©GinaKennedy
“HOLES” By Louis Sachar
Reading/Writing Interactive Notebook
Plus: Enrichment Projects
Grades 4th-8th By Gina Kennedy
56 Page Complete Literature Guide
©GinaKennedy
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Holes By Louis Sachar
Louis Sachar Louis Sachar was born on
March 20, 1954, in East Meadow,
New York, to Robert J. Sachar, a
salesman, and Ruth Sachar, a
real estate broker. When he was
nine years old, his family moved
to Tustin, California. Sachar was
a good student and liked school.
He always enjoyed reading
books, especially those by E.B.
White. However, it wasn't until
Sachar was in high school that
he truly realized his love for
reading.
After high school, Sachar
attended college in Ohio;
however, his father died while he
was in college and he returned
to California to help his mother.
He then enrolled at the University
of California where his favorite
class was working as a teacher
aide in an elementary school.
Later in life, many of his novels
are based on stories from his
days at a teacher’s aide.
After entering the business
world, Sachar decided his real
love was writing. He decided to
attend law school so that he
could write part-time and
support himself as a lawyer.
Eventually Sachar married an
elementary school counselor,
Carla, and they had one
daughter, Sherre.
Living in Austin, Texas Sachar
wrote his award winning novel,
Holes, about young teens who
were living in a correctional
facility in Texas. The novel has
won multiple awards including
the Newbery Medal Award and
was eventually made into a Walt
Disney movie.
Do you think people create their own problems or are
some people just unlucky for trouble? Explain with at least
two reasons to defend your answer. _____________________
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Stanley Yelnats IV is a 14-year-old boy from a hard-working, but
poor family that is allegedly affected by a curse of bad luck, which
they blame on at Stanley's "no-good-dirty-rotten pig-stealing-great-
great-grandfather". Stanley's latest problem is to be wrongly
accused of stealing a pair of shoes contributed to a children's
orphanage by the baseball player Clyde "Sweet Feet" Livingston.
As retribution, Stanley is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile
imprisonment and disciplinary facility which is ironically in the middle
of a sterile desert. As a punishment, the inmates of the camp have to
dig 1 hole a day 5 feet wide and 5 feet deep to 'build character'.
Stanley soon begins to suspect that they are not digging to build
character, but rather to find something hidden beneath the dry,
rocky ground.
©GinaKennedy
Chapters 1-5
Use barren, canteen and descendants
in three sentences referring to the
events in Chapters 1-5.
barren:______________________________
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canteen:____________________________
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descendents:________________________
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Vocabulary: barren- unable to have children
canteen- container for carrying drinking water
descendants- heirs or offspring
desolate- without inhabitants, empty
perseverance- continued effort in spite of difficulty
spigot- faucet
vast- a large humungous area
warden- officer at a prison camp
What point of view is this story being told from? How do
you know?______________________________________________
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Describe the setting of the story at the beginning of
Chapter One.________________________________________
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How was Camp Green different from
Stanley’s idea of a camp?___________
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Why did some “campers” allow
themselves to be bitten by scorpions
or rattlesnakes?___________________
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How had Stanley been treated by his teacher and the
students at his school? Cite evidence from the text. ______
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Infer one reason why the warden is not nice to the campers.
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©GinaKennedy
How can you tell that Stanley’s father had
perseverance? ________________________________
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Use desolate, perseverance and spigot in
three sentences referring to the events in
Chapters 1-5.
desolate:__________________________________
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perseverance:_____________________________
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spigot: _________________________________
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tenant:____________________________________
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Describe how Stanley’s family justified their
bad luck? ________________________________
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Illustrate how you visualized Camp Green to look.
:
Illustration
Describe what Stanley’s teacher did that
ended up humiliating him. _________________
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Record two options that the judge gave
Stanley during his trial.
1.
2.
©GinaKennedy
Why weren’t there any fences around Camp
Green Lake?____________________________________
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Use vast and warden in two sentences
referring to the events in Chapters 1-5.
vast:_______________________________________
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warden:____________________________________
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spigot: _________________________________
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In some ways, the story “Holes” is like a tall
tale. In tall tales, “things are extreme”.
Good is very, very good and bad is very,
very bad. Things don’t change- a rule is a
rule. What is “the one rule” at Camp
Green? ___________________________________
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Who is probably a very, very bad
character? _______________________________
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Illustrate why “Barf Bag” was in the hospital and unable
to return. Add a caption to explain your drawing.
:
Illustration
Explain how the author revealed Stanley’s
character trait of kindness. ________________
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Describe the mood in the first two chapters.
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Why did you think Stanley did not explain his
innocence to Mr. Pendanski?____________________
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Caption:
©GinaKennedy
Unfairly Accused… Directions: Write about a time when you or someone you know was unfairly
accused of a wrongdoing. Describe the situation and tell whether your
innocence or the victim’s innocence was ever proven. What did you or the
other perso learn from this experience?
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©GinaKennedy
0ppp]-p-p-‘p-‘]]’’]]
Chapters 6-10
Vocabulary: despicable- mean, angry and disgusting
detective- an official who solves a crime
excavated- to make hollow by removing the inner part
fossil- any remains or trace of a living thing
orphan- someone’s who parents have passed away
perimeter- space within the fenced in area
predatory- someone that preys on others
scarcity- short of or not enough of something
What upset Stanley most at his
trial?_______________________________ ___________________________________
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Why did Stanley think the sneakers were a “gift
from God” when he first found them? _________
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Use despicable, detective, and excavated in three
sentences referring to the events in Chapter 6-10.
despicable:______________________________________
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detective:_______________________________________
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excavated:______________________________________
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Describe Chapters 6-10 using just three main ideas.
1.
2.
3.
Briefly explain the events that led up to
Stanley’s arrest?_________________________
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©GinaKennedy
Use fossil, orphan and perimeter in three
sentences referring to the events in Chapters 6-10.
fossil:____________________________________________
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orphan:_________________________________________
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perimeter:_______________________________________
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Why had Elya Yelnats, Stanley’s great-great-
grandfather, agreed to carry a piglet up a
mountain every day? _________________________
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Describe how Stanley’s parent’s belief in the
court system affected Stanley.______________
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In Chapter Seven, what was the first sentence of
the author’s flashback to his grandfather’s time?
What was the setting (time and place)?___________
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Explain why Elya left for America, and why he
carried a family curse with him?__________________
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Why was it harder for Stanley to dig than it
was for the other two boys?_________________
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Why did Stanley show a rock to Mr. Pendanski
when he came around with the water truck?
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©GinaKennedy
Use predatory and scarcity in two sentences
referring to the events in Chapters 6-10.
predatory:_______________________________________
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scarcity:_________________________________________
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perimeter:_______________________________________
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In your opinion, why did Elya decide not to
marry Myra?__________________________________
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Caption:
Why do you think the story of Elya Yelnats
was recounted as Stanley began his days at
Camp Green Lake?______________________
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Readers are introduced to a character named,
“Caveman”. Stanley made a few inferences as to
who the Caveman was. What were the
inferences? _____________________________________
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Why do you think Stanley’s fossil was of no interest
to the Warden?__________________________________
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Illustrate how you visualized a scene with Stanley
in Chapters 6-10. Write a caption to describe the
scene below.
Do you think there was any value to the work
program at Camp Green Lake? If so, what?____
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©GinaKennedy
Directions: Recall the six most important events that occurred in Chapters 1-10. Illustrate each event
and then write a short caption to describe what happened.
Story Board Recall
Event #1:
Event #2:
Event #3:
Event #4:
Event #5:
Caption:
Caption:
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Event #6:
©GinaKennedy
Dear Journal… Directions: After reading Chapters 6-10, write an honest journal entry for Stanley’s first full day at Camp
Green Lake. Use some, or all, of the phrases below to help you.
I woke up at… … My hands were… I really can’t stand….. It was still dark when I… This was really hard… I hope that… For breakfast I had …. The first hole was… My biggest fear is…
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Dear Journal,
Sincerely,
©GinaKennedy
Chapters 11-15
Vocabulary: accomplish- to reach a successful goal
appropriate- the right one
authority- the power to make decisions
compound- area or place that serves multiple functions
engraved- to impress deeply on a surface
etched- to scratch a drawing or word on a surface with
a sharp tool
paranoid- mental illness in which someone thinks others
are constantly trying to harm them
presumed- to take for granted
Why did Stanley agree to give
anything he found to X-Ray? Cite
evidence from the text. _________
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How did memories of the boys at
school help Stanley survive his second
day of digging?_____________________
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Analyze this statement from Chapters 11-15, “If anybody
gets a day off, it should be me. That’s only fair, right?” What
was meant by this?________________________________________
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What lesson could readers learn about Stanley’s character based on what they’ve read in Chapters
11-15? ___________________________________________________________________________________________
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Use accomplish, appropriate and authority in three
sentences referring to the events in Chapters 11-15 of
the novel.
accomplish:__________________________________________
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appropriate:__________________________________________
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authority:_____________________________________________
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©GinaKennedy
Make two inferences about Mr. Pandanski
based on the text you read in these
chapters._____________________________________
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How did Stanley benefit from giving the gold tube
he found to X-Ray?_______________________________
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If you were to ask other inmates at the Correctional
Facility to tell you what two character traits they
would use to describe Stanley, what might they say?
Explain each one.
A. Character Trait:________________________
Why?
B. Character Trait:________________________
Why
C. Character Trait:________________________
Why
Use compound, engraved and etched in
three sentences referring to the events in
Chapters 11-15 of the novel.
compound:_________________________________
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engraved:__________________________________
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etched:_____________________________________
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Why did X-ray refuse to discuss the gold tube
with Stanley at breakfast?____________________
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__________________________Grace Wexler writes
housewife on her receipt then crosses it out and
writes heiress. What
do you think this says about her personality?_
How did Stanley conclude that they were
not digging holes just to build character?
Cite evidence from the text.
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©GinaKennedy
Why do you think X-Ray was the leader of the
group despite his small size?__________________
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Why do you think the warden accepted the
gold tube, but was presumed to reject the
fossil? Which object do you think is more
interesting?__________________________________
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Use paranoid and presumed in two sentences
referring to the events in Chapters 11-15 of the
novel.
paranoid:____________________________________
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presumed:___________________________________
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etched:______________________________________
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Make two inferences about Stanley’s
character based on these chapters?
1.
2.Grace Wexler writes housewife on her receipt
then crosses it out and writes heiress. What
do you think this says about her personality?_
Describe the ways that Stanley began to lose
his innocence in these chapters. ______________
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Draw the Warden doing something that she did
in these chapters. Add a caption to explain the
illustration.
Caption:
©GinaKennedy
Include at least two goals for each category.
“Goals” Directions: In Holes, Mr. Penkanski encouraged the boys to consider goals for their lives after they
are released. Write about your goals for the future in each category below. (Use Complete
Sentences)
Future School/Education Goals:
Future Family Relationship Goals:
Future Goals Past High School:
Future Friendship Goals:
©GinaKennedy
Chapters 16-20
Vocabulary: approached- to come near
callused- hard bumps on hands and feet due to rubbing
collapsed- faint or fall down
condemned- to put someone down, or knock something
down
conditioned- to be programed to do something
recede- to go or move away
stationary- in one position without moving
unearthed- to uncover or bring to light
Explain why Zigzag attacked
Stanley. ________________________
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Personification gives human like
qualities to something that is not
human such as “the spider really
disliked me”. Provide two examples
of personification from these chapters
below, identify their page number.
1.
2.
Why did Stanley refuse to teach Zero to read and write?____
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What inference can you make about Stanley based on his
decision not to help him? __________________________________
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Use approached, callused, and collapsed in three
sentences referring to the events in Chapters 16-20 of
the novel.
approached:_________________________________________
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callused:_____________________________________________
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collapsed:____________________________________________
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Stanley now knows why Zigzag did
not want to talk about the thing
he found at breakfast, why was
that?____________________________
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you were in Stanley's shoes?
24__
©GinaKennedy
How did Stanley find himself once again in the
wrong place at the wrong time?_____________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
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_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
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_____________________________________________
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_____________________________________________
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_____________________________________________
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_____________________________________________
_______________________________ .
What are two conflicts in Chapter 17, explain
both thoroughly citing evidence from the text?
1.
2.
How had the Atlas Clearing changed since the last
time Elijah had been there?
Stanley’s “heart had hardened” as well as
his muscles. This didn’t mean his heart
muscles were harder. What did the author
mean by that? ____________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Use condemned, conditioned and recede in three
sentences referring to the events in Chapters 16-20
of the novel.
condemned:______________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
conditioned:______________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
recede:___________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
What did Stanley say to Mr. Sir when he found the
sunflower seed bag in his hole?_________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
____________
How did the Warden openly exhibit her cruelty
in these chapters? __________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
______________
Use one word to describe the Warden,
explain why you chose it. _________________
Why? ____________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
©GinaKennedy
Describe a conflict from Chapters 19-20 and
how then record how the character solved the
conflict. Conflict:
Solution:
How had the Atlas Clearing changed since the last
time Elijah had been there?
Describe the method that the Warden
used to punish Mr. Sir?___________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
______________________________
Use stationary and unearthed in three sentences
referring to the events in Chapters 16-20 of the
novel.
stationary:_________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
________________________________________________
unearthed:________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
recede:___________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Why do you think X-Ray showed no response
when Stanley alluded to a nursery rhyme?______
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________
Why do you think Squid was crying? Why did he
become angry when Stanley showed concern for
him?_____________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
________________________________
Of all of the characters you’ve met thus
far, who do you think would be the most
reliable and honest friend? Why? ______
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
©GinaKennedy
Stanley Character Sketch Directions: Think about what you’ve learned so far about Stanley. Write a character sketch of him
based on what you’ve learned from the text and your imagination.
A character sketch is a short essay that informs others about a character in a book. When you write a
character sketch, you want the reader to have a strong mental image of the person including how the
person talks, acts and thinks.
Consider the following about your character:
• gender, age and name
• appearance
• physical and personal strengths and weaknesses
• likes and dislikes and feelings and behaviors towards other characters
• feelings of other characters towards the character
• feelings of character towards himself/herself
• personality at the beginning of the novel
• changes in personality as story progresses
• your opinion about the character
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________________________________________
©GinaKennedy
Chapters 21-25
Vocabulary: astonished- to fill with sudden wonder and joy
concoctions- a mixture of several ingredients
grotesque- nasty, awful
monstrous- extremely huge and gigantic
preserve- to keep up or maintain
reconsider- consider something again, rethink
remedy- something that cures a disease
refuge- shelter or protection from danger
Why did Stanley agree to teach
Zero to read and write? Cite
evidence from the text. ________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
____________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
Why was Stanley surprised that
Zero was able to calculate
numbers quickly? _____________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________
Use astonished, concoctions and grotesque in three sentences
referring to the events in Chapters 21-25.
astonished:__________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
concoctions:________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
grotesque:__________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
__
When Stanley went back to his hole, it had already been
dug. What inference did he make about who dug it for him.
What evidence in the text supported his inference? __
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________
What conclusion did Stanley reach
about the gold tube? _____________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
Why did Stanley infer that Zero was very smart when he first
started working with him?___________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
©GinaKennedy
Exp
How did Green Lake of Katherine Barlow’s
time contrast with Green Lake of Stanley’s
time?______________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
_________________________________
Describe how Stanley’s grandfather survived
the desert._________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
_____________
Why was Katherine unhappy when Sam had
completed all of the repairs on the school
building?___________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
________
____________________________________________
___________
Use monstrous, preserve and reconsider in three sentences referring to the events in Chapters 21-
25.
monstrous:_____________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
preserve:______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
reconsider:____________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
____
How did Mr. Sir punish Stanley?___________________ ________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
_____________________________________
Why wasn’t Sam allowed to attend classes at the school along with the other men in town?__________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
©GinaKennedy
Exp
What evidence did the author provide that
Sam returned Katherine’s feelings of
affection?__________________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
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____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
Why do you think the author introduced
Katherine Barlow to the story? What value did
she add? _____________________________ ____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
_____________
Illustrate a picture of Sam from a scene in
Chapter 25. Then write a caption describing his
character in 2-3 sentences.
Use remedy and refuge in two sentences referring to the events in Chapters 21-25.
remedy:________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
refuge:__________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
reconsider:______________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Why do you think Sam was treated unfairly in the
community at the banks of Green Lake? ________ _________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_______________________________
Will not talking about a problem make it go
away? Why or why not?_______________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
_____________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
____
Caption:
©GinaKennedy
Write 2-3 interesting facts (complete sentences) for each category below.
“Rattlesnakes” Directions: In Holes, the boys find several rattlesnakes in the desert. Research rattlesnakes and
answer the questions below. (Use Complete Sentences)
Physical description of rattlesnakes:
History of Rattlesnakes:
Geography of Rattlesnakes:
Two Other Fun Facts about Rattlesnakes:
©GinaKennedy
Chapters 26-28
Use delirious, deprive, drought and
feeble in four sentences referring to the
events in Chapters 26-28.
delirious:_______________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
______________________________________
deprive:________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
drought:________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
feeble:_________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Vocabulary: delirious- wild with excitement or enthusiasm
deprive- to withhold something from someone
drought- long period without rain
feeble- physically weak
hazy- not clear or lacking clarity
holstered- a carrying case for a firearm
rummage- to search thoroughly
What did Stanley infer about his canteen when Mr. Sir
disappeared with it? Why didn’t he drink from it? ____
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
______________________________
According to legend, how had Green Lake become as
it was when Stanley came to “camp”?_________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
___
Why did the heirs write out their questions?
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_____________
Describe the amazing discovery Stanley made about
Hector. Did it change the way Stanley felt about him?
_______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Why did Trout Walker lead the angry
mob to destroy the schoolhouse?___
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
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_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
___________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
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_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
___________________________
Explain why Katherine become an
outlaw?_____________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
©GinaKennedy
What character in the story intrigues you the most
and why?______________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Use hazy, holstered, and rummage in three
sentences referring to the events in
Chapters 26-28.
hazy:______________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
holstered:_________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
rummage:_________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
wary: _____________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Why did Trout Walker and his wife Linda
confront Kate when she returned to Green
Lake?_____________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
_____________
How did Katherine change Trout and Linda’s
plans? Cite evidence from the text.______________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
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_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________________________
_______________________________
_________________________________________________
________________________________
Why do you think there was so much racial
prejudice during the time of Sam and Kate?
____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
___________________________
In your opinion? Why did Green Lake dry up?__
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________
Explain why you think ZigZag started the fight
with Stanley. ________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
________________
©GinaKennedy
Green Lake and More… Directions: Illustrate a detailed setting from each chapter below.
Chapter 26:
Chapter 27:
Chapter 28:
©GinaKennedy
Chapters 29 -35
Vocabulary: accelerated- to cause faster or greater activity
deftly- skillful and clever
mirage- optical phenomenon
parched- to completely dry
random- aimless pattern
systematic- something that just starts to happen on its own
without thinking
ventilation- a supply of fresh air
ward- a division or district of a town
What surprised you most about
these chapters?_______________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
Why did Zero run away from camp? Why
didn’t anyone try to stop him?___________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
____________________________________
_________________________________________
____________________________________
Use accelerated, deftly and mirage in three sentences
referring to events in Chapters 29-35.
accelerated:__________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
deftly:________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
mirage:_______________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
What were two possible reasons that the last hole
was about to be dug?______________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
____________________________
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___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
____________________________
___________________________________________________
____________________________
___________________________________________________
____________________
___________________________________________________
____________________
___________________________________________________
____________________
What did Stanley see when there was
a great flash of lightning over the
mountains?__________________________
____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
©GinaKennedy
Briefly describe the incident involving Zigzag,
Stanley and Zero. _____________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
__________________
How had the Atlas Clearing changed since the last
time Elijah had been there?
How did the warden plan to cover up
Zero’s disappearance?__________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
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__________________________________________
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__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
________________________
•
Use parched, random and systematic in three
sentences referring to events in Chapters 29-35.
parched:__________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
random:__________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
systematic:________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
_
soothsayer:________________________________________
How did the boys treat Stanley when they
learned that Zero was digging his hole for him?
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
___________________
Why did Stanley dig Zero’s hole after Zero ran
away?______________________________________
____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
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_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
___
List three things you would do in order to ensure
your own survival in the desert.
1.
2.
3
Why did Stanley run away from the camp?
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________
©GinaKennedy
Where did Stanley find Zero? How had he survived?
Why do you think Stanley felt like he had to find
Zero?_____________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
_
Explain why Stanley walked toward the mountain
that looked like a fist. ______________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
__________
___________________________________________________
__________
Pretend you are Stanley writing a note to the
guys back at the camp. Tell about all of the
dangers you are facing in the desert.
Use ventilation and ward in two sentences
referring to events in Chapters 29-35.
ventilation:___________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
ward:________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
_________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
How did Sam and Katherine’s past affect
Stanley and Zero’s present situation?________-
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
_________
©GinaKennedy
8.
1. Fortunately, _____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Unfortunately, _____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Fortunately, _____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Unfortunately, _____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Fortunately, _____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Unfortunately, _____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Fortunately, _____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Unfortunately, _____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Fortunately, _____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Unfortunately, _____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
“Fortunately/Unfortunately”
Directions: Create five sets of “fortunately/unfortunately” situations using events that have
taken place in Chapters 1-35. You may exaggerate and use humor if necessary.
For Example: Fortunately, Zero’s learned a lot from his tutoring classes with Stanley and Stanley didn’t have to dig as many holes. Unfortunately, the other boys were making fun of Stanley for letting Zero dig his holes.
©GinaKennedy
Sights and Sounds Directions: Holes is a novel filled with strange sights and sounds. Look back over the novel and
find examples of how the author appealed to the five senses in his writing. List the examples in
the chart below with a brief description of what is said and where it is found.
Sight Sound Touch Taste Smell
©GinaKennedy
Chapters 36-40
Vocabulary: altitude- height above sea level
contritely- feeling guilty
defy- to exceed other’s expectations or go against their
wishes
frail- weak and feeble
increments- small parts of a whole
leeches- bloodsucking worms
precipice- a cliff with an overhanging face
protruding- something that sticks out
Now that you’ve learned more,
explain why Zero was so eager
to go along with Stanley toward
the mountain that looked like a
fist. ___________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
How did Stanley help Zero
continue toward the mountain?
______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
________
Use altitude, contritely and defy in three sentences referring to
events in Chapters 36-40.
altitude:_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
contritely:___________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
defy:________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
What did Stanley find peculiar about the weeds and bugs
surrounding the mountains?_____________________________
_______________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_______________
Illustrate the food item that Stanley
found buried in the mud.
©GinaKennedy
Exp
Why did Stanley think it would be more
difficult for the Warden to destroy his records
than for her to destroy Zero’s?________________
___________________ _________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_________________________
Why was it really difficult for Stanley and Zero
when they reached the end of Green Lake?_
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
________
____________
Do you have more or less respect for Zero
after these chapters? Explain. _______________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
__________________________________________
Use frail, increments and leeches in three sentences referring to events in Chapters 36-40.
frail:___________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
increments:____________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
leeches:_______________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
penance:______________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Illustrate how Stanley got Zero up the mountain. Write a
caption to describe your drawing.
Describe what caused the foul odor that Stanley
smelled on the mountain. _______________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
______
Caption:
©GinaKennedy
Exp
What saved Becca Tennyson when she almost
died from eating spoiled meat? How did this
relate to Stanley and Zero?__________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_________________________
Describe how the time at Camp Green Lake
changed Stanley. __________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________ ____________
What did you learn about Stanley in these
chapters that surprised you? _________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Use precipice and protruding in two sentences referring to events in Chapters 36-40.
precipice:_______________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
protruding:______________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
leeches:________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________pe
What do you suppose gave Stanley the strength
he needed to get up the mountain and carry Zero
as well? What was he most likely thinking? _______
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Why did Stanley most likely call Zero by his last
name as they were climbing the mountain?
Should have he always been doing that? ______
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Why might have Stanley felt that death would
be a relief?__________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
©GinaKennedy
Changing Characters.. Directions: Generally, characters have a problem and then they solve the problem and then
change in some way to become a better person. Explain four ways that a character in Holes had a
problem, solved it and then became a better person.
Problem:_______________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Solve/Change:__________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
______________
Problem:_______________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Solve/Change:_________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
______________
Problem:_______________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Solve/Change:__________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
______________
Problem:_______________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Solve/Change:_________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
______________
©GinaKennedy
Chapters 41-45
Use adjacent, contaminate and
distinctive in three sentences referring
to the events in Chapters 41-45.
adjacent:____________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
____________________________________
contaminate:________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
distinctive:___________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
__
Vocabulary: adjacent- connected to something else
contaminate- to make something impure with a
harmful material
distinctive- having a special quality
fugitive- a person who is illegally fleeing from a lock-
down facility, runaway
inexplicable- incapable of explaining for one’s actions
precarious- living life carelessly, unstable
raspy- hoarse voice
suppress- withhold something
Why didn’t Zero understand that he was stealing Clyde
Livingston’s shoes? ______________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
____________
______________________________________________
________________________________________________________
____________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Describe how Zero had become
homeless. __________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_________________
How did Zero hide the absence of
his mother at the various homeless
shelters in which he stayed?________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
What did Zero do when he realized he had been wrong to
take the shoes? __________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________
If you could find a long lost treasure, describe what you
would want it to look like and what the treasure would
be?___________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
___
©GinaKennedy
Why did Stanley and Zero eventually go back to
Camp Green Lake?
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________
Use fugitive, inexplicable and precarious in
three sentences referring to the events in
Chapters 41-45.
fugitive:____________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
________________________________________
inexplicable:_______________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
precarious:________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
shard:_____________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Explain why Stanley wished he had kept
the shoes.________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
____________________________________
Illustrate what caused the gashes in Zero’s hand. Add
a caption to explain your drawing.
:
Illustration
Do you think the Warden knew about
Stanley’s and Zero’s plan all along? Defend
your answer with evidence from the text.
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
_________
Describe why Stanley and Zero’s return was
much easier than when they left._______________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
____________________________
Caption:
©GinaKennedy
Caption:
What was the Sploosh?__________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
____________________________________
Use raspy and suppress in two sentences
referring to the events in Chapters 41-45.
raspy:_______________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
___________________________________________
suppress:___________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
_______________________________________
meticulous:_________________________________
____________________________________________
Describe the surprise Stanley faced as he
dug the hole.____________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
____________________________________
Illustrate below where the shoes landed after Zero
threw them. Add a caption to explain your drawing.
:
Illustration
Why do you think Stanley never became sick
from drinking the Sploosh?___________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Why do you think Stanley was glad Zero had
thrown the shoes from the overpass? __________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
All in all, do you think Zero should have been sent
to a juvenile facility? Explain. ___________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________
©GinaKennedy
Compare and Contrast Directions: By now you’ve gotten to know Stanley’s and Zero’s characters quite well. Compare
their similarities and differences on the chart below. Include at least three in each category.
MAHS.
Stanley
Zero
ALIKE
DIFFERENT
©GinaKennedy
Cliffhanger..
Directions: A cliffhanger is usually placed at the end of the chapter to encourage readers to continue
on to the next part. Describe the cliffhanger that the author included at the end of Chapter 45.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Illustrate below your prediction of what a scene from the last five chapters of the novel might look like.
Be as detailed as possible.
©GinaKennedy
Chapters 46-50
Use authentic, exaggerated and
frantic in three sentences referring to
the events in Chapters 46-50.
authentic:___________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
exaggerated:________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
frantic:_______________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
___________________________________
Vocabulary: authentic- not false or copied
exaggerated- increase the truth with small lies
frantic- desperate or wild with excitement
incarcerate- to imprison or confine
infested- to be invaded by unwanted animals or
insects
innocent- free from being wrong
rigid- stiff or unyielding
strenuous- tiring or difficult physical movement
What connection was there between Zero’s reading
ability and him being able to keep Stanley’s suitcase in his
possession? ____________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
__________________
How did Stanley divert his fear when he and Zero were
stuck in the lizard infested hole? What did that tell you
about Stanley’s survivor skills? __________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_________________________
How did Stanley learn that he had
been declared innocent of stealing
Clyde’s shoes from the homeless
shelter? ____________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_
Do you like Stanley more or less after
reading these chapters? Explain.___
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________
Why did the Warden assume that the lizards were not
hungry? When did she realize she had been wrong?_______
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
©GinaKennedy
Explain why the lizards hadn’t bitten Stanley and
Zero.___________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________
Use incarcerate, infested and innocent in
three sentences referring to the events in
Chapters 46-50.
incarcerate:________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
infested:___________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
__________________________________________
innocent: _________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
What was Stanley’s lawyer’s reasoning for
removing Stanley and Zero from the camp?
__________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
_____________________________________
Cite evidence from the text for each answer.
Which character from the story….
Was most likable? Why?_______________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Started the most trouble? Why?_________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Would most likely hurt someone else to make
their own life better? Why?_____________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_
Is the most honest? Why?_______________________
What was your impression of Stanley’s lawyer?
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________
If there had been a curse, how was it broken?
What evidence from the text showed the
curse was broken? __________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
__
©GinaKennedy
Describe why the author may have decided to
title this novel, Holes?____________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________
Use rigid and strenuous in two sentences
referring to the events in Chapters 46-50.
rigid:________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
strenuous:___________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
innocent: _________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
The climax of a story usually occurs at the
most exciting or important point of the plot.
Where do you think the climax of Holes
occurred? Why was the event so
important to the story?___________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
_________________________________________
Do you believe there was a curse on the
Yelnats? Or do you think it was just a series of
coincidences? Cite evidence from the text in
your answer. __________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
In your opinion, who was singing to Hector at
the end of the movie? Cite evidence from
the text in your answer. ___________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
_______________________
©GinaKennedy
“Text Exchange” Directions: Pretend that two years after the novel ended, Stanley and Zero had a text
exchange, what might that text exchange look like?
Stanley:____________________________________________
___________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Zero:___________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
________________________
Stanley:____________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Zero:___________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
________________________
Stanley:____________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
_
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
_____________
Zero:___________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
________________________
©GinaKennedy
Digging into the Main Events Directions: Holes is a complicated story with many twists and turns. The story goes back generations of
the Yelnatses. The story includes many days of digging holes and endless discoveries. Fill in the cause
and effect chain below to recall important events from the story.
First, list the top four major events of the story and then determine the cause and effect of each event.
Major Event #1:_______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cause of the Event: ____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Effect of the Event: _____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Major Event #2:_______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cause of the Event: ____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Effect of the Event: _____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Major Event #3:_______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cause of the Event: ____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Effect of the Event: _____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Major Event #4:_______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Cause of the Event: ____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Effect of the Event: _____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
©GinaKennedy
By Louis Sachar
List and describe two ways the author’s writing style in
this novel made the story more interesting.
1.___________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Explain the author’s purpose for writing
this novel: ___________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
_______________________
Write a summary below for this novel using the
“somebody wanted so but then” strategy.
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Based on what you have read in this
novel, what two conclusions could you
draw about Stanley’s life ten years
after the end of the novel?
1.
2.
HOles
Explain the general mood of this story, or
how the author made you feel while you
were reading this novel. Use mood words
such as silly, angry and so on in your
description to defend your answer._______
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
______________
_________________________________________
______________
_________-
©GinaKennedy
Directions: Each of the following themes are among those used in Holes. Read the
themes below and provide an event from the story to support how each theme was
included by the author in the novel.
Fate:
Free Will:
Choices:
Power:
Transformation:
Man and the Natural World:
“HOLES” Themes
©GinaKennedy
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
Persuasive Essay: At a very young age, Zero and Stanley got a taste of our legal system. Do you
think juveniles (under 18) who are found guilty of a crime should be treated just like adults with the
same punishments or should they be treated differently? If so how should they be treated differently?
Write a one page essay below persuading others to think like you do. Provide at least three reasons to
defend your opinion.
©GinaKennedy
Directions: Challenge yourself and write an alliteration sentence about each of
the events from Holes listed below. In each sentence include at least five words
that start with the same sound.
For example: Bad boys belong in a bodacious broiling desert.
1. Stanley is headed on a bus for Camp Green Lake.
2. Stanley’s family has a history of bad luck.
3. Stanley and the boys digging holes.
4. Stanley runs away.
5. The boys return from the desert.
Bonus: Create your own alliteration sentence about anything in the novel.
Awesome, Amazing Alliteration
©GinaKennedy
Directions: Conflict in literature refers to the clash opposing forces. There are
three major forms of conflict. Use the chart below to record how each is
evident in the novel. (Include two examples for each section.)
Person
Vs.
Person
Person
Vs.
Nature
Person
Vs.
Self
“Holes” Conflict Chart
©GinaKennedy
Choose one character trait to describe each character below. Use evidence from the
novel’s text to defend each choice.
“Holes” Character Analysis
Stanley Yelnats:________________________________________________________________________________
Why?__________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Zero:___________________________________________________________________________________________
Why?__________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Warden:___________________
Why?_________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
___________________
X-Ray:___________________________________________________
Why?____________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
______
Mr. Pendanski:_______________________________________
Why?___________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
______
©GinaKennedy
Elya Yelnats:___________________________________________________________________________________
Why?__________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Sam the Onion Man: ____________________________________________________________________________
Why?__________________________________________________________________________________________
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Derrick Dunne:________________
Why?_________________________
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Miss Katherine:__________________________________________________________________________________
Why?__________________________________________________________________________________________
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©GinaKennedy
Directions: Explain how each form of figurative language below could be
related to an event in Holes.
1. “Don’t judge a book by its cover”:
2. “What you don’t know, can’t hurt you”:
3. “The early bird gets the worm”:
4. “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks”:
5. “Two wrongs don’t make a right”:
6. “Every cloud has a silver lining”:
7. “Hope for the best and prepare for the worst”:
8. “He who laughs last, laughs longest”:
Holes: Figurative Language
©GinaKennedy
“Bo
ok
Jack
et”
Dire
ction
s: Yo
u w
ill be
de
sign
ing
a n
ew
bo
ok ja
cke
t for th
e b
oo
k, H
ole
s. Yo
u w
ill ne
ed
to d
ec
ide
wh
at im
ag
e y
ou
wo
uld
like
to
ha
ve
on
the
co
ve
r. On
the
ba
ck y
ou
will n
ee
d to
write
a su
mm
ary
of th
e b
oo
k a
nd
two
“o
ne
pa
rag
rap
h” re
vie
ws.
©GinaKennedy
Holes “End of the Book” Projects Name: Date:
Create a (poster size)
newspaper that is about
the entire novel, Holes,
Include such things as: • classified ads
• obituaries
• editorials written by
one of the boys at
the camp
• cartoons
• stories about what
the characters
adventures
• and so on
The newspaper should look
neat and organized with a
super catchy title and
headlines.
Write a ten page tall-tale
story book that portrays
Stanley as a tall tale hero.
Make sure your story has
the qualities of a tall tale: • A larger-than-life, or
superhuman, main
character with a
specific job.
• A problem that is
solved in a funny way.
• Exaggerated details
that describe things as
greater than they
really are.
Include 1-2 paragraphs and
an illustration on every
page.
Create a set of eight
Holes themed “Who Am I”
character trading cards
using 5” x 7” index cards.
On each card write a two
paragraph description of
one of the characters from
the novel without ever
mentioning their name. On
the backs of
the trading
cards, write
the names of
the characters
in very small
print.
Write a six stanza
poem about the boys at
Camp Green Lake and
their antics throughout
the novel. Write the
poem as if you are the
Warden from her
perspective. Include at
least two illustrations with
your poem.
Glue your poem and
illustrations
on a
poster
for display.
Holes was recreated
into a Walt Disney movie.
Create a full sized poster
that would have
advertised the movie
when it was first
produced. On the poster
include a full sized
illustration, the main stars
in the movie
and two
critics’
reviews.
Create a detailed
poster sized treasure map
of Camp Green Lake and
the surrounding area. On
the map include a short
paragraph about
something that happened
at each location (at least
six locations).
The map
should be
organized,
neat and
attractive.
Pretend that ten
years have gone by since
the end of the novel. Write
a two page sequel to
Holes, telling what has
happened in
the lives of the major
characters.
Add an
illustration to
accompany
the sequel.
Create a science
board display with a
theme of the biome:
deserts. The science
board should teach other
students about deserts:
the types of animals and
creatures that can be
found in a desert, the
climate of a desert, and
where deserts can be
found geographically.
Write a twenty
question true or false quiz
about the text in Holes for
another student to take.
Include an answer key.
Complete three projects in tic tac toe order.
©GinaKennedy
“Holes” Project Rubric:
The projects were complete and all of the necessary
components were included…………………………………40 Points
Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar……………………………20 points
Creativity and Originality…………………………..………..20 Points
Projects are Attractive and Organized…………………….20 Points
Total Possible………………………………………………….100 Points
Student’s Name:
Total Points:
Grade:
©GinaKennedy