Chapter 18

Holes

Trailblazers · 4th–6th

Copywork

His muscles and hands weren’t the only parts of his body that had toughened over the past several weeks. His heart had hardened as well.

Read the passage aloud. What two kinds of toughening does the author set side by side?

Discussion

Narration Tell back what happens in the chapter, in order: the new holes, Stanley's body, his letter, and what Zero asks him.

1. Stanley's letter says the camp “builds character.” What do you think it has built in him so far?Theme

2. Stanley thought Zero was reading over his shoulder, but Zero wanted something else. Why might Stanley have been so sure of what Zero was doing?Inference

3. Zero says, “I don’t have anybody to write to.” What do you hear in that sentence?Tone

4. Stanley's letter is printed in pieces, and Zero's request breaks in between them. Why might the author do it this way?Author's choice

5. Zero asks, “Can you teach me?” in only a few words. What does it tell you about Zero that he asks this way?Character

Make a Connection Tell about a time someone asked you for help when you were tired. What did you do, and what do you think now?

Vocabulary

Crossword

1		2			3
						4
				5
			6

	7

Across

Across 1. Became hard and strong.
Across 5. Hard in a way that tests you.
Across 7. By a large amount.

Down

Down 1. Beating or aching in a steady pulse.
Down 2. Became stiff, or less gentle.
Down 3. Sharp; seeming to see deep.
Down 4. The strength to do things.
Down 5. Covered with thick, hard skin.
Down 6. A small amount of water or wetness.

The words in the chapter

toughened parts of his body that had toughened over the past several weeks
hardened His heart had hardened as well.
considerably was considerably swollen
callused his hands were tough and callused
throbbing he felt a throbbing pain just above his neck

challenging Camp is hard, but challenging.
penetrating Zero stared at him with penetrating eyes.
energy He needed to save his energy for the people who counted.
moisture He barely had enough moisture in his mouth to seal and stamp the envelope.

Critical thinking

1. Stanley is glad to be digging his own hole again. Using two pieces of evidence, explain why this day feels easier for him.

2. Stanley's body has changed, but he still feels pain and thirst. Using two pieces of evidence, explain whether he is better or worse off in body than before.

3. Stanley's letter says camp is “hard, but challenging.” Using two pieces of evidence, explain how well the letter matches what the chapter shows.