Parents' Guide to

The Doom Machine

By Abby Aldrich, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Fun characters pepper save-the-world-from-aliens adventure.

Book Mark Teague Science Fiction 2009
The Doom Machine Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 1 parent review

Chris_T
Chris_T Parent of 11-year-old
January 9, 2010
age 9+

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.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (3):

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.

Talk to Your Kids 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?

Book Details

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