Final Reading Project: Holes by Louis Sachar
Objective:
The goal of this project is to assess your understanding of the novel Holes by Louis Sachar
and encourage deep analysis of its themes, characters, and plot development. Through
creative and analytical activities, students will explore the connections between the past and
present in the story and how fate, choices, and friendship shape the characters' lives.
Project Components:
The project consists of 4 sections. Each student must complete all 4 sections and present
their findings creatively. You can use posters, digital presentations (PowerPoint, Prezi,
etc.), or written reports for the project submission.
Section 1: Character Analysis (Written or Visual Presentation)
Instructions: Choose two main characters from the book (Stanley Yelnats, Zero (Hector
Zeroni), Kissin' Kate Barlow, etc.) and complete the following for each:
1. Character Description: Describe the character’s personality, motivations, and how
they change throughout the book.
o What challenges do they face?
o How do they interact with other characters?
o How do they develop or grow by the end of the story?
2. Character Relationships: Analyze the relationship between your chosen
characters. How does their friendship or rivalry impact the story’s events? How
does this relationship evolve over time?
Section 2: Theme Exploration (Essay)
Instructions: Choose one of the following themes and write a 3-4 paragrah essay.
1. Friendship and Loyalty:
o How does the theme of friendship drive the plot of Holes?
o How do Stanley and Zero’s friendship help both characters overcome
challenges?
2. Justice and Injustice:
o How does the story portray both fairness and unfairness, especially in terms
of the law and the characters’ fates?
o How does the family curse play a role in shaping Stanley’s sense of justice?
3. Fate vs. Free Will:
o Explore how the idea of fate and destiny influences the characters’ lives,
particularly Stanley and Zero.
o How do choices made in the past impact the present?
4. The Power of the Past:
o Analyze how events from the past, such as Kissin' Kate Barlow's story or the
Yelnats family curse, are connected to the events in the present.
Section 3: Plot Timeline (Visual Component)
Instructions: Create a detailed timeline of the major events in Holes. Make sure to include
events from both the present day story (Stanley’s time at Camp Green Lake) and the
historical background (Kissin' Kate Barlow, Stanley's ancestors, etc.).
• Be sure to label each event with the time period and explain why it is significant.
• Include visuals to make your timeline engaging (e.g., illustrations, photographs, or
symbols to represent key events).
Section 4: Creative Writing – Alternative Ending (Writing)
Instructions: Imagine you are the author of Holes and write a new ending to the story.
1. Write 3-4 paragraph in which you change the ending of the book. You can:
o Change the fate of one or more characters
o Solve the mystery of the family curse differently
o Change the outcome of the story at Camp Green Lake
2. Reflection: Write a short reflection (1 paragraph) explaining why you chose to
change the ending this way. How does your new ending change the message or
theme of the story?
Presentation Requirements:
• You will present your final project to the class. Your presentation should be
between 5-7 minutes.
• You may use any visual aids to help you explain your ideas (poster, slides, etc.).
• Be sure to explain the key points of each section in your project during the
presentation.
Grading Criteria:
Your project will be graded on the following:
1. Content Understanding (30%) – Depth of understanding of characters, themes,
and plot.
2. Creativity (20%) – Originality in your presentation and creativity in visual
elements or alternative ending.
3. Analysis (25%) – Quality of analysis and interpretation of key themes and character
development.
4. Organization and Clarity (15%) – Clear organization of ideas, both written and
presented.
5. Presentation (10%) – Effective communication of your project to the class.
Final Project Due Date:
• The project is due on September 12th , with presentations scheduled for the
following class.
