Chapter 19 · Holes

Copywork

Stanley looked up at the approaching dust cloud, then back down at the spilled seeds. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Read the passage aloud. What do the two looks in the first sentence tell you about Stanley's moment?

Discussion

Narration Tell back what happens in the chapter, in order: Squid in the night, the sunflower seeds, the spill, Mr. Sir's questions, and the ride in the truck.

Stanley asks if Squid is okay, and Squid threatens to break his jaw. Why might Squid answer kindness that way? Character
The narrator says it is unclear whether the seeds spilled before they got to Stanley or after he dropped the bag. Why might the narrator admit that? Author's choice
Stanley later sees that he should have knocked a dirt pile into his hole, but at the time that was “unthinkable.” Why might a good idea be unthinkable in the moment? Inference
After Stanley says he ate the seeds alone, Armpit says “How come you didn’t share any with us?” What do you make of that? Tone
Stanley says that on the lake the boys “were all the same reddish brown color.” What do you think the author is getting at? Theme

Make a Connection Tell about a time someone took the blame for something that was not only their fault, or a time you did.

Vocabulary

approaching: Stanley looked up at the approaching dust cloud, then back down at the spilled seeds. Coming nearer.
spilled: then back down at the spilled seeds Poured out by accident.
awakened: He was awakened one night by a strange noise. Woken up.
thankful: Stanley was thankful that there were no racial problems. Glad and grateful about something.
trailing: the water truck and its trailing dust cloud Following behind.
unclear: It’s unclear whether the seeds spilled before they got to Stanley Not certain; not easy to tell.
unthinkable: But the idea of putting dirt into his hole was unthinkable. Too strange or hard to imagine doing.
unearthed: he unearthed a corner of the sack Dug up out of the ground.
appreciate: he was able to appreciate the air blowing through the open window To enjoy and be grateful for something.

Critical thinking

Mr. Sir will not take the sack and keeps asking questions. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what he seems to be doing.
The seeds were taken, passed and spilled, and Stanley takes the blame. Using two pieces of evidence, explain who else might share the blame.
At the end Stanley feels good in the truck, which is a surprise given where he is going. Using two pieces of evidence, explain why.