Genres

Tags
Holes
Stanley Yelnats, a boy perpetually burdened by bad luck and a family history of misfortune, finds himself wrongly convicted of a crime he didn't commit. Instead of jail time, he's sent to Camp Green Lake, a harsh, arid correctional facility in the middle of nowhere. Here, the supposed purpose of the camp is to toughen up delinquent boys by making them dig enormous holes in the dried-up lakebed every single day, under the watchful and often menacing eyes of the camp's staff. Stanley quickly suspects there's more to this grueling routine than just character development, as the Warden and her crew seem to be searching for something specific beneath the barren ground. As Stanley endures the oppressive environment and the relentless digging, he forms an unlikely but essential bond with Zero, another quiet, ostracized camper. Their friendship becomes a lifeline, proving that loyalty and mutual support can thrive even in the most desolate circumstances. Intertwined with Stanley's present struggles are the stories of his ancestors and a notorious outlaw from the past named Kissin' Kate Barlow, revealing a complex legacy of curses, stolen treasures, and unresolved injustices that seem to have led directly to Stanley's predicament and the camp's true purpose. "Holes" masterfully weaves together themes of destiny, the ripple effects of past actions, the search for justice, and the profound power of friendship. What makes the novel so compelling is its intricate plotting, where seemingly disparate events from different timelines converge to create a rich, surprising narrative. The blend of mystery, adventure, and genuine heart, alongside Sachar's signature wit and well-drawn characters, makes it a captivating read that explores how individuals can overcome inherited burdens and forge their own positive destinies through courage and connection.
Store Availability
Tomes & Tales
$3.95
1 copy
Publisher
Random House Children's Books
Pages
288
Format
PAPERBACK
ISBN-13
9780440414803
ISBN-10
0440414806
Language
English
Published
2000-05-09
Discover More
You May Also Like

Holes
Louis Sachar

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
John Boyne

Wayside School Is Falling Down
Louis Sachar

Grasshopper Jungle
Andrew Smith

The City of Ember
Jeanne DuPrau

Island of the Blue Dolphins
Scott O'Dell

You Get what You Get
Julie Gassman

Charlotte's Web: A Harper Classic
E. B. White, Kate DiCamillo

Junie B. Jones #16: Junie B. Jones Is Captain Field Day
Barbara Park

Before We Were Yours A Novel
Lisa Wingate