He usually had such an angry expression on his face.The look on a person's face.
Holes
Chapter 12
Louis Sachar · Trailblazers 4th–6th
Copywork
He usually had such an angry expression on his face. Now he had such a huge smile it almost seemed too big for his face, like the smile on a jack-o’-lantern.
Read the passage aloud. What picture does the comparison to a jack-o’-lantern put in your mind?
Discussion
Narration Tell back what happens in the circle, in order: Magnet's turn, what Mr. Pendanski says to Stanley, and what happens when he turns to Zero.
- X-Ray laughs at the idea of Magnet training monkeys. Is X-Ray being cruel, honest, or both? Moral reasoning
- Magnet answers “I don’t know” twice before he says he likes animals. What might make a boy answer that way? Inference
- Mr. Pendanski tells Zero, “You’re not completely worthless.” How might Zero hear those words? Tone
- Why might the author let Zero smile just before Mr. Pendanski speaks to him? Author's choice
- Mr. Pendanski says it is up to each boy to fix his own life. Where does that sound true, and where might it be too simple? Theme
Make a Connection Tell about a time someone asked what you want to be or do. How did it feel to answer?
Vocabulary
- expression
- angry
He usually had such an angry expression on his face.
Feeling strong dislike or rage.- responsible
You’re responsible for yourself.
Having to answer for what you do.- goals
It’s important to have goals.
Things you want and plan to reach.- accomplish
You’ll be surprised what you can accomplish if you set your mind to it.
To succeed in doing something.- appropriate
this didn’t seem the appropriate place to mention that
Right or suitable for the time and place.- worthless
You’re not completely worthless.
Having no value or use.- howled
The other boys howled with laughter.
Made loud, wild sounds.- glared
As he glared at Mr. Pendanski, his dark eyes seemed to expand.
Stared in an angry way.
Critical thinking
- Stanley decides the circle is not the place to mention wanting to work for the F.B.I. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what makes the circle a hard place to share a dream.
- Magnet picks Stanley's idea of animal trainer over the others. Using two pieces of evidence, explain why that idea might appeal to him.
- Mr. Pendanski singles out Stanley: “So you’re Caveman, now, huh?” Using two pieces of evidence, explain what Mr. Pendanski seems to want to do.