Holes by Louis Sachar

Reviewed by Lori
Holes
Title: Holes

Author: Louis Sachar

Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 138616

Description:  As further evidence of his family's bad fortune which they attribute to a curse on a distant relative, Stanley Yelnats is sent to a hellish correctional camp in the Texas desert where he finds his first real friend, a treasure, and a new sense of himself.

Rubric Rating: Level 4: Love It!

Why I Read It: This book was highly recommended to me by an associate and I have to say that it did not disappoint.

 Lori's Notes:   While the cover was quite boring, the contents were not and it quickly became one of my favourite read alouds with my son.  Stanley has had his fair share of bad luck.  It seems to run in the family.  After being wrongly accused of theft Stanley ends up at Camp Green Lake digging Holes. With the plot extending to include Green Lake's shady history, the present day camp, as well as Zero and Stanley's personal family histories, the characters are destined to find their fates intertwined.  The boys characters are witty, the story amusing and touching, and in the end everything is tied up in a neat little bow.

Recommended Reader:  Grade 3 and Up.  This story is a fantastic read aloud for middle school, and a good selection for a boy who is a reluctant reader.

Themes: Crime and Innocence, Growing Up, Relationships, Family, Past affecting the Future, Curses, Friendship, Buried Treasure.

Cross-Genre Links:
Movies: Holes (2003)
Author Website: www.louissachar.com
Web Search: Buried Treasure
Wikipedia Search: Curse
Music: Chain Gang by Sam Cooke
Music: Dig It by Mickey Petralia (Holes Soundtrack)

Possible Essay or Discussion Topics: 
  • How does Stanley end the family curse?
  • Discuss Kissing Kate Barlow.  What causes her to become an outlaw?  Why does she bury her treasure? Why does she curse the town of Green Lake?
  • How do Stanley and Zero's histories link together?
  • Compare the book and the movie, which do you prefer?
  • The story mixes past and present, how do the different story lines work to fulfill the story?
  • Do you believe in fate?

Other Support Materials:
Holes Novel Unit
Holes Perma-Guide
Holes Student Packet
Holes Teacher's Guide
Holes on Playaway Audio

Other Titles by Louis Sachar:
Cardturner
Small Steps
Dogs Don't Tell Jokes
The Boy who Lost his Face
There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom
Someday Angeline
Wayside School Series
Marvin Redpost Series



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