Holes Novel Study Unit – 160 Pages of Ready-to-Use Resources. Save hours of prep with this complete teaching guide for Holes by Louis Sachar. At over 160 pages, this fully-reproducible unit includes everything you need to teach the novel while also covering essential ELA skills. Perfect for whole-class study, small groups, or independent work.

Why Teachers Love It

• Saves hours of planning with a ready-to-use, print-and-go format
• Covers reading comprehension, literary analysis, writing, and grammar—all in one resource
• Works for whole-class study, small groups, or independent work
• Builds vocabulary, critical thinking, and writing skills alongside novel study
• Includes everything—quizzes, tests, rubrics, and answer keys—for seamless teaching
• Flexible enough to adapt for different grade levels and class needs

What’s Inside

Pre-Reading & Vocabulary

• Author biography & historical background texts
• Elements of Fiction handout + organizer
• Pre-reading activity & prior knowledge check
• Glossary of allusions and expressions
• Vocabulary lists (with and without definitions)

During Reading

• Section-by-section note-taking & summarizing organizers
• Comprehension questions for every 3–5 chapters

Literary Analysis Activities

• Character relationships & motivation, Flashback & characterization, Conflict & tension, Setting as character, Imagery & elements of plot, Inference practice

Language & Writing Skills

• Grammar practice: punctuation, capitalization, pronouns, verb tenses
• Word choice: connotation/denotation, precise vocabulary
• Writing mechanics: varied sentence structure, proofreading

Assessments & Extras

• Reading quizzes for each section
• Vocabulary and section tests
• Two final tests (including a multiple-choice version)
• Essay prompts & writing ideas
• Project and writing rubrics
• Response to Literature rubric
• Pre- and post-reading ideas
• Alternative assessments & extension activities
• Sample teacher agenda with notes
• Complete answer key
• Bonus: Palindromes & Anagrams “Just for Fun” activity

Teacher Feedback

"This Literature guide was fantastic!! This really saved me some time when doing Holes with my kiddos!! Tests, questions, vocabulary and activities were great!!" - Kelani K.

"Excellent unit! My students loved this book and your unit was the perfect tool to help make a deeper understanding and connections to literary elements." - Paola B.

"The best purchase I made for a novel study! It is perfect! It has everything I need! Thanks!" - Tina W.

"Excellent resource to use with Holes. I've used it for years! Activities are engaging and challenging." - Tamika S.

Why It Works

This unit integrates it all—students build reading comprehension, literary analysis, and writing skills while engaging deeply with Holes. Instead of teaching each skill in isolation, everything connects back to the novel, making lessons more meaningful and efficient.