Louis Sachar: Holes (Grades 4–8)

Holes by Louis Sachar is a middle-grade novel that supports reading comprehension, literary analysis, and discussion of justice, friendship, and perseverance. Stanley Yelnats’s experience at Camp Green Lake gives students opportunities to examine interconnected timelines, cause and effect, irony, and character development.

Educational Specifications

• Subject: Language Arts / Literature
• Grade Level: Grades 4–8
• Format: Mass-market paperback
• Author: Louis Sachar
• Length: 288 pages
• ISBN: 9780440228592
• Publication Date: August 14, 2001
• Award: Newbery Medal Winner, 1999
• Book Dimensions: 6.93 × 4.36 × 1.06 inches
• Accelerated Reader: Reading level 4.6; 7 points; middle-grades interest level

Discussion Topics

Use the story to explore fairness, prejudice, bullying, and the consequences of choices. The detention-camp setting includes mistreatment of children and historical racial injustice, making guided discussion useful.