Buzz is writing a fairy tale for homework, and Fly Guy naturally assumes the role of a handsome prince, who fends off a giant and rescues a beautiful princess.

Four fifth-grade students--a geek, a class clown, a teacher's pet, and a slacker--as well as their teacher and mothers, each relate events surrounding a computer programmed to complete homework assignments.

"Attention, reader: You're going to LOVE this book! No, really, you are. It's got everything you could ever want: comedy, drama, action, heart. Plus--are you ready? It's got homework! Ahh yeah! And a trip to the best place ever, the dentist! Ahhhh yeahhh! Additionally--brace yourself--it's got raisins! Nature's candy. AHH YEAHHH! This book is so great, you won't be able to stop reading it. I DARE you not to have fun" --

Brother gets in trouble when he allows television, his boom box, the telephone, and other distractions to keep him from doing his homework.

Tom Gates is the master of excuses for late homework: dog attacks, spilt water, lightening. Tom's exercise book is full of his doodles, cartoons and thoughts, as well as comments from his long-suffering teacher, Mr Fullerton. After gaining five merits for his 'Camping Sucks' holiday story, Tom's work starts to go downhill, which is a pity, as he's desperate to impress Amy Porter, who sits next to him.

Mr. Winklepoof, the new substitute teacher, is turning every kid in school into a brain-boggled zombie who loves homework. Only Trevor can save his friends, and himself, from this fate.

Readers learn strategies to help them do their homework.

With the help of his older sister, his three best friends, and his elderly neighbor, sixth grader Sam Warren brings a class action suit against the Los Angeles School Board, arguing that homework is unconstitutional, and his case goes all the way to the Supreme Court.

"When Zaritza is assigned to care for her class ferret Bandito over winter break, he escapes and eats her other assignments, leaving her with an unbelievable excuse!"--

Sarah's cat Rotten Ralph tries to help her create a school project based on ancient Egypt, but he is more of a hindrance than a help.