Rating: Needs Parent Supervision

Reading Level: Middle School

Holes by Louis Sachar is a masterpiece. It reminds me of the book of Esther. God is not largely present in an explicit way, but some of the coincidences and timing are so uncanny and beautifully pieced together that there is no way to explain it save for the hand of the divine.

There are some tough issues addressed in the story, but they are so tastefully done. Here are possible concerns:

  • Romance, and Racism. There is a touch of romance and an inter-racial kiss that leads to the brutal death of a black man.
  • Violence. There is inappropriate treatment of the incarcerated and violence when a greed-driven warden gets upset.
  • Bullying, Overweight. There is bullying at school, and the protagonist meets kids with nicknames like “Barf bag.” He is mistreated for being overweight.
  • Addiction. A difficult (failed) attempt to quit smoking. ‘
  • Luck/Curses. The main protagonist mentions luck and a curse.
  • Revenge. In the name of revenge a heartbroken school teacher becomes a renowned bandit.

So the story is written for kids but needs a mature audience (10 or so?).  That said, it is a beautiful tale of loyalty, perseverance, justice, hope, and transformation. I just love this one. It is a great intro to discuss racism, bullying and other important issues.

Essay / discussion questions 

  1. Compare and contrast Zero and Stanley’s struggles at camp.  Both are outcast, yet overlooked for different reasons. Sam also was outcast.  How does Jesus call you to treat the outcasts? Are there outcasts in your life today?
  2. How does Kate handle tragedy? What drives her to change? Do you think she was satisfied? How have you handled tragedgy? Were you satisfied?
  3. Stanley was falsely accused. What biblical characters are falsely accused?  How do they respond?
  4. Read the book of Esther. Draw connections between Holes and Esther. What is similar? What is different? Remember that Esther is a true story. What can we learn from it? 
    5. Why do you think Sam was killed? have you seen racism in your life? What does the bible say about racism?