#1 in Holes Series
Holes
1998 by
on Goodreads (1,249,992)
What’s inside...
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.
Why read this book
- Adventure-filled narrative that captivates young readers.
- Encourages resilience and perseverance through challenging circumstances.
- Highlights the importance of friendship and teamwork.
- Enhances vocabulary and comprehension skills.
The Big Picture
- Explore justice through Stanley’s fight for fairness.
- Discuss family legacy and its impact on personal identity.
- Understand friendship’s role in overcoming life’s challenges.
Diversity & Representation
- Features diverse characters from various ethnic backgrounds.
- Promotes equality and understanding through multi-cultural friendships.
- Encourages acceptance and challenges societal stereotypes.
Book in series
#1
Age
9-12
Length
233 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
What similarities and differences do you see between yourself and the main character, Stanley Yelnats?
How do the characters in 'Holes' change from the beginning to the end? Which changes are most significant?
Why do you think the author chose to intertwine multiple stories across different time periods?
What themes of friendship and justice are explored in 'Holes'? How do they impact the story?
If you could change one part of the book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s characters and their decisions, fostering empathy and understanding.
Discuss the historical and social aspects of the book to provide context, making the story more relatable and enriching their understanding of different perspectives.
Use the book's setting and plot as a springboard to talk about overcoming challenges and the importance of perseverance.
Invite your child to compare the book to the movie adaptation, if they’ve seen it, to encourage analytical thinking about how stories can be told in different ways.
What parents love
Captivating story that holds kids' attention,
Addresses tough topics with care,
Encourages empathy and historical understanding,
Perfect blend of fun narrative and moral lessons.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and loyalty
Explanation: In 'Holes', the protagonist, Stanley Yelnats, builds a profound friendship with Zero, another boy at the camp. Despite facing harsh conditions and unfair treatment, they remain loyal to each other, showcasing the power of mutual support.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of supporting their friends through difficult times, helping to build lasting, supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: The consequences of actions
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face consequences for their choices. For instance, the Yelnats family curse is broken when Stanley and Zero return the stolen shoes, demonstrating that actions, whether good or bad, have consequences.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that their actions impact themselves and others, encouraging them to make thoughtful decisions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: Stanley's determination to dig holes in the hot sun day after day, despite little hope of finding anything, ultimately leads to a series of fortunate events. This resilience is pivotal in overcoming the challenges posed by the camp and its wardens.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up, even when situations seem bleak, teaching them resilience in overcoming personal challenges.
Example Lesson: The significance of history and ancestry
Explanation: The intertwined stories of Stanley’s and Zero's ancestors throughout the book reveal the long-lasting impacts of historical actions on present circumstances, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s past.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and value their own family histories and learn how past events shape current realities.
Example Lesson: Justice and fairness
Explanation: As the story unfolds in 'Holes', themes of justice and fairness come to the forefront. The exoneration of Stanley and Zero highlights the importance of fighting for justice and correcting wrongful actions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of standing up for what is right and striving for fairness in their everyday interactions and broader societal engagements.