Chapter 25 · Holes

Copywork

“That’s our schoolhouse. It shows how much we value education here in Green Lake.”

Read the passage aloud. Who might be speaking, and how do they sound?

Discussion

Narration Tell back what happens in the chapter, in order: Sam and his onions, the repairs to the schoolhouse, and what happens in the rain at the end.

The chapter opens with a long, funny account of Sam and his onions before Miss Katherine appears. Why might the author begin that way? Author's choice
Miss Katherine keeps finding something else for Sam to fix, and is sad when the roof is done. What does that tell you about her? Character
Sam fixes the roof for six jars of spiced peaches, and later fixes the windows for two more. What would make that deal fair or unfair? Moral reasoning
People passing by say, “That’s our schoolhouse. It shows how much we value education here in Green Lake.” How might Sam hear those words? Inference
Hattie Parker whispers, “God will punish you!” What do you hear in her voice? Tone

Make a Connection Tell about a time a group praised something while leaving someone out of it. What did you notice?

Vocabulary

value: how much we value education here in Green Lake To think something is important.
education: we value education here in Green Lake Learning and teaching at school.
resent: Doc Hawthorn did not resent Sam. To feel bitter about.
remedy: Another was a remedy for arthritis. A treatment that makes a sickness better.
concoctions: onion concoctions from Sam Mixtures made by combining things.
distracted: You seem distracted. With your mind on something else.
exchange: in exchange for six jars of spiced peaches Given in return for something.
admire: People passing by would stop and admire it. To look at with pleasure and respect.
quivering: her quivering finger in their direction Shaking with a small, quick motion.

Critical thinking

Sam says Mary Lou is almost fifty and that onions could let a person live two hundred years. Using two pieces of evidence, explain why the town goes along with him.
Miss Katherine is surprised by Sam's interest in poetry. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what that surprise shows.
Miss Katherine wants to throw her arms around Sam but hugs Mary Lou instead. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what might stop her.