Children's · Young adult
Holes
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
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
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.
Your shelf
Saved in this browser only. Open my shelf
Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
Prices appear here as retailer feeds are connected. Where none is shown, check the store. Links open the store in a new tab.
Some store links, including Kobo, are affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Library links are never affiliate links. How this works
Share this pick
Because you might love it
If you loved Holes
Children's