Holes

Title: Holes
Author: Louis Sachar
Publisher/Date: Random House Children's Books, 2000
Reading Level: 9-11
Pages: 219
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Summary: Stanley Yelnats is young boy who seems to have very bad luck along with the rest of his family.  He seems to always be in the wrong place at the wrong time.  He gets sent to a camp for troubled boys for something that he didn't do.  He is given the name Caveman by the other delinquents who all have their own nicknames.  His assignment is to dig one 5' by 5' hole everyday to build character.  He is told that if he finds something interesting, to report it and he maybe rewarded depending on what the Warden says.  One day he finds something, and keeps it to himself.  His best friend Zero runs away and is sure to die because of the lack of water and blistering heat.  Caveman decides to go find him, and when he does, they climb a mountain to get some water.  When they return, they dig where Stanley found that interesting artifact.  They then find a box of treasure and when the Warden comes to clam it, the box has Stanley's name on it.  The camp is shut down and the boys get to to leave.  Zero gets to live with Stanley and his family and they become extremely rich and live a great life.

Reaction: I loved this book and found it very fun and enjoying to read.  I was surprised with the ending and loved it.  The book kept me involved until the very end.  I also really liked how the chapters where short and made breaking spots easier even though I had a hard time putting it down.

Potential Problems:  The story jumps around a lot from the past to the future and can be hard to follow sometimes.  It all ties in together at the end and so make sure that you follow the story line.

Recommendations: I think that all children should read this book.  It really has a lot to offer and children will love this book because some children can relate to Stanley and his bad luck.