Year 5/6

5/6 Class Novel Study - Holes

By Isabel 

In Reading, we completed Cycle 6 and 7, which was focusing on our class novel Holes. Holes was written by Louis Sachar, the book was written in 1998. We were exploring and analysing the characters, events, themes, author’s choices and setting. We also had plenty of discussions and reflections on this novel.

One of the main settings is Camp Green Lake, which is a correctional facility for young boys. The idea is that by digging holes these bad boys turn into good boys, "If you take a bad boy and make him dig a hole every day in the hot sun, it will turn him into a good boy."

During the cycle, we came up with nicknames of our own and even made some Camp Green Lake brochures. For book week, the 5/6  teachers took the novel study to another level and dressed up as the characters from Holes!

Summary by Greta

Holes is an action-influenced adventure about a boy named Stanley Yelnats, who gets sent to a juvenile detention centre called, ‘Camp Green Lake’, which is neither green nor a lake. 

While digging holes at the ‘lake’, he meets other campers including a new friend, Zero. A short while after Stanley starts teaching Zero how to read, Zero leaves Camp Green Lake. Will Stanley find Zero? Or will their friendship be over?

Review by Osian

I rate Holes 3.5 stars. Holes is a thrilling, adventurous book with lots of twists and turns. It will keep you guessing until the very end. I would have enjoyed it if there were more adventure scenes, as they were my favourite. 

Review by Amalia

Holes is an incredible narrative filled with mystery, adventure and friendship. Reading ‘Holes’ is truly an immersive experience. It’s a great novel for children aged 10-12 to indulge in. Though being written more than twenty years ago, ‘Holes’ still has the ability to relate to young readers. It is a timeless book that I would highly recommend reading.