacker of the group who initially doesn't care about school or grades.
Who is Kelsey Donnelly?
Brenton's mom is very surprised when the kids come over because Brenton rarely has these over.
What are friends? (or visitors)
The first actual school assignment the machine completes for the group is about this science topic.
What is the solar system?
Brenton explains that his ultimate research goal in life is to find a medical cure for this condition.
What are spinal cord injuries?
The entire story is framed in a unique way, meaning the characters are giving statements to this group of people.
Who are the police?
He is the loud, cocky new kid in school who prefers to go by a shorter nickname.
Who is Sam "Snik" Dawkins?
After seeing the machine work, Judy describes her reaction as feeling like she is witnessing this kind of event.
What is a "history-making event"?
The hardware elements that make up the "homework machine" consist of these three basic computer parts.
What are a computer, a scanner, and a printer?
Brenton has a bumper sticker in his room that features this peaceful five-word political slogan.
What is "War is not the answer"?
The setting of the story takes place at a school named after this massive, famous natural landmark.
: What is the Grand Canyon?