Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare books that deserves its awards. Holes is smart, funny, and surprisingly moving, with a plot that rewards careful readers and a friendship that feels authentic. The multi-timeline structure is ambitious for middle-grade fiction, and Sachar pulls it off beautifully.

The intensity is real though—this isn't a cozy read. Kids are treated terribly at Camp Green Lake, and the historical storyline deals with racism and violence. But it's handled with care, and the themes of justice, redemption, and breaking cycles of bad luck are worth the emotional weight.

What really sets this apart is its appeal to reluctant readers. Multiple parents and teachers report this is THE book that got their kid reading. The mystery hooks them, the humor keeps them going, and before they know it, they've read a Newbery winner.

Still totally readable in 2025—no watchability penalty needed here. If your 9-12 year old can handle some intensity, this is a genuine classic that earns its place on the shelf.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-14, though it skews toward the upper end of that range (10-12 is the sweet spot). The themes and intensity are too much for most younger kids, and teens may find it too middle-grade. That said, plenty of adults love it too—it's genuinely good literature.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Models genuine friendship, perseverance, and redemption across generations. The relationship between Stanley and Zero is authentic and touching. However, the book depicts harsh treatment of kids by adults at the detention camp (forced labor, abuse of power), which is emotionally heavy but serves the story's themes of injustice and resilience. The tone balances dark humor with hope, making difficult subjects digestible for middle-grade readers.

Imaginative

92

Brilliant narrative structure weaving together three storylines across different time periods that converge in surprising ways. The mystery of what's buried under the dried-up lake, the family curse, and the historical backstory create an intricate puzzle that rewards careful reading. The inventive premise—a detention camp where boys dig endless holes—is both absurd and compelling. Encourages kids to think about cause-and-effect, fate versus choice, and how history echoes forward.

Safe

75

No graphic violence, sexual content, or profanity. The main safety consideration is the depiction of child abuse/mistreatment at Camp Green Lake—adults forcing kids to dig in the desert heat, withholding water, and using rattlesnakes as threats. A character dies from a rattlesnake bite in the historical storyline. There's also racial injustice depicted in the past (an interracial relationship that leads to violence). These elements are handled age-appropriately but are intense for sensitive readers. Common Sense Media notes it's 'more intense than many novels for this age group.'

Enriching

88

Winner of both the Newbery Medal and National Book Award for good reason. Tackles themes of justice, fate, friendship, literacy, and breaking cycles of poverty and bad luck. The historical racism subplot provides entry points for discussing civil rights. Stanley's growth from passive victim to active hero is satisfying. The book is particularly effective for reluctant readers—multiple reviews highlight how it hooks kids who usually avoid books. The mystery structure keeps pages turning while delivering genuine literary merit.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely clever plot where three timelines converge in ways that feel earned, not contrived—kids love piecing together the mystery
Stanley and Zero's friendship is real and moving without being sappy; shows literacy as a gift between friends
Repeatedly praised as the book that hooks reluctant readers—short chapters, propulsive mystery, dark humor
Tackles serious themes (injustice, racism, poverty, fate) in age-appropriate ways that spark good conversations
Still totally readable 25 years later—the storytelling holds up and doesn't feel dated or preachy

⚠

What to Watch For

The detention camp scenes are harsh—adults mistreat kids, withhold water, use threats. It's not gratuitous but it's intense and may upset sensitive readers
Historical storyline includes racial violence (a Black man is killed for kissing a white woman) and a rattlesnake death—handled carefully but still heavy
Some kids find the multiple timelines confusing at first, though most reviews say the payoff is worth it
The humor is dark and dry—some kids won't get the jokes, but many find it hilarious

Conversation Starters

"Do you think Stanley's family was really cursed, or did they just have bad luck? What's the difference?"
"The Warden is looking for treasure that doesn't belong to her. Why do you think she feels entitled to it?"
"How did learning to read change Zero's life? Why is literacy such a big deal?"
"Kate Barlow and Sam faced terrible consequences for being together. How have things changed since then? How are they still the same?"
"If you could go back and change one thing in Stanley's family history, what would it be?"

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Holes Louis Sachar