Small Steps by Louis Sachar is a compelling sequel to Holes, focusing on Armpit’s journey of personal growth. Praised for its character development and realistic portrayal of redemption, it also faces criticism for a slightly predictable plot. Overall, it’s an engaging read for fans of the original, offering valuable life lessons and relatable struggles.

A reader who enjoyed Holes by Louis Sachar will likely appreciate Small Steps. This middle-grade novel targets readers who enjoy character-driven stories with elements of humor, friendship, and personal growth. Fans of Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli and Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo may find it appealing as well.

Small Steps by Louis Sachar follows Theodore “Armpit” Johnson, a Black teenager and former inmate of Camp Green Lake, as he tries to rebuild his life in Austin, Texas. Balancing an honest job and caring for his friend Ginny, Armpit gets drawn into a ticket-scalping scheme by his friend X-Ray. Complications arise when Armpit meets and develops a bond with Kaira, a famous singer, leading to a series of events that threaten to derail his progress. Contains instances of racism and references to bullying individuals with disabilities.

Challenging / Inspirational / Heartwarming

- Small Steps is a sequel to Louis Sachar's popular novel Holes, and follows the character Armpit as he navigates life after his time at Camp Green Lake.
- Louis Sachar, who also wrote the Newbery Medal-winning Holes, draws on his background as an attorney in writing authentic, realistic characters and situations in Small Steps.
- The novel explores themes of redemption and personal growth, continuing to engage readers with relatable challenges and positive messages.

**Theodore “Armpit” Johnson**  
The 16-year-old Black protagonist, who is working to rebuild his life after spending time at a juvenile correctional facility, with dreams of attending university.

**Rex Alvin “X-Ray” Washburn**  
A 17-year-old Black teenager and Armpit's best friend, known for his impulsive nature and schemes, met Armpit at Camp Green Lake.

**Ginny McDonald**  
A 10-year-old white girl and Armpit’s neighbor, she forms a strong friendship with him due to her empathetic and nonjudgmental personality.

**Kaira DeLeon**  
A 17-year-old Black singer on a concert tour, who is managed by her controlling stepfather and forms a friendship with Armpit and Ginny.

**Jerome “El Genius” Paisley**  
Kaira’s stepfather and manager, who is controlling and believes his smarts are the key to Kaira’s success.

**Denise Linaria (“Aileen”)**  
Kaira’s travel coordinator, who is Jerome's accomplice and plays a significant role in the management of Kaira's tour.

**Fred**  
Kaira’s bodyguard, hired after threatening letters began arriving, who shows genuine concern for her well-being.

**Cherry Lane**  
The progressive mayor of Austin, an eccentric elderly white woman who advocates for equal rights and stands up against discrimination.

Louis Sachar

Middle grade

Novel

Holes

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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content

Overview

Get ready to explore Small Steps 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.

Small Steps Summary

Background

Small Steps Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

Small Steps Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-8

Small Steps Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-12

Small Steps Chapters 9-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-16

Small Steps Chapters 13-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-20

Small Steps Chapters 17-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-24

Small Steps Chapters 21-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-28

Small Steps Chapters 25-28 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 29-32

Small Steps Chapters 29-32 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 33-36

Small Steps Chapters 33-36 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Small Steps Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Small Steps Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Small Steps Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Small Steps Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Small Steps Essay Topics

Small Steps

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read Small Steps?

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