86 pages • 2 hours read
Louis SacharHoles
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1998A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
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.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read Holes?
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.
RecommendedReading Age
9-14yearsLexile Level
660L