Cover of Holes

Children's · Young adult

Holes

3.9 out of 5, from 1,219 ratings from Hardcover readers

Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake, a dry lakebed in Texas where boys dig a hole every day. As he digs, three storylines from different eras slowly connect, along with a family curse.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
1998
Pace
Fast
Length
Short
Pages
272
Format
Book 1 of 2 in Holes

Read this if you enjoy a clever, funny story that quietly ties together past and present.

Skip this if you want a lot of depth in characters or emotional tangle, because it is short and plot-driven.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Death
  • Racism

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Child abuse
  • Abuse
  • Violence

Quick answers about Holes

What is Holes about?
Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake, a dry lakebed in Texas where boys dig a hole every day. As he digs, three storylines from different eras slowly connect, along with a family curse.
Who should read Holes?
Read it if you enjoy a clever, funny story that quietly ties together past and present. Skip it if you want a lot of depth in characters or emotional tangle, because it is short and plot-driven.
How long and how fast is Holes?
It is a fast-paced, short read of about 272 pages, first published in 1998.
Does Holes have content warnings?
Content we flag: Death, Racism.
Can I borrow Holes for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Holes; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after Holes?
Readers who liked it often move on to Hatchet, The Lightning Thief.

Where to get it

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