Holes: Summary and book reviews of Holes by Louis Sachar, plus links to an excerpt from Holes and a biography of Louis Sachar.

Stanley Yelnats is under a curse. A curse that began with his no-good-dirty-rotten- pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather and has since followed generations of Yelnats. Now Stanley has been unjustly sent to a boys' detention center, Camp Green Lake, where the warden makes the boys "build character" by spending all day, every day, digging holes: five feet wide and five feet deep. It doesn't take long for Stanley to realize there's more than character improvement going on at Camp Green Lake. The boys are digging holes because the warden is looking for something. Stanley tries to dig up the truth in this inventive and darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment—and redemption.

Media Reviews

Children's Literature - Katherine Karr Sachar's earlier Wayside School stories always had a Pinkwaterish edge to them, but in Holes he comes fully, brilliantly into his own voice. This is a can't-put-it-down read.   VOYA - Mary Ann Capan This delightfully clever story is well-crafted and thought-provoking, with a bit of a folklore thrown in for good measure. Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses, Broad general YA appeal.   School Library Journal Starred Review. A multitude of colorful characters, coupled with the skillful braiding of ethnic folklore, American legend, and contemporary issues is a brilliant achievement. There is no question, kids will love Holes.   Kirkus Reviews Good Guys and Bad get just deserts in the end, and Stanley gets plenty of opportunities to display pluck and valor in this rugged, engrossing adventure.

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated of 5 by Louise J
Lots of Action!
This was a cute story for kids. Stanley Yelnats is accused of stealing a pair of running shoes donated to a homeless shelter to raise money to fund the program, however, Stanley is truly innocent but the judge doesn’t believe him. He is sentenced...   Read More

Rated of 5 by lou x
holes-lewis sachar
I thought it is and was a very good book we are reading it in our English lesson and now writing Stanley's diary from the book. We haven't yet finished it but so far it is good. I don't get the part with the pig. I don't know how that is related....   Read More

Rated of 5 by Cindy
Holes
This book holes by Louis Sachar is a good book. I thoroughly enjoyed it but I felt that there were some parts that were repeated and its kind of confusing. I would recommend this book from ages 9 and up since it actually helps you understand more....   Read More

Rated of 5 by Mich
me holes review!!
I think this is a great novel for children in grades 3 to 6.

Rated of 5 by Karli
5-Very Good
AWESOME BOOK!!!!! Once I started it I couldn't put it down! It ROCKED!!!!!

Rated of 5 by Eleanor
My Recommendation
Holes is one of the best books ever! If you haven't read it, go and do it NOW!!!

...5 More Reader Reviews

Readalikes

If you liked Holes, try these:

---

---

These are 2 of the 8 readalike suggestions for Holes. Members have full access to all readalikes. If you are a member, please login. To find out more about membership, click here.

Books with similar themes

• Children's Books Ages 9 up
  
• Young Adults
  
• USA 
  
• Southwest 
  
• Texas 
  
• 1980s & '90s 
  
• 1st in Series 
  
• Jewish Writers/Themes