92 pages • 3 hours read
Holes
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Book Brief
233
Novel • Fiction
Camp Green Lake, Texas • Contemporary
1998
YA
9-14 years
660L
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.
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Adventurous
Emotional
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
1,277,659 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
1,277,659 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Zero (Hector Zeroni)
Zero (Hector Zeroni)
Zero, whose real name is Hector Zeroni, is a mysterious boy at Camp Green Lake known for being the fastest at digging holes. He is initially silent and withdrawn, with a strong aptitude for numbers but lacking literacy skills. His backstory reveals a difficult upbringing, and his friendship with Stanley allows him to realize his self-worth.
X-Ray
X-Ray
X-Ray is the leader among the boys in Group D at Camp Green Lake. He has been at the camp longest and uses his influence to manipulate situations to his advantage, such as convincing Stanley to hand over any valuable discoveries.
The Warden
The Warden
The Warden is the authoritative and harsh overseer of Camp Green Lake. She is descended from a family that is obsessed with finding Kate Barlow’s hidden treasure and uses the boys at the camp to dig holes in search of it.
233
Novel • Fiction
Camp Green Lake, Texas • Contemporary
1998
YA
9-14 years
660L
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