In Louis Sachar’s Holes, Stanley Yelnats IV, wrongfully accused of theft, is sent to the harsh Camp Green Lake where boys dig holes daily under the watchful eye of a tyrannical warden. Amid flashbacks revealing an ancestral curse and tales of outlaw Kissin’ Kate Barlow, Stanley befriends Zero, uncovers buried secrets, and, through resilience and courage, ultimately breaks his family’s curse and restores their fortune. Themes of racial violence, torture, and wrongful imprisonment are present.

Louis Sachar's Holes is lauded for its intriguing plot and relatable characters, with many praising its clever intertwining of various storylines and themes of fate and justice. Critics point out some predictable elements and a slow start, but the story's unique humor and depth ultimately deliver a memorable read.

A reader who would enjoy Holes by Louis Sachar is likely a middle school student who appreciates adventurous, character-driven stories with a blend of humor and mystery. Fans of Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling or Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan will delight in Sachar's intricate plot and memorable characters.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Adventurous / Emotional / Inspirational

- Holes was awarded both the Newbery Medal and the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, making it a distinguished title in children's literature.
- The novel has been praised for its unique structure, intertwining multiple storylines across different time periods in a way that gradually reveals their connections.
- In 2003, Holes was adapted into a film with a screenplay written by Louis Sachar himself, ensuring the movie stayed true to the novel's original narrative and tone.

**Stanley Yelnats**  
Stanley Yelnats is the protagonist of *Holes*. He is a young boy who starts out with low self-confidence due to being overweight and teased by peers. He ends up at Camp Green Lake because of a supposed family curse and learns resilience and develops strength both physically and mentally while digging holes every day.

**Zero (Hector Zeroni)**  
Zero, whose real name is Hector Zeroni, is a mysterious boy at Camp Green Lake known for being the fastest at digging holes. He is initially silent and withdrawn, with a strong aptitude for numbers but lacking literacy skills. His backstory reveals a difficult upbringing, and his friendship with Stanley allows him to realize his self-worth.

**X-Ray**  
X-Ray is the leader among the boys in Group D at Camp Green Lake. He has been at the camp longest and uses his influence to manipulate situations to his advantage, such as convincing Stanley to hand over any valuable discoveries.

**The Warden**  
The Warden is the authoritative and harsh overseer of Camp Green Lake. She is descended from a family that is obsessed with finding Kate Barlow’s hidden treasure and uses the boys at the camp to dig holes in search of it.

Louis Sachar

Novel

Holes

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Holes and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Holes Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “You Are Entering Camp Green Lake”

Part 1, Chapters 1-3

Holes Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 4-6

Holes Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 7-12

Holes Chapters 7-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 13-19

Holes Chapters 13-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 20-24

Holes Chapters 20-24 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 25-28

Holes Chapters 25-28 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Last Hole”

Part 2, Chapters 29-35

Holes Chapters 29-35 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 36-43

Holes Chapters 36-43 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Last Hole” - Part 3: “Filling in the Holes”

Part 2, Chapter 44-Part 3, Chapter 50

Holes Chapters 44-50 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Holes Character Analysis

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Themes

Holes Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Holes Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Holes Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Holes Essay Topics

Book Club Questions

Holes Book Club Questions

Holes Teaching Unit

Introduction

Holes Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

Holes Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Holes Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

Holes Reading Questions Answer Key

After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Holes Discussion/Analysis Prompt

Activities

Holes Activities

Essay Questions

Holes Essay Questions

Exam Questions

Holes Cumulative Exam Questions

Exam Answer Key

Holes Exam Answer Key

Holes

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Holes?

Reading Age

Book Details