Holes

by Louis Sachar


       This story begins with the main character, Stanley Yelnats, being accused of stealing a pair of sneakers donated by the basketball star Clyde "Sweetfeet" Livingston.  This doesn't surprise Stanley.  Stanley believes it is his cursed relatives (especially his "no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather") that have done this to him.  His family has been cursed with terrible luck for generations.  When Stanley tells the judge the sneakers fell from the sky, the judge doesn't believe him.  At court, he and his family were given a choice.  He can go to jail or he can go to Camp Green Lake in Texas, a reform camp for juvenile boys.  

        What Stanley soon finds out, is there is no lake, but just a barren wasteland. What's more is Camp Green Lake isn't a "camp" either. The warden believes that the boys need to build character. In order to do that, they are expected to dig a 5 foot wide and 5 foot deep hole. After awhile, Stanley starts to realize that they are not just building character, but the the warden is using the boys to search for something.  This sends Stanley on an adventure he never anticipated as he searches for the truth.

       This books is a wonderful and quick read for young adults/students.  The author takes a very complex story with multiple characters and spins an adventure that is sure to keep there attention as well as expand their vocabulary.  It is interesting for them to map out different aspects of the book - for example how the main character, Stanley, changes from the beginning of the book until the end.  Or challenge them to visualize different scenes in the book.  Louis Sachar's descriptions are very well done, so for children who are starting on chapter books, it is easy for them to visualize the scenes with some guidance.

      My only critique of this book is that with its complex story line and multiple characters, it can be difficult for children to fully understand and comprehend it.  They might need some help understanding some hidden jokes, part of the story-line, or difficult words.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Up Next: A Time to Kill by John Grisham