Holes Comprehension Questions & Reading Journal

Holes questions by chapter

We know this book well. Every question asks about something that happens in its chapter, a moment, a choice or a character, without giving away what comes next. One question per chapter, across all 50 chapters, and every one is editable before you print. The example answers under 3 of the chapters are the ones printed at the front of the booklet.

1. Chapter 1

   How does the author describe Camp Green Lake, and what mood does this setting create for the story?

2. Chapter 2

   Why do you think the boys at Camp Green Lake are made to dig holes every day? What might the adults believe digging will do?

3. Chapter 3

   What do you learn about Stanley Yelnats and his family in this chapter? How does the family curse affect the way Stanley sees his life?

4. Chapter 4

   How does Mr. Sir treat Stanley when he arrives at camp? What does this show you about life at Camp Green Lake?

5. Chapter 5

   Stanley meets the boys in Tent D. Which boy stands out to you the most so far, and why?

6. Chapter 6

   What really happened with the shoes that got Stanley in trouble? How does this event make you feel about Stanley’s punishment?

7. Chapter 7

   How is digging Stanley’s first hole harder than he expected? What does this chapter show about Stanley’s character?

   Example answer: Stanley’s first hole is much harder than he expected because the ground is hard, the shovel feels heavy, and the heat makes everything worse. He gets blisters and feels pain, but he keeps working until the hole is finished. This shows that Stanley is tougher than he thinks. Even though he is scared and tired, he does not give up.

8. Chapter 8

   What makes the yellow-spotted lizards so dangerous? Why do you think the author gives them their own chapter?

9. Chapter 9

   Stanley writes a letter home. Why does he leave out the hardest parts of camp, and what does this tell you about him?

10. Chapter 10

    Stanley finds something in his hole. Why is he disappointed by the adults’ reaction to it?

11. Chapter 11

    X-Ray asks Stanley to give him anything interesting he finds. What does this request show about power and friendship in the group?

12. Chapter 12

    Mr. Pendanski talks to the boys about their futures. Do you think he is truly helping them? Explain your thinking.

13. Chapter 13

    Stanley finds a gold tube with letters on it. What do you predict this object might mean later in the story?

14. Chapter 14

    How does the Warden react when X-Ray shows her the gold tube? What does her reaction tell you about what the adults really want?

15. Chapter 15

    The boys are ordered to dig in a special area. How does this change what you understand about the purpose of the holes?

16. Chapter 16

    Stanley keeps trying to sound cheerful in his letters. Why might pretending things are okay be both kind and difficult?

17. Chapter 17

    Zigzag hits Stanley with a shovel, but the adults do not seem very concerned. What does this show about safety and fairness at the camp?

18. Chapter 18

    Zero asks Stanley to teach him to read. Why might Stanley say no at first, and what does this moment show about both boys?

19. Chapter 19

    Stanley takes the blame for the stolen sunflower seeds. Was this a brave choice, a foolish choice, or both? Explain.

20. Chapter 20

    How does the Warden use fear to control people in this chapter? Give an example from what she does or says.

21. Chapter 21

    Stanley remembers the story of his great-grandfather and God’s Thumb. Why might this memory become important?

22. Chapter 22

    Stanley and Zero make a deal to help each other. What does each boy gain from the deal besides the obvious help?

23. Chapter 23

    How is Green Lake in the past different from Camp Green Lake in the present? What details help you picture it?

24. Chapter 24

    Mr. Sir refuses to give Stanley water. How does this unfair treatment affect Stanley, and how might it affect the other boys watching?

25. Chapter 25

    Describe the relationship between Miss Katherine and Sam. Why is their friendship important to the story?

26. Chapter 26

    The town turns against Sam and Katherine. What does this chapter show about prejudice and injustice?

27. Chapter 27

    How do Stanley and Zero’s reading lessons change their relationship? Use details from the chapter.

28. Chapter 28

    Katherine Barlow becomes an outlaw. How do her painful experiences help explain, but not excuse, her choices?

29. Chapter 29

    Stanley sees a mountain that looks like a thumb. What connections can you make between this sight and earlier stories in the book?

30. Chapter 30

    Zero runs away after being insulted and mistreated. What feelings or events do you think pushed him to this point?

    Example answer: I think Zero runs away because he has been treated like he does not matter for a long time. Mr. Pendanski’s cruel words probably make him feel angry and hopeless. Zero also sees that the adults are not really trying to help him. Running away is dangerous, but I can understand why he feels like he cannot stay anymore.

31. Chapter 31

    How do the Warden and the counselors respond to Zero running away? What does their response reveal about them?

32. Chapter 32

    Stanley decides to leave camp to look for Zero. What risks is he taking, and why might he think it is worth it?

33. Chapter 33

    Stanley finds signs of danger in the desert. How does the author build suspense in this chapter?

34. Chapter 34

    Stanley finds Zero under the old boat. What does this discovery make you wonder about the history of Camp Green Lake?

35. Chapter 35

    Zero has survived by drinking “Sploosh.” What does this moment show about his strength and luck?

36. Chapter 36

    Stanley and Zero head toward the mountain. How do they depend on each other during this difficult journey?

37. Chapter 37

    The boys struggle with thirst and exhaustion. What words or details help you understand how serious their situation is?

38. Chapter 38

    Stanley carries Zero up the mountain. What does this action reveal about Stanley’s growth as a person?

39. Chapter 39

    Stanley sings a song to Zero and notices important family connections. How does this chapter connect the past and present?

40. Chapter 40

    The boys find onions and water on the mountain. Why does this discovery feel like more than just good luck?

41. Chapter 41

    Zero explains how he got Clyde Livingston’s shoes. How does this change your understanding of Stanley’s arrest?

42. Chapter 42

    Stanley and Zero make a plan to return to camp. Do you think their plan is wise, dangerous, or both? Explain.

43. Chapter 43

    As Stanley and Zero sneak back, what clues remind readers that the camp still holds secrets?

44. Chapter 44

    Stanley and Zero dig up a suitcase. What do you predict is inside, and why might it matter?

45. Chapter 45

    The yellow-spotted lizards crawl on Stanley and Zero. Why is this one of the most suspenseful moments in the book?

46. Chapter 46

    Stanley and Zero stay still through the night. What inner strengths do they need to survive this scene?

47. Chapter 47

    The suitcase has Stanley’s name on it. How does this detail change the power between Stanley, Zero, and the Warden?

48. Chapter 48

    Stanley refuses to leave without Zero. What does this choice show about his friendship and sense of justice?

49. Chapter 49

    Many problems are solved in this chapter. Which solution feels the most satisfying to you, and why?

50. Chapter 50

    Looking back at the whole book, what message do you think Louis Sachar wants readers to understand about fate, friendship, or justice?

    Example answer: I think Louis Sachar wants readers to see that friendship can help people change their lives. Stanley and Zero both suffer unfairly, but they become stronger when they help each other. The ending also shows that wrong actions from the past can still affect people later. To me, the book says that justice may take a long time, but kindness and courage matter.