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Chapter 30

Holes

Trailblazers · 4th–6th

Copywork

If Mr. Pendanski only thought about it, he’d realize it was very logical for Zero to think that the letter “h” made the “ch” sound.

Read the passage aloud. Why might the sentence begin with the word “If”?

Discussion

Narration Tell back what happens on Zigzag's birthday, from the breakfast line to the Warden's last orders.

1. Mr. Pendanski tells Stanley, “Hit him back. You’re bigger.” Was that good advice from a counselor? What makes you say so?Moral reasoning

2. Stanley says, “That’s okay,” yet moves to the front of the line when X-Ray insists. Why does he give in?Character

3. Stanley asks if reading builds more character than digging holes. The Warden asks, “What about your character?” Who has the better point?Theme

4. Zero reads h-a-t as “chat,” and the counselors laugh. Why might the author give us Stanley's thought about that mistake?Author's choice

5. Mr. Pendanski hands Zero the shovel and says, “It’s all you’ll ever be good for.” What leads Zero to swing it?Plot structure

Make a Connection Tell about a time you taught someone something, or were taught. What made it work?

Vocabulary

Crossword
123
4
5
6
7
8
Across
  • Across 1. To understand something clearly.
  • Across 6. Someone who picks on weaker people.
  • Across 7. Great surprise.
  • Across 8. Uncomfortable; not sure what to do.
Down
  • Down 2. Making sense; following a clear reason.
  • Down 3. Weak, with little strength.
  • Down 4. Keeping something away from someone.
  • Down 5. An official search for the facts.
The words in the chapter
  • realize he’d realize it was very logical
  • logical he’d realize it was very logical
  • astonishment Stanley stared at Mr. Pendanski in astonishment.
  • feeble Stanley made a feeble attempt to punch Zigzag
  • depriving Mr. Sir was no longer depriving him of water.
  • awkward He always felt awkward while Zero was digging his hole
  • bully Teach the bully a lesson
  • investigation The last thing we need is an investigation.

Critical thinking

1. Zigzag keeps saying, “Don’t push me!” while he pushes Stanley. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what Zigzag is trying to do.

2. The Warden asks what happened. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how the boys answer her.

3. The Warden gives her orders when Zero walks out onto the lake. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what she seems to care about most.