At a glance
Holes
General fiction
Holes
Book 1 of the Holes series
272 pages · First published 1998
Stanley Yelnats is wrongly convicted of stealing a pair of sneakers and sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention camp in a Texas desert where boys spend every day digging large holes. The warden claims the digging builds character, but Stanley gradually realizes the adults are searching for something connected to a much older story. Family history, an outlaw, a curse, and Stanley’s friendship with another boy named Zero begin fitting together in unexpected ways. Louis Sachar’s Newbery-winning novel combines mystery, survival, dark humor, and interlocking timelines in a story where seemingly random misfortunes turn out to have deep roots.
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No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Juvenile detention and forced labor; bullying and physical fights; racial violence and lynching in historical backstory; murder and suicide; sexual coercion/harassment in backstory; poisonous lizards and survival peril; mild language; smoking/alcohol references.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Scholar’s Juniper Tea
A fragrant cup of tea suits an evening of clues and clever sleuthing.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Steep the tea and any herbs or whole spices in hot water according to the tea type, then strain. Stir in sweetener and juices. Serve hot.
- Garnish: Citrus peel, herb, or fruit from the recipe, if applicable.
- Glassware: Mug.
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Mug ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Ranch Water
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
A bright, refreshing sip suits an evening of clues and clever sleuthing.
What you'll need
- 2 oz tequila
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice ↗
- 4 oz sparkling mineral water ↗
- Ice
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How to mix it
- Fill a highball glass with ice. Add tequila and lime juice, top with mineral water, and stir gently.
- Garnish: Lime wedge.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
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