 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Doom Machine
- By Mark Teague
- Genre: Science Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Fun characters pepper save-the-world-from-aliens adventure.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there is not much to be concerned about in this book. A couple of main characters have run-ins with the law (building illegal rockets, underage driving, stealing answers to a math test), but it becomes clear that in many cases they've been set up by the town bully and his father, or unwittingly broke the law. The main characters are in danger for most of the book as they try to save Earth from becoming a slave planet, but there are many endearing moments as they come together to save the world. There are many strong female characters, and Dr. Shumway and her daughter are African American. Gender and class biases are addressed with intelligence, and prejudices are confronted and cast aside.
What's the story?
A 1950s small town has been invaded by the Skreeps, a vicious alien race that sees planets as disposable. The Skreeps are bent on making Earth their new home, but first they must find "The Special Item," which turns out to be an invention by Bud Creedle that makes space travel quicker and less dangerous. It's up to the eccentric inventor and his nephew Jack -- along with unwilling visitors, the stuffy Dr. Shumway and her inquisitive daughter Isadora -- to unite against the Skreeps and save Earth from becoming just another slave planet in the Skreepish empire. Along the way in this adventure through space and time, the heroes find help in unexpected places, along with some hindrance from their long-time human antagonists, Officer Webb and his son Grady.
Is it any good?
The Doom Machine is a fun adventure with plenty of eccentric characters, both human and alien. Though often funny, it's a complex story with many layers and a huge cast of supporting characters to go with the richly drawn main characters. Young girls will enjoy seeing many strong, smart females as important characters. Some kids might find it a bit hard to follow, but sci-fi fans will find it an entertaining, worthwhile read. Mark Teague's illustrations are beautiful and they add an element of depth and reality to the otherworldly characters and terrains.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about prejudice. Both the Creedles and the Shumways judged each other based on gender and class. What did they learn once they came to know each other? Have you ever made a judgment about people based on appearances?
Families can also talk about rebellion. Why were so many Skreeps ready to rise up against the queen? On the other hand, why were so many willing to go along with the illusions set up by the Skreeps in power?
The Skreeps set up illusions wherever they could in order to pretend everything was fine and that their planet was lovely and peaceful. Why didn't they just work to make their planet a better place instead of trashing it beyond repair?
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AGE
Seemed like a sequel, but it isn't
The only thing I found strange about it is that it had the feeling of being a sequel to another book — to name just one example, Uncle Bud's backstory seemed more interesting than the present story, yet only barely described. My son and I assumed it was a sequel but kept reading and resolved to go find the original later. Was surprised to find out there was no first book.
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AGE
A good book
I read this book quite a while ago, but I remember it being good. There are creepy aliens, but they aren't TOO creepy. It is a fun book, that made me laugh. It clearly isn't realistic, but I can relate to some of it.
Happy reading! :)
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Kid, 12 years old
April 1, 2011
AGE
i love this book because it is adventures and vary very good.
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| Author: | Mark Teague |
| Illustrator: | Mark Teague |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Publisher: | Blue Sky Press |
| Publication date: | October 1, 2009 |
| Number of pages: | 320 |
| Hardcover price: | $17.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 9 |
| Read alone: | 9 |
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