Holes
Louis Sachar,

Subjects
Published by
Number of pages
'This is a story of friendship with the cleverest of plot twists, and descriptions so vivid you can feel the heat of Stanley's desert prison burning off the page. A total must-read' The Times 'Totally absorbing and beautifully written' The Bookseller
Reviews

A lovely story of friendship, morals and a peek into the punishment system.
Lrowe

I enjoyed reading this after watching the film
HannahLEFS

Poignant book which can be read on many levels. Easy to access for the younger reader and with relatable characters which readers can identify with.
Greaves64

I remember reading this book as a year 6 pupil and really enjoying it, and this time around I enjoyed it just as much, if not more. I think it has a perfect mix of adventure and mystery, whilst having great lessons about friendship as well as highlighting racism through the flashbacks of Sam and kissing Kate Barlow. It really keeps you wanting to read more in order to fit the pieces of the puzzle together and you end up feeling satisfied at the end as the past and present characters intertwine. It's a classic book that all aged 9+ should read.
adaorachime

I have wanted to read this book for a while and wasn’t disappointed. The story moves along quickly & the events of the past blend into the present day situation for Stanley. You get a real feeling of how awful his predicament is. The warden is truly evil to everyone. I was hooked into finding out how Stanley’s story turned out , would he make it through and what about his camp mates? Loved this & would definitely recommend 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Laineyh27

I have been meaning to read this book
Laineyh27

Tough rough read, strong themes but highly interesting. recommended for older children 10+
lpalmwij

I read it in 2 days, could not put it down. Easy to read with complex and dark themes at times.
ailsaclarke7

Loved this book! I know it’s a year 6 staple but I had never read it before. This write writes with simple language but such a good storyline!
Y6Falcons

Loved the movie so tried the book, very faithfully made. Book seemed a bit slow in comparison though. But enjoyable enough
BarmyBex

I love Holes- have read it three times now with each Year 6 class and it never fails to be emotive. I love how the children try to link the character's plots together.

I would highly recommend this book. It is funny with a dry humour and I love the way the author links the events and storylines together. A great book and author.
MSutherland

Have always wanted to read. Super book. Have now got the second book to read
willowdeneswifty

I enjoyed this book so much that when I finished it I wanted to go right back to the beginning and read it again. It is witty, clever and the the different stories really grip you and carry you along and finally come together in a really satisfying way. Difficult topics like homelessness, corruption and racism are brought in through the characters’ experiences in such a matter of fact way, that you are left to fill in the effects with your own imagination. It also celebrates the goodness in people. This book would appeal to everyone - quite a variety of people I know have read it before me and have all liked it.
SandyDR

The children in year 6 read this as their class novel every year. I couldn't put it down. You are desperate to see why things are happening and every chapter makes you want to read on. Loved it.
JFrost1256

This is quite a unique book suitable for age 10+. The switch between times is quite subtle to pick up for children and had to use some explicit questioning for some to pick up the cues for how the past and present intertwine. Loved the characters- very strong and complex. Quite a dark subject matter but enjoyable. Loved the character of Zero.
twest

Just wow! What a page-turner! Totally compelling. This is a mystery novel but it is so much more than that. A pitch-perfect social commentary on America today. Essential reading for adults and children alike. I can’t believe I have only read this aged 44.
MrsL100

Read this ahead of teaching it in the Autumn. A nice story with clever mirroring. A lot of the references to females are quite outdated though, and it was uncomfortable how some people referred to the females.
issylm

I really like this book and have read it many times.
SarahSB

I cannot believe I waited so long to read this book after several people recommended it to me a few years ago. As soon as I read it I rushed to share it with the children in school. It is a most unusual story that keeps you questioning all the way through. The characters are intriguing and the sense of helplessness and hopelessness overwhelms at times which only adds to the joy when the story reaches its conclusion. A fabulous read for Year 6 children. Will never be missed off the class reading list again!
Vickycarlin