Holes by Louis Sachar | Comprehension and Reflect and Infer: Questions
PART 1: You are entering Camp Green Lake
CHAPTER 1 - (p.3-4)
1. What is strange about Camp Green Lake?
- There is no lake at Camp Green Lake.
2. Where are the old oak trees?
- They are on the eastern edge of the dry lake.
3. What are the campers forbidden from doing?
- The campers are forbidden from lying in the hammock.
4. What is a good rule to remember about snakes and scorpions?
- If you don’t bother them, they won’t bother you.
5. What is the worst thing that can happen to you at the Camp?
- Getting bitten by a yellow-spotted lizard is the worst thing that can happen to you at Camp Green Lake.
6. What should you do if you get bitten by one, and why?
- You should go and lie in the hammock because you will definitely die.
Reflect and Infer:
What is your first impression of Camp Green Lake? Does it sound like a nice place? Why or why not?
Suggested answer – Must follow a full sentence structure:
My first impression of Camp Green Lake is that it is not a nice place. There is no shade and it is very hot.
CHAPTER 2 – (p.5)
1. What is Camp Green Lake for?
- Camp Green Lake is for bad boys.
2. What do some people think?
- Some people think that if you take a bad boy and make him dig holes all day, he will become a good boy.
3. What choice did Stanley Yelnats have?
- Stanley had to choose between going to jail or going to Camp Green Lake.
Reflect and Infer:
What do you think Stanley decided to do? What would you choose if you had the same choice?
Suggest answer structure:
I think Stanley chose to _____________ because _____________ . If I had the same choice, I would ________________.
CHAPTER 3 – (p.6-10)
1. How many people were on the bus?
- There were three people on the bus - Stanley, the driver, and the guard.
2. What did Stanley have in his backpack?
- Stanley had a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a box of stationary.
3. What did Stanley used to do when he was younger?
- He used to play with stuffed animals and pretend they were at camp.
. What did Mrs. Bell write on the blackboard?
- He wrote the ratio 3:1, which is how heavy Stanley is compared to the lightest boy in class.
5. Who does Stanley blame when things go wrong?
- Stanley blames his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather.
6. What does Stanley’s father do?
- Stanley’s father is an inventor.
7. What is Stanley’s full name?
- His full name is Stanley Yelnats IV.
8. What happened to Stanley’s great grandfather?
- Stanley’s great grandfather lost all his money when he was robbed by Kissing Kate Barlow.
9. What is Stanley’s father trying to invent?
- His father is trying to invent a way to recycle old sneakers.
10. Who did Kate Barlow kiss?
- She only kissed the men she killed.
Reflect and Infer:
1. Do you think Stanley really believes that his great-great grandfather is the reason he is in trouble?
Suggested answer structure – response must be ‘no’ as it is clear from the discussion that the family regards the story as a joke/legend or something to bring up in response to hard times and that Stanley doesn’t really believe in the story.
I don’t think Stanley really believes his great-grandfather is the reason he is in trouble because he says that his family thinks the story is just a joke and that he doesn’t really believe the story is true.
CHAPTER 4 – (p.11-15)
1. How was the land and Camp Green Lake?
- The land was barren and desolate.
2. What are you not allowed to bring onto the camp premises?
- You are not allowed to bring guns, drugs, explosives, weapons or alcohol to Camp Green Lake.
3. What does the guard say to the man in the building?
- The guard says, “That’s a lot of sunflower seeds.”
4. What tattoo does the man have?
- The man has a tattoo of a rattlesnake.
5. What is the man’s name?
- The man’s name is ‘Mr Sir.’
6. What color was the jumpsuit that Stanley received?
- His jumpsuit was orange.
7. What size does each hole have to be?
- The hole must be 5ft deep, and 5ft wide in every direction.
8. What must Stanley do if he finds something interesting?
- They report to a camp counselor if they find anything interesting.
9. What is Mr Sir’s gun for?
- His gun is for the yellow spotted lizards.
10. How long will Stanley be at Camp Green Lake?
- His sentence is for 18 months.
Reflect and Infer::
1. How do you think Stanley feels at the end of this chapter?
Suggested structure:
This is an open-ended questions – answers must show reasoning and use of linking words.
I think Stanley feels ___________ because ______________ .
CHAPTER 5 – (p. 16-20)
1. Who is Stanley’s counselor?
- Stanley’s counselor is Mr Pendansky.
2. What is the most important rule at Camp Green Lake?
- The most important rule is “don’t upset the warden.”
3. What does Mr Pendansky tell Stanley he will do?
- Mr Pendansky said that he will turn Stanley’s life around.
4. Who went to the hospital?
- Lewis went to the hospital.
5. Which boys does Stanley meet first?
- He met Squid and X-Ray.
6. Why is Zero called Zero according to Mr Pendansky?
- Mr Pendansky says his name is Zero “because there is nothing inside his head.”
7. What does Stanley ask Theodore?
- Stanley asked where he can fill his canteen.
8. What does Theodore say to Stanley?
- “My name is not The-o-dore” “It’s Armpit.”
Reflect and Infer:
Why do you think Stanley feels better about sleeping on Barf Bag’s old bed?
This is a difficult question that requires some careful reasoning – students must understand that the nicknames are deliberately crude.
- he realises the nicknames are not literal descriptions of the other boys
CHAPTER 6 – (p.21-25)
1. How long was Stanley allowed to shower for?
- He is allowed to shower for four minutes.
2. What did he eat for dinner?
- He ate stewed meat and vegetables for dinner.
3. Why was Stanley sent to Camp Green Lake?
- Stanley stole a pair of sneakers.
4. What did Stanley think was funny?
- He thought it was funny that no one believed him when he said he did not steal the sneakers, and now no one believes that he did steal the sneakers.
5. Who is Clyde Livingston and why is he important in the story?
- He is a famous basketball player. He is important in the story because Stanley is accused of stealing his sneakers.
6. What happened to Stanley’s poster of Clyde Livingston?
- His poster was taken by the police and used as evidence against him.
7. What did Clyde Livingston testify?
- He testified that he donated the shoes to raise money.
8. What did Derrick Dunne do to Stanley?
- He took Stanley’s notebook and dropped it in the toilet.
9. What did Stanley tell the Judge?
- Stanley told the Judge that the sneakers “fell from the sky” while he was walking home.
10. What did Stanley want to do with the shoes?
- He wanted to bring them home to his father.
Reflect and Infer:
1. Does the fact that Clyde Livingstone donated the shoes make Stanley’s crime worse or better?
Students must demonstrate their understanding of ‘donated’ and explain that it makes the crime worse.
“I think it makes the crime worse because it seems like Stanley was also stealing from the homeless people.”
Elicit - who was the donation for?
Chapter 7 - (p. 26-40)
1. What did Stanley eat for breakfast?
- He ate lukewarm cereal with orange juice.
2. What was special about X-Ray’s shovel?
- X-Ray claims that his shovel is shorter than the others.
3. Who was Stanley’s great-great grandfather and where was he born?
- His name was Elya Yelnats and he was born in Latvia.
4. What does Igor offer Myra’s father?
- He offers to trade his fattest pig for his daughter.
5. What does Elya offer Myra’s father?
- He offers a heart full of love.
6. What does Madame Zeroni say that Elya must do with her piglet?
- She says that he must carry it up the mountain everyday and let it drink from a stream while he sings it a special song.
7. What else does she make him promise to do?
- She makes him promise to carry her up to the stream and sing to her as well.
8. What did Madame Zeroni warn would happen if he failed to do this?
- She warned that he and his family would be cursed for eternity.
9. What was the result when Myra’s father weighed the pigs?
- Both of the pigs weighed exactly the same amount.
10. What does Elya say to Myra?
- He tells her to marry Igor and keep the pig as a wedding present.
11. What did Elya remember once he had boarded the ship?
- He remembered his promise to Madame Zeroni.
12. How did Stanley feel once he had finished his hole?
- He felt proud.
Reflect and Infer:
1. Why do you think Elya decided that he didn’t want to marry Myra?
Students must show they have read and understood the extract on page 36 - that Elya couldn’t understand why she didn't choose him / that he thought she loved him etc.
“When Myra couldn’t decide whether to marry Elya or Igor, Elya realized that she didn’t love him / that she was stupid etc”.
Chapter 8 - (p. 41 - 42)
1. Why is it odd that scientists named it the yellow spotted lizard?
- Because it is hard to actually see its yellow spots.
Chapter 9 - (p. 43 - 47)
1. Where does Stanley go after his shower?
- He goes to the ‘wreck room’
2. What happens to Stanley as he enters the wreck room?
- Stanley trips over Caveman’s leg.
3. What does X-Ray say that every kid in the world wants to do?
- He says that every kid wants to dig at least one hole, all the way to China.
4. What was Stanley going to do with the paper he brought with him?
- He was going to write a letter to his mother.
5. What does Zero ask Stanley?
- Zero askes Stanley if the shoes he took had red x-es on the back.
6. What is Stanley’s new nickname?
- His new nickname is Caveman.
Reflect and Infer:
1. What is significant about Zero asking Stanley about the shoes?
Students must demonstrate an understanding of significance and use it in their answer.
Example: It shows that Zero knows about the shoes Stanley took and that he is going to be an important character in the story.
Chapter 10 - (p.48-51)
1. Why did Stanley get out of bed fast?
- Stanley got out of bed fast because he hates the sun.
2. What happened to Stanley's neck and forehead the day before?
- Stanley’s neck and forehead got badly sunburned the day before.
3. What does Stanley find?
- He finds a fossilized fish.
4. Who is always first in line for water?
- X-Ray is always first in line for water.
5. What does Mr Pendansky say to Stanley?
- He says, “Sorry, Stanley. The Warden isn’t interested in fossils.”
6. What does X-Ray have to do before he sees the fossil?
- He has to take off his glasses and wipe them first.
Reflect and Infer:
1. What do you think the real purpose of having the boys dig holes is? Do you think the only reason is to punish the boys for doing something bad?
This is an inference question that requires some analysis - as long as students are able to grasp that there is very likely an ulterior motive - must elicit that the Warden is looking for something, but as we don’t know what yet, that is enough.
Example: I think there is another reason. The Warden is looking for something / wants to find something and she is using the boys to look for it.
Chapter 11 (p. 52-54)
1. What does X-Ray tell Stanley to do?
- He says that next time Stanley finds something, he must give it to X-Ray.
2. Why can’t X-Ray find anything?
- His eye-sight is not good enough for him to find anything.
3. Who is the biggest in the group?
- Stanley is the biggest in the group.
4. What does Stanley think about as he digs his hole?
- Stanley thinks about what would happen if Derrick Dunne had to fight Armpit or Squid.
Reflect and Infer:
1. Why do you think Stanley’s nickname is Caveman?
Students can say anything here as long as it makes sense, however students should be guided by discussing what a stereotypical caveman looks like - i.e. big like Stanley.
“I think Stanely is called Caveman because___________________ .”
Chapter 12 (p. 55-58)
1. What would Stanley have accepted had it been offered and why?
- Stanley would have accepted a ride on the truck back to camp, because he feels very tired.
2. What is the group discussing with Mr Pendansky when Stanley joins them?
- The group is discussing what they want to do with their lives when they leave the camp.
3. What does Magnet like?
- Magnet says that he likes animals.
4. What did Stanley used to want to do?
- Stanley used to want to join the FBI.
5. Who does Stanley blame when Mr Pendansky asks him why he is at the Camp?
- Stanley blames his no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather
6. Who does Mr Pendansky say is really to blame?
- Mr Pendansky says that Stanley is really to blame.
Reflect and Infer:
1. Why does Stanley think it would be a bad idea to mention that he wanted to join the FBI?
Students need to demonstrate that the researched what the FBI is and link the fact that it is a police agency to the fact that Stanley is in prison - i.e. it is strange for a prisoner to want to join the police.
“I think Stanley did not mention that he wanted to join the FBI because ______________________”
Chapter 13 (p. 59-63)
Comprehension
1. How much weight does Stanley think he lost?
- He thinks he lost about 5lbs.
2. What change does Stanley notice as he digs?
- Stanley notices that his skin has gotten tougher and that it doesn’t hurt as much to dig.
3. What does Stanley see as he dumps his dirt on the pile?
- He sees something glistening.
4. What does Stanley find?
- He finds something hard and metallic, a gold tube.
5. What is special about his find?
- It has the letters ‘K.B’ etched on it.
6. What does Stanley do after he finds the tube?
- He thinks about what to do with it.
7. What does Squid suggest it might be?
- Squid suggests that it might be a shotgun shell.
8. What does Stanley suggest to X-Ray?
- He suggests that X-Ray waits and shows Mr Pendansky at the beginning of the day.
Reflect and Infer:
1. What is significant about the letters on the tube Stanley found?
Students must be able to link the character Kate Barlow with the letters on the tube (It may only be possible to answer this question if students have read the chapters introducing this character, however there is a brief mention of this character in chapter 3)
“The letters are significant because they stand for Kate Barlow”
Chapter 14 (p. 64-68)
Comprehension:
1. What does Z-Ray say to Stanley in the morning?
- He says, “No I don’t know! So just leave me alone, okay? I don’t want to talk to you.”
2. What can Stanley sometimes see just after sunrise?
- Stanley can sometimes see some distant hills or mountains beyond the lake.
3. What does Mr Pendansky say when he sees the tube?
- He says, “I think the Warden is going to like this.”
4. Who is with Mr Pendansky when he returns?
- The Warden is with him.
5. What is X-Ray’s reward?
- X-Ray is allowed to return to camp, take a double shower and get clean clothes.
6. Why is Stanley surprised?
- He is surprised because the Warden knows his nickname is Caveman.
7. What does the Warden say will happen to Mr Pendansky?
- He will have to dig holes with the boys.
8. What does Mr Pendansky decide to do?
- He decided to fill the canteens.
Reflect and Infer:
1. What does this chapter show about the Warden?
Students can be factual or more conceptual - can mention her appearance, or that she has a lot of authority and can scare people.
Chapter 15 (p. 69-71)
1. What does the Warden tell Mr Pendansky to bring back?
- The Warden asks him to bring back three wheelbarrows.
2. What does the Warden tell the boys they will do?
- The Warden tells the boys to dig through the dirt twice.
3. What did the Warden tell Stanley as he was digging?
- The Warden told him that he was “doing just fine.”
4. According to Zig-Zag, how does the Warden learn the boys’ names?
- Zig-Zag says that the Warden has hidden microphones and cameras all over the camp.
5. What is one thing that is certain?
- It is certain that the boys are looking for something.
6. What does Stanley dig into his memory?
- The location of the hole where he found the gold tube.
Reflect and Infer:
1. What do you think the Warden is looking for?
Students can say anything here as long as they can describe it and justify why they think she is looking for that particular thing. Guide students by reminding them that Kate Barlow stole money from people and that something belonging to her was recently found that made the Warden excited - try to elicit that she is looking for buried treasure of some sort.
Chapter 16 (p. 72-76)
1. How does the author describe the boys in the wreck room?
- The boys are described as “little more than bags of flesh and bones, dumped across broken chairs and couches.
2. What did Stanley look for in the shower?
- He looked for a hidden camera in the shower.
3. What is Zig-Zag trying to do and why is this strange?
- He says he is trying to watch TV, but the TV is broken.
4. What does the Warden say to X-Ray the next day?
- She says, “Glad you’re here X-Ray. We need your sharp eyes.”
5. What does Mr Sir remind the boys?
- He reminds the boys that they are not Girl Scouts.
6. What does Stanley receive from Mr Pendansky?
- He receives a letter from his mother.
7. What joke does Stanley’s mother make in her letter?
- She feels sorry for the little old lady who lived in a shoe, because it would have smelled horrible.
8. What did Stanley ask Zero?
- He asks him if he has ever watched Sesame Street before.
Reflect and Infer:
1. Why do you think Stanley lied to his mother about what he is doing at Camp?
Students must explain that Stanley does not want his mother to worry about him, so he tells her the situation at Camp is much better than it really is.
Chapter 17 (p. 77-79)
1. What does Squid reply to the Warden’s question?
- Squid replies that the boys were doing “nothing”.
2. What does the Warden do to Armpit?
- The Warden pokes Armpit with her pitchfork.
3. What does Zig-Zag do to Stanley?
- Zig-Zag hits Stanley on the head with his shovel.
4. What does Zig-Zag tell Stanley?
- Zig-Zag tells Stanley that Stanley’s dirt was covering his dirt.
Reflect and Infer:
1. Why do you think Zig-Zag was so angry with Stanley, and do you think his action was appropriate?
Students must be able to explain that Stanley accidentally put dirt where Zig-Zag was already digging, so Zig-Zag did not want to dig up ‘Stanley’s dirt’. Students should also say that his action was not appropriate because Stanley did not intentionally put dirt in Zig-Zag’s holes., but they can say otherwise if they can explain why.
Example: He was angry with Stanley because _________________________________, so he did not want to have to dig Stanley’s dirt. I think it was ______ appropriate because __________________.
Chapter 18 (p. 80-82)
1. How does Stanley feel about returning to digging as normal, and why??
- Stanley feels relieved because he knows how much he needs to dig and there are no shovels swinging past his face.
2. What does Stanley notice about his body?
- He notices that his muscles have strengthened and his hands are callused.
3. What does Stanley do after he returns to camp?
- Stanley writes a letter to his mother.
4. Who comes into the tent while Stanley is writing?
- Zero comes into the tent.
5. What does Zero do?
- Zero starts to watch Stanley write the letter.
6. What does Zero tell Stanley?
- Zero tells Stanley that he doesn't know how to read.
7. What does Zero ask Stanley to do for him?
- He asks Stanley if he can teach him how to read.
8. What does Stanley say in response?
- Stanley says sorry, but he won’t teach Zero how to read.
Reflect and Infer:
1. Do you think it is reasonable for Stanley to not want to teach Zero how to read?
Students can respond however they like, however they must explain why, I.e. if yes, it’s reasonable, they can say Stanley feels tired, he is not a teacher, he has no obligation to teach etc. If no, it’s not reasonable, they can say it wouldn’t be too hard to teach him basic reading, that it is the right/good/kind thing to do etc.
Chapter 19 (p. 83-87)
1. What makes Stanley wake up?
- Stanley hears a strange noise.
2. What does Stanley hear?
- Stanley hears Squid crying.
3. What color are the boys out on the lake?
- They are all the same reddish-brown color.
4. What is Stanley grateful for?
- He is grateful that there is no racial tension between the boys at the camp.
5. What does Magnet do?
- Magnet steals Mr Sir’s sunflower seeds.
6. What happens when Zig-Zag throws the seeds to Stanley?
- The seeds spill out of the bag.
7. What does Mr Sir see in Stanley’s hole?
- Mr Sir sees the stolen bag of sunflower seeds.
8. Where does Mr Sir take Stanley?
- He takes Stanley to the Warden.
Reflect and Infer:
1. How do you think Magnet got his nickname?
Students must demonstrate an understanding of what a magnet is and the metaphor of having “fingers like magnets” i.e. you can’t stop stealing things.
Example: Magnet got his nickname because he steals things all the time, so his fingers are like magnets because he is always picking up things.
Chapter 20 (p. 88-91)
1. What does Stanley wonder as he walks in the shade?
- He wonders if that is how a condemned man would feel.
2. What surprises Stanley as he walks to the Warden’s cabin?
- Stanley is surprised to see a lot of holes close to the cabin.
3. What does Stanley tell the Warden?
- Stanley tells the Warden that he stole the sack of sunflower seeds.
4. What does Mr Sir say to the Warden?
- He tells her that he thinks Stanley is lying and that he is covering up for someone else.
5. What does the Warden ask Stanely to do?
- The Warden asks Stanley to bring her a makeup case.
6. What is special about the Warden’s nail polish?
- It has a secret ingredient - rattlesnake venom.
7. What does the Warden do to Mr Sir?
- She smacks him across the face with her poison nails.
8. What does the Warden say she preferred?
- She says that she liked it better when Mr Sir smoked.
Reflect and Infer:
1. Why do you think Stanley lied to Mr Sir and the Warden about stealing the sunflower seeds?
Students must explain that Stanley wanted to fit in with the group and not be a tattle-tale.
Chapter 21 (p. 92-94)
1. What does Stanley think about as he walks back to his hole?
- He thinks about his other great-great grandfather, who was robbed by Kate Barlow.
2. How long did Stanley’s other grandfather survive in the desert for?
- He survived for seventeen days.
3. Where did he say that he found refuge?
- He said that he found refuge “on God’s thumb”.
4. What warning does Stanley receive as he is walking?
- A rattlesnake shakes its tail to warn him not to step on it.
5. What surprise did Stanley get when he saw his hole?
- His hole was nearly finished.
6. Who finished Stanley’s hole?
- Zero finished Stanley’s hole.
Reflect and Infer:
1. Why do you think the Warden says it's unfortunate for Stanley that Mr Sir won’t die?
Students must demonstrate an understanding of the scene between the Warden, Stanley, and Mr Sir - Mr Sir will be very angry with Stanley as it will seem like it is Stanley’s fault he got scratched by the Warden.
Chapter 22 (p. 95-100)
1. What does Zig-ZAg say Zero is?
- He says that Zero is a mole and he likes to eat dirt.
2. What does Zero say to Stanley about why he finished digging Stanley’s hole?
- Zero said that Stanley didn’t steal the sunflowers, and he also didn’t steal the sneakers.
3. What does Stanley offer to do for Zero?
- He offers to teach him how to read.
4. What is Zero’s suggestion for the lessons?
- Zero suggests that Stanley can teach him ten letters per day.
5. What does Zero offer to do for Stanley?
- He offers to dig part of Stanley’s hole.
6. What does Zero not like to do?
- He doesn’t like to answer everybody’s questions.
7. What does Stanley realize as he falls asleep?
- He realizes that the gold tube he found is half of a lipstick container.
8. Who does Stanley think the tube belonged to?
- He thinks it belonged to Kate Barlow, the outlaw.
Reflect and Infer:
1. What insights does this chapter give us regarding the character Zero?
Students can mention a few things - Zero knows about the shoes, Zero is not actually stupid, just quiet, and Zero is good at math.
Chapter 23 (p. 101-103)
Comprehension:
1. What was different about Green Lake 110 years ago?
- It was full of clear, cool water, and it sparkled like a giant emerald in the sun.
2. What time of year was the lake the most beautiful and why?
- It was the most beautiful in the springtime, because the peach trees growing along the shore would have many blossoms.
3. Who received a special prize every year at the town picnic, and for what?
- Katherine Barlow always received a special prize for her spiced peaches.
4. What was Katherine Barlow’s job in the town?
- She was the town’s only schoolteacher.
5. Why did everyone call Charles Walker ‘Trout’ Walker?
- Because he had a foot fungus that made his feet smell like dead fish.
6. Was Trout Walker a good student in class?
- No, he was loud and stupid, and he disrespected the other students.
7. What does Trout Walker offer Katherine Barlow?
- He offers to take her for a ride in his new boat.
8. What does he say when he hears Katherine Barlow’s response?
- He says, “No one will ever say ‘no’ to Trout Walker.”
Reflect and Infer:
1. What are your first impressions of Katherine Barlow, now that the character has been introduced properly?
This is an open-ended question that allows students to respond with the basics, like she is pretty and kind, a good and clever teacher, a good spiced-peach maker etc. More nuanced answers could include - she is proud or brave as she turned down the richest man in town.
Chapter 24: (p. 104-106)
1. What does Mr Sir look like the next morning?
- Mr Sir’s face was very swollen, and there were three jagged lines where he got scratched.
2. What makes Mr Sir very angry at breakfast?
- Someone asks him what happened to his face.
3. What does Mr Sir ask Stanley?
- Mr Sir asks Stanley if he feels thirsty.
4. How does Mr Sir start getting his revenge against Stanley?
- Mr Sir doesn’t fill Stanley’s canteen, he just lets the water run to the ground.
Reflect and Infer:
1. What would you have done in Stanley’s position, i.e. would you have lied and taken the blame for stealing the sunflowers? If yes, why, and if no, why not?
Students must respond by saying yes or no and justifying their answers, i.e. prompt students to say, “Yes, I would have lied and taken the blame because _______________” (or ‘no’ ). Scaffold students by looking at phrases like “fitting in”, “tattle-tale”, “peer pressure” etc.
Chapter 25: (p. 107-111)
1. When people got sick in the town of Green Lake, who would they go to see?
- They would go to see Dr Hawthorn, and they would also see Sam, the onion man.
2. Who is Mary Lou and what does she do for Sam?
- Mary Lou is Sam’s donkey, and she pulls a cart of onions for Sam.
3. What was extraordinary about Mary Lou?
- She is, according to Sam, nearly fifty years old, which is very old for a donkey.
4. What is the secret to Mary Lou’s old age?
- The secret to her old age is that she only eats raw onions.
5. What does Katherine Barlow mention to Sam?
- She mentions that the roof of the school leaks when it rains.
6. Why wasn’t Sam allowed to attend classes at the school?
- Because he is a black person and at the time, black people were not allowed to attend school.
7. What was Katherine surprised about?
- She was surprised that Sam knew a lot of poetry.
8. What does Katherine also ask Sam to fix?
- She also asks him to fix the windows, her desk, and the door.
9. Why did Katherine feel unhappy at the end of the chapter?
- She felt unhappy because she had run out of things to ask Sam to fix.
10. What is the last thing she asks Sam to fix and how does he fix it?
- She asks Sam to fix her broken heart, and he fixes it by kissing her.
Reflect and Infer:
1. Look on page 109. What does the first sentence - about Doc Hawthorn - allow you to infer about this character, namely his attitude to Sam and his medicine.
This chapter explains that Sam offers an onion based cure for baldness, and that Doc Hawthorn is bald but often smells like onions. This implies that he trusts Sam’s medicine as much as his own.
Chapter 26: (p. 112-115)
1. What spread quickly around the town?
- The news that Katherine and Sam kissed each other spread through the town.
2. What did the people in the town do when they heard the news?
- The people in the town gathered in a mob and destroyed the school.
3. What does the Sheriff always get drunk before?
- The Sheriff always gets drunk before someone is hanged.
4. What deal does the Sheriff offer Katherine?
- The Sheriff tells Katherine that if she kisses him, he won’t hang Sam.
5. What does Katherine say to Sam about Mary Lou?
- She tells him that there is not enough time to escape and that they have to leave her behind.
6. What happened to Sam on the lake?
- Sam was shot and killed by Trout Walker.
7. What has not happened since Sam was murdered?
- It has not rained in Green Lake since Sam was murdered.
8. What did Katherine Barlow do three days after Sam’s death?
- She shot the Sheriff and gave him a kiss wearing red lipstick.
Reflect and infer:
1. Do you think Kissin’ Kate Barlow was justified in her actions?
Students can respond with how they feel - guide them regarding proportion and revenge, injustice, crime etc.
Example: Yes, I think she was justified because they murdered Sam. / No, I don’t think she was justified because killing the Sheriff didn’t bring Sam back.
Chapter 27: (p. 116-119)
1. What did Mr Sir do every day for the last three days?
- Mr Sir poured Stanley’s water on the ground.
2. What would Mr Pendansky do for Stanley?
- Mr Pendansky would give Stanley a little extra water.
3. What do the other boys not like?
- The other boys don’t like it that Zero is helping Stanley to dig his holes.
4. Why does Stanley not drink the water Mr Sir gave to him?
- Stanley doesn’t drink the water because he is afraid that Mr Sir put something in it.
5. What word does Stanley teach Zero to write?
- Stanley teaches him to write “Zero”.
6. What is Zero’s real name?
- Zero’s real name is Hector Zeroni.
Reflect and infer:
1. What is the significance of Zero’s real name?
Students must link the Madame Zeroni character to Hector Zeroni - the two characters have the same surname so are probably related to each other.
Chapter 28 (p. 120 - 123)
1. How many years passed before Kate Barlow returned to Green Lake?
- Twenty years passed before she returned to Green Lake.
2. Whose voice could she sometimes hear across the emptiness?
- Sometimes she could hear Sam’s voice across the emptiness.
3. How does Kate Barlow feel, and why is this strange?
- Kate Barlow feels very cold, even though it is very hot.
4. Who was at the door of Kate Barlow’s cabin?
- Trout Walker was at the door of Kate Barlow’s cabin, and he was with Linda Miller.
5. What do they want from Kate Barlow?
- They want Kate Barlow to give them her loot (treasure/stolen money).
6. Why did Linda Miller marry Trout Walker?
- Linda married Trout because Trout was very rich.
7. What happened to Trout Walker’s money?
- Trout Walker lost all his money when the lake dried up.
8. What did Kate Barlow do with the loot?
- She buried it in the dry lake bed.
9. What happens to Kate Barlow as she is walking?
- She gets bitten on the ankle by a yellow-spotted lizard.
10. What does Kate Barlow do just before she dies?
- She starts laughing just before she dies.
Reflection:
1. What does Kate Barlow think is so funny?
Students must show understanding of the fact that Kate Barlow hid the treasure and it will be very difficult for Trout Walker to find it.
PART 2: The Last Hole
Chapter 29 (p. 127 - 129)
1. How did the weather change?
- The weather changed for the worse, it became very humid.
2. What loud sound did Stanly hear from across the lake?
- Stanley heard a loud boom across the lake, it was the sound of a storm.
3. How did Stanley know that the storm was very far away?
- He counted thirty seconds between seeing the flash and hearing the lighting.
4. What happened to Zigzag’s hair?
- The weather made Zigzag’s hair look more wild - it started to stick out.
5. What unusual thing does Stanley notice?
- Stanley noticed an unusual rock formation that looks like a hand with a thumb sticking up.
6. How did Stanley’s great-grandfather meet his wife?
- His wife (Stanley’s great-grandmother) was a nurse in the hospital where the great-grandfather was treated.
7. What did Stanley’s great-grandfather first think his wife was?
- At first, Stanley’s great-grandfather thought she was an angel.
8. Who’s thumb did Stanley imagine it was?
Stanley imagined that it was the thumb of God.
Reflect:
1. What is the significance of God’s Thumb?
This is more of a detail/practical question - students must see the detail that Stanley’s great-grandfather (the one robbed by Kate Barlow) found shelter close to where Camp Green Lake is - elicit that the treasure the Warden is looking for is actually Stanley’s great-grandfather’s money. This point is explicitly stated in the next chapter so it is important student’s arrive at this conclusion now.
Chapter 30 (p. 130 - 140)
1. What does Zero figure out quickly?
- Zero figures out how long Stanley has been at Camp Green Lake for.
2. Why was everyone surprised at breakfast?
- Everyone was surprised that Mr Sir gave Zigzag an extra carton of juice.
3. What does Stanley realize?
- Stanley realized that they were digging near to the spot where Kate Barlow robbed his great-grandfather.
4. What do the other boys insist that Stanley do?
- The other boys insist that Stanley goes to the front of the water line?
5. What does Zigzag try to make Stanley do?
- Zigzag tries to make Stanley eat his cookie.
6. What does Mr Pendanski tell Stanley to do?
- Mr Pendanski tells Stanley to “teach the bully a lesson”.
7. Who saves Stanley from Zigzag?
- Zero saves Stanley from Zigzag.
8. What does the Warden find out from Zigzag?
- The Warden finds out that Stanley has been letting Zero dig his holes for him.
9. What does Mr Pendanski say when he learns that Stanley is teaching Zero to read?
- He laughs and says that Stanley might as well teach a shovel to read.
10. What does the Warden tell the boys?
- She tells them, “No more reading lessons”.
11. What does Zero do to Mr Pendanski?
- Zero smashes Mr Pendanski in the face with his shovel.
12. What does the Warden say before she leaves?
- The Warden says that she still expects seven holes to be dug.
Reflect:
1. What does this chapter show us about these characters? (Choose one character out of: Mr Pendanski / Zero)
Students must demonstrate some insight into the following:
Mr Pendanski - he is mean/unkind and a bad counselor. He encourages the boys to fight and bullies Zero.
Zero - Zero is very loyal to Stanley and he is a much more complex character than it seems so far.
Chapter 31 (p. 141 - 144)
1. Who was Stanley most angry at?
- Stanley was most angry with himself.
2. Who dug Zero’s hole for him?
- Stanley dug Zero’s hole for him.
3. What deal does Stanley think of?
- Stanley thinks he can tell the Warden where he really found the gold tube in exchange for the Warden not scratching Zero.
4. How many holes did Stanley have to dig the next day?
- Stanley was only required to dig one hole the next day.
5. What was Stanley’s only hope?
- Stanley’s only hope was that Zero could have reached God’s Thumb.
6. Who was waiting for Stanley when he returned to Camp?
- The Warden, Mr Sir, and Mr Pendanski were all waiting for Stanley.
7. Where was Zero living when he was arrested?
- Zero was living on the streets when he was arrested.
8. What does the Warden tell Mr Pendansky to do?
- The Warden tells Mr Pendanski to destroy all records that Zero was at Camp Green Lake.
Reflection:
1. Is Mr Pendansky correct when he says, “No one cares about Hector Zeroni”.
Students must demonstrate understanding that Stanley cares about Zero, so Mr Pendansky is not correct.
Chapter 32 (p. 145 - 151)
1. What is the new boy’s nickname?
- The new boy’s nickname is Twitch.
2. What was the new boy arrested for?
- He was arrested for stealing a car.
3. What worried Stanley the most?
- Stanley was most worried at the thought that Zero was dying of thirst.
4. What does Stanley realize that he needs?
- Stanley realizes that he needs a pickup truck full of water.
5. What does Twitch yell to Stanley?
- Twitch yells, “Put it in gear!”
6. Where does Stanley drive to?
- He drives straight into a hole.
7. What does Stanley do next?
- Stanley runs away from Camp.
Reflect:
1. Why do you think Stanley could not blame his great-great-grandfather for what he did?
Students can answer however they like, but guide students to answer that Stanley chose to steal the truck.
Chapter 33 (p. 149 - 151)
1. Which direction did Stanley head in?
- Stanley headed in the direction that he thought God’s Thumb was in.
2. What did Stanley know he would have to do?
- Stanley knew that he would have to return to camp.
3. What was Stanley surprised about?
- Stanley was surprised at how far out the holes extended from the camp.
4. What did Stanley see in one of the holes?
- Stanley saw a family of yellow-spotted lizards.
5. What does Stanley eat for lunch?
- Stanley eats one sunflower seed that he found.
Chapter 34 (p. 152 - 154)
1. What does Stanley think that he saw?
- Stanley thought that he saw a pool of water.
2. What does Stanley carry with him?
- Stanley carries the empty sack of sunflower seeds.
3. What does Stanley know is certain?
- Stanley knows for certain that God’s Thumb is more than halfway.
4. Where does Stanley decide to go instead of God’s Thumb?
- Stanley decides to walk to a mysterious object he can see.
5. What is the object that Stanley is walking towards?
- The object that he is walking towards is a boat.
6. Who does Stanley find in the object?
- Stanley finds Zero in the object.
Reflect:
1. Whose boat did Stanley find and what is the significance?
Students must link the Mary Lou to Sam’s story and explain that it is Sam’s boat. The significance is that this is the spot that Sam was killed at.
Chapter 35 (p. 155 - 159)
1. What did Stanley think Zero’s face looked like?
- Stanley thought Zero’s face looked like a Halloween jack-o-lantern.
2. What does Zero offer Stanley?
- Zero offers Stanley some ‘sploosh’.
3. What did Zero find under the boat?
- Zero found 16 jars under the boat.
4. Why was Stanley worried about drinking the sploosh?
- Stanley was worried that the sploosh might have bacteria in it.
5. How many jars of sploosh does Zero have left?
- Zero has none left.
6. What does Zero refuse to do?
- Zero refuses to return to camp.
7. What does Stanley show to Zero?
- Stanley shows zero God’s Thumb.
Reflection:
1. What do you think the sploosh actually is?
Students must recall the detail that Kate Barlow gave Sam many jars of spiced peaches, and that this is what the sploosh is.
Chapter 36 (p. 160 - 166)
1. What did Stanley and Zero take with them?
- Stanley and Zero took four of the unbroken jars with them.
2. What does Zero say to Stanley?
- Zero says, “When you spend your whole life in a hole, the only way you can go is up.”
3. What does Stanley think walking to God’s Thumb is like?
- Stanley thinks that it is like chasing the moon.
4. What does Zero and Stanleys’ bets about Mary Lou?
- Zero bets that Mary Lou was pretty and Stanley bets that she looked good in a bathing suit.
5. What does Zero ask Stanley do give him?
- He asks Stanley to give him some words to spell.
6. What about death worried Stanley the most?
- Stanley was most worried about his parents not knowing what happened to him.
7. How do Zero and Stanley get out of the dry lake?
- Zero and Stanley help each other climb up the cliff to get out of the dry lake.
8. What happened to Zero’s hands?
- Zero cut his hands on the shovel while helping Stanley climb up the cliff.
Reflect:
1. What is amusing about Zero and Stanleys’ bets in this chapter?
This is a more nuanced comprehension question - students can refer to previous chapters - there is a brief mention that Mary Lou was Sam’s donkey, i.e. not pretty in the conventional sense, and probably not that great looking in a bathing suit.
Chapter 37 (p. 167 - 169)
1. What did Zero and Stanley do when it became too steep to go straight up?
- Zero and Stanley zigzagged back and forth.
2. Why did Stanley not want to stop and rest?
- He did not want to stop and rest because he was worried that they would be able to start again.
3. What does Stanley realize as he climbs the mountain?
- He realizes that there must be water close by as there are weeds and bugs around.
Reflect:
1. What does the fact that Zero still managed to spell lunch show about his character?
It shows that Zero has a lot of strength and perseverance. Students can define the words strength and perseverance and use them in their answer.
Chapter 38 (p. 170 -172)
1. What did it appear like God’s Thumb was doing for Stanley?
- It was as if the big rock acted like a magnet, pulling Stanley up the hill.
2. What does Stanley notice as he climbs up God’s Thumb?
- Stanley notices a foul odor as he climbs.
3. What does Stanley find in the ditch?
- Stanley finds mud/water in the ditch.
4. How deep was the hole that Stanley dug?
- The hole was as deep as his arm was long.
5. What food does Stanley find on God’s Thumb?
- Stanley finds onions on God’s Thumb.
6. What does Stanley tell Zero he found to eat?
- Stanley tells Zero that he found a hot fudge sundae.
Reflect:
1. Whose onion field did Stanley find?
Stanley found Sam’s onion field.
Chapter 39 (p. 173 - 176)
1. What did Stanley see when he woke up?
- Stanley saw a meadow, and a giant rock tower.
2. How deep was the water hole now?
- The water hole was about two-and-a-half feet deep and three feet wide.
3. What did Stanley think about going to fetch?
- Stanley thought about going to fetch the shovel.
4. What does Stanley say to the big rock?
- Stanley says, “Tag, you’re it.”
5. What is Zero’s confession to Stanley?
- Zero confesses that it was him that took Clyde Livingstone’s shoes.
Reflect:
1. What is the significance of the song Stanley sings to Zero?
This can be answered simply or with much more complexity depending on the level of the students. Simply, it is the same song that Stanley’s great-great-grandfather used to sing. The more complicated answer is that Stanley has just broken his family’s curse. Since Zero (Hector Zeroni) is Madame Zeroni’s relative (and Stanley is obviously his great-great-grandfather’s relative), singing the special song, at the top of a mountain, and beside a ‘river’ are all things Madame Zeroni instructed the great-great-grandfather to do - so Stanley has fulfilled the promise and broken the curse. A good indication of this is that Stanley’s bad luck disappears - in the next chapter he finds the shovel and the bag of jars right next to each other.
Chapter 40 (p. 177 - 181)
1. How much did Sam sell his onions for?
- Sam sold the onions for eight cents per dozen (12).
2. What was Mrs Tennyson wearing when she saw Sam?
- She was wearing a nightgown and slippers.
3. What does Mrs Tennyson think saved her daughter?
- Mrs Tennyson thinks that Sam’s onion tonic saved her daughter.
4. What job does Hattie Parker’s husband have?
- Her husband is the town butcher.
5. How many onions does Sam feed Mary Lou?
- Sam feeds her three onions.
6. What does Stanley find?
- Stanley finds the shovel and the bag of jars.
Reflect:
1. Link to the previous reflect question - what is the significance of how Stanley found the shovel and jars next to each other?
It is an indication that the bad luck curse - see above - has lifted.
Chapter 41 (p. 182 - 184)
1. How did Stanley like to eat his onions?
- Stanley liked to peel them and eat them one layer at a time.
2. What was Stanley surprised about?
- Stanley was surprised that had not also gotten sick from eating sploosh.
3. What did Zero have to do before going to the homeless shelter?
- Zero had to find someone to pretend to be his mom before going to the shelter.
4. What did Zero always want to be?
- Zero always wanted to be a Boy Scout.
5. What did Zero not realize when he was younger?
- He did not realize that he and his mom were actually stealing.
6. Why did Zero take the shoes?
- Zero took the shoes because he needed new shoes.
Reflect:
1. What is Zero’s onion a metaphor for?
You may have to explain metaphor - using a thing to symbolize a concept. Zero’s onion is a metaphor for his feeling or emotions, as Zero “peels back another layer” he reveals more about himself and his past.
Chapter 42 (p. 185 - 188)
1. What does Zero do to filter the water?
- Zero filled the bottom of the water hole with rocks.
2. What does Stanley know they will have to do?
- Stanley knows that they will have to return to Camp Green Lake eventually.
3. How many onions have the boys eaten?
- They have eaten about 280 onions.
4. What does Stanley feel as he is lying awake at night?
- Stanley feels happiness as he is lying awake.
5. How long was Zero at Camp Green Lake before Stanley got there?
- Zero was only at the Camp for a month or two longer than Stanley.
6. What does Stanley begin planning to do?
- Stanley begins planning to not go back to the camp, but to try and escape.
Reflect:
1. What do you think is the purpose of the boys digging one more hole?
The purpose is to look for the treasure where Stanley found the gold tube.
Chapter 43 (p. 189 - 197)
1. What does Zero remember about his house?
- He remembers that he had a yellow room.
2. What did the boys spend the day doing?
- They spent the day gathering onions.
3. What happens to Stanley as he climbs down the mountain?
- Stanley falls over a loose rock and rolls down the slope.
4. What is Stanley’s lie?
- Stanley lies that he is not thirsty when Zero asks him.
5. Who was the first to spot the Mary Lou?
- Zero was the first to spot the Mary Lou.
6. What did Zero do while he waiting for his mom?
- Zero held his stuffed animal, a little giraffe.
7. How long did Zero wait in Laney Park for his mom to come back?
- Zero waited for more than a month for his mom to come back.
8. What gives the boys some relief as they walk to the camp?
- A cloud drifted in front of the sun.
9. What do the boys hear from the camp?
- The boys hear Mr Sir’s distinctive bark (voice).
10. What do the boys wait for in the hole?
- The boys wait for everyone else to fall asleep.
Reflect:
1. Why do you think Zero’s mom left him?
As the actual answer is not in this chapter students can say any reason they feel is correct - i.e. to find food, look for money, she wanted to leave etc.
Chapter 44 (p. 198 - 203)
Comprehension:
1. What was Stanley surprised about?
- Stanley was surprised about how dark it was when he woke up.
2. What did Zero bring Stanley for breakfast?
- Zero brought Stanley a box of cereal.
3. What does Stanley think that he has found in the hole?
- Stanley thinks that he has found a treasure chest.
4. How big was the box?
- The box was about eight inches wide and about two feet tall.
5. How did the suitcase feel when the boys got it out of the ground?
- The suitcase felt heavy when they got it out of the ground.
6. Who is waiting for the boys to dig the suitcase out of the ground?
- The Warden is waiting for them.
Chapter 45 (p. 204 - 206)
Comprehension:
1. What does the Warden see in the hole with Stanley and Zero?
- The Warden sees a yellow-spotted lizard.
2. What does the Warden remember doing every weekend and holiday?
- She remembers watching her parents dig holes, looking for the treasure.
Chapter 46 (p. 207 - 210)
1. What does Mr Sir do as he is waiting?
- Mr Sir lights a cigarette.
2. What is Mr Pendanski’s suggestion?
- Mr Pendanski suggests that they just shoot Stanley and Zero instead of waiting.
3. What does the Warden plan to tell the A.G.?
- She plans to tell the A.G. that Stanley tried to run away, fell into a hole, and got bit by lizards.
4. What memory does Stanley think of?
- Stanley remembers slipping in the snow with his mom and laughing.
5. What does Mr Sir tell Stanley?
- Mr Sir tells Stanley that he was innocent after all.
Reflect:
1. Why do you think Mr Sir started smoking again?
Several possible answers - he is very stressed/excited because of the situation / he hates spotted lizards so much that he is very stressed etc.
Chapter 47 (p. 211 - 216)
1. How many lizards were in the hole with Stanley and Zero?
- There were eight lizards in the hole.
2. What does Stanley also see in the hole?
- Stanley sees a tarantula in the hole.
3. What does Zero ask Stanley?
- Zero asks Stanley if his last name is his first name spelled backwards.
4. What does the Warden accuse Stanley and Zero of doing?
- She accuses Stanley and Zero of stealing her suitcase.
5. What does the Warden tell the attorney about Stanley?
- The Warden tells the attorney that Stanley was hospitalized with hallucinations.
6. What does it say on the suitcase?
- It says STANLEY YELNATS on the suitcase.
Chapter 48 (p. 217 - 222)
1. What does the Warden say to Zero?
- The Warden says, “You can’t even read…”
2. Who are the two people that came to see Stanley?
- The man is the Attorney General and the woman is Ms Morenga.
3. What does the Attorney General say to Stanley?
- He tells Stanley that he is free to leave the Camp.
4. What does Ms Morenga ask to see?
- She asks to see Zero’s file.
5. What is Squid’s real name?
- Squid’s real name is Alan.
6. What does Squid ask Stanley to tell his mother?
- Squid asks Stanley to tell his mother that he says he is sorry.
7. What can the Warden not find?
- She cannot find Zero’s records.
8. What does Ms Morenga say to Zero?
- She says, “C’mon, Hector, you’re coming with us.”
Reflect:
1. What is ironic about the situation with Zero.
It is ironic that the Warden ordered Mr Pendanski to delete Zero’s records, and this is what led to his release from the Camp.
Chapter 49 (p. 223 - 225)
1. When did the yellow-spotted lizards come to Green Lake?
- The yellow-spotted lizards came when the lake dried up.
2. What do Walter, Bo, and Jesse invite Sam to do?
- They invite him to go rattlesnake hunting.
3. What does Sam tell the men to do before leaving?
- He tells them to drink onion juice since the lizards don’t like onion blood.
4. Why did Ms Morengo drive with the windows open?
- She drove with the windows open because the boys smelled really bad.
5. What did Stanley’s father invent?
- Stanley’s father invented a product that eliminates foot odor.
6. What happened for the first time as the boys left the camp?
- A drop of rain fell for the first time in over 100 years.
PART THREE: Filling in the Holes
Chapter 50 (p. 229 - 233)
1. On what day did Stanley’s father invent the foot odor product?
- He invented the product on the same day that Stanley carried Zero up the mountain.
2. What is the Warden’s real surname?
- Her real surname is Ms Walker.
3. How much money did Stanley and Zero receive?
- They each received a little less than $1 000 000.
4. What is the foot odor product called?
- The product is called Sploosh.
5. Who is sitting next to Stanley on the couch?
- The real Clyde Livingston is sitting next to Stanley.
Reflect:
1. Who is the woman sitting behind Zero and what is significant about the song she sings?
She is Zero’s mother - he hired private investigators to find her. The song is the second half of Stanley’s song.
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