Module 3: Holes

Module 3: Holes

Book Cover Image

Book Summary

Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention camp. This is no ordinary detention camp at this camp they put you to work in the hot sun digging holes. The camp warden is searching for hidden treasure in the land that used to be covered by Camp Green Lake. As the book unfolds, readers are able to see how Stanley Yelnats live is intertwined with one of the other kids at the camp and with the hidden treasure itself.

Written by Louis Sachar

APA Reference of Book

 Sachar, L. (1998). Holes. New York, NY : Yearling.

Impressions

This is a book that kids love. Louis Sachar used short chapters to keep the story moving quickly. The characters are easy to relate to even for readers that have never done anything bad enough to be sent to a juvenile detention camp. The descriptive language used allows readers to visualize the camp and the journey that Stanley takes away from the camp. Sachar tells three intertwined stories in alternating chapters in a way that keep readers wanting more. He portrays the school teacher in such a way that readers just have to know how she became Kissing Kate Barlow, one of the most feared outlaws in the West. 

Professional Review

Stanley Yelnats IV has been wrongly accused of stealing a famous baseball player's valued sneakers and is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention home where the boys dig holes, live feet deep by live feet across, in the miserable Texas heat. It's just one more piece of bad luck that's befallen Stanley's family for generations as a result et the infamous curse of Madame Zeroni. Overweight Stanley. his hands bloodied from digging, figures that at the end of his sentence, he'll "...either be in great physical condition or else dead." Overcome by the useless work and his own feelings of futility, fellow inmate Zero runs away into the arid, desolate surroundings and Stanley, acting on impulse, embarks on a risky mission to save him. He unwittingly lays Madame Zeroni's curse to rest, finds buried treasure, survives yellow-spotted lizards, and gains wisdom and inner strength from the quirky turns of fate. In the almost mystical progress of their ascent of the rock edifice known as "Big Thumb," they discover their own invaluable worth and unwavering Friendship. Each of the boys is painted as a distinct individual through Sachar's deftly chosen words. The author's ability to knit Stanley and Zero's compelling story in and out of a history of intriguing, ancestors is captivating. Stanley's wit, integrity, faith, and wistful innocence will charm readers. A multitude of colorful characters coupled with the skillful braiding of ethnic folklore, American legend, and contemporary issues ix a brilliant achievement. There is no question, kids will love Holes.

Follos, A. (1998, Sept 1). Holes. School Library Journal, 44(9), 210.

Library Uses

This book can be used as part of an award winning book display since it is a Newbery winner. It could also be used to reinforce the value of friendship over personal gain.