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Teaching Holes by Louis Sachar

Ann S. Michaelsen

Holes is a young adult novel written by Louis Sachar and first published by Farrar, Straus, and Giroux in 1998. The book follows the story of Stanley Yelnats, who is sent to Camp Green Lake, a correctional boot camp in a desert in Texas after being falsely accused of theft. The plot explores the history of the area and how the actions of several characters in the past have affected Stanley’s life in the present. These interconnecting stories touch on themes such as labor, boyhood and masculinity, friendship, meaning of names, illiteracy, and elements of fairy tales . The book was both a critical and commercial success, winning the 1998 US National Book Award for Young People’s Literature and the 1999 Newbery Medal for the year’s “most distinguished contribution to American literature for children”. It was also adapted by Walt Disney Pictures as a feature film of the same name released in 2003.

Standards

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3: Describe how a particular story’s or drama’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.

Objectives:

  1. Students will read the book “Holes” by Louis Sachar and analyze its plot, characters, themes, and author’s craft.
  2. Students will critically evaluate the novel’s exploration of themes such as justice, identity, and resilience.
  3. Students will develop their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.

Introduction 

  1. Book Introduction: Begin by introducing the novel “Holes” by Louis Sachar, providing a brief overview of its plot, setting, and main characters.

  2. Author Background: Briefly discuss Louis Sachar’s life and writing career, emphasizing his connection to the story’s setting and themes.

Reading and Discussion 

  1. Individual Reading: Assign the first few chapters of the novel for independent reading. Encourage students to mark passages that they find interesting, confusing, or significant.

  2. Class Discussion: Facilitate a class discussion based on the assigned chapters. Encourage students to share their interpretations of the plot, characters’ motivations, and the overall themes emerging from the narrative.

  3. Answer the Quizizz here.
  4. holes-video-questions holes-video-questions

Deepening Understanding 

  1. Symbolism and Imagery: Engage students in analyzing the novel’s rich symbolism and imagery. Provide examples from the text and encourage students to draw connections between these literary devices and the deeper meanings of the story.

  2. Character Analysis: Conduct a more in-depth exploration of key characters, such as Stanley Yelnats, Zero, and Madame Zeroni. Encourage students to identify their character traits, motivations, and how they contribute to the overall narrative.

  3. Theme Exploration: Engage students in a focused discussion on the novel’s central themes, such as justice, identity, and resilience. Help them recognize how these themes are woven throughout the plot and characters’ experiences.

Creative Engagement 

  1. Character Portrayals: Provide students with creative prompts to further engage with the characters. Encourage them to create character profiles, write diary entries from their perspectives, or design visual representations of their personalities.

  2. Literary Devices Analysis: Guide students in analyzing specific literary devices used by Sachar, such as foreshadowing, irony, and symbolism. Help them identify how these devices enhance the story’s impact and meaning.

  3. Creative Writing: Encourage students to apply their understanding of the novel’s themes and characters by engaging in creative writing activities. This could include writing their own fictional stories inspired by the novel or writing a poem or song that reflects the themes they have identified.

  1. Read these questions for the author Louis Sachar

YouTube Poster

  1. Listen to the author talk about Holes
  2. In groups of 3 discuss what the author said

Author Connection 

  1. Author Questions: Distribute the list of questions for Louis Sachar, providing students with time to reflect on the novel and formulate thoughtful questions about the author’s writing process, inspirations, and the story’s background.

  2. Class Discussion: Facilitate a class discussion about the author’s questions. Encourage students to share their questions, engage in discussions about the author’s responses, and draw insights into Sachar’s craft.

Assessment:

  • Observe students’ participation in discussions and their written responses to questions.
  • Collect student-generated content, such as character profiles, creative writing pieces, and reflections.
  • Administer a short quiz or writing assignment based on the novel’s plot, characters, themes, and author’s craft.

Essay Question 1:

Analyze how the novel “Holes” explores the theme of justice. Discuss how the concept of justice is challenged and redefined throughout the story, and how the characters’ experiences contribute to this exploration. Consider the role of Stanley’s wrongful conviction, the injustices inflicted upon the boys at Camp Green Lake, and the secrets surrounding the Stanley and Zero families.

Essay Question 2:

Deconstruct the novel’s portrayal of identity and how it is shaped by one’s family history and personal experiences. Examine how characters like Stanley, Zero, and Madame Zeroni grapple with issues of identity, and how their sense of self is influenced by their past and present circumstances. Consider how the novel challenges stereotypes and promotes understanding of individual identities.

Essay Question 3:

Explore the concept of resilience in “Holes” and how the characters demonstrate their ability to overcome challenges and misfortunes. Analyze how Stanley, Zero, and other characters develop inner strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. Consider the role of friendship, hope, and self-belief in their resilience.

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