Chapter 35 · Holes

Copywork

Stanley didn’t know what to do. He had come to rescue Zero and instead drank the last of his sploosh.

Read the passage aloud. What does the word “instead” turn around in the second sentence?

Narration Tell back what happens in this chapter, from Stanley finding Zero under the boat to Zero studying the mountain.

Zero says, “Sometimes you just have to …” and smashes a jar on the shovel blade. What does that moment tell us about Zero? Character
Stanley came to rescue Zero, yet Zero is the one with the jars. What does that reversal show about the two boys? Theme
Zero says, “Then I’ll die out here.” Does he mean it? What in the chapter makes you think so? Inference
While Stanley worries about getting him back, Zero asks what “Mar-ya Luh-oh-oo” means. Why might the author put that scene here? Author's choice
Zero groans and curls up in pain, and Stanley says, “I’m taking you back.” How much should Zero's pain change what Stanley does? Moral reasoning

Make a Connection Tell about a time you wanted to help someone who did not want your help.

rescue: He had come to rescue Zero To save someone from danger.
sploosh: instead drank the last of his sploosh Zero's name for the sweet, muddy stuff in the jars.
raspy: His voice was weak and raspy. Rough and scratchy.
sheepishly: he smiled sheepishly In an embarrassed way.
miracle: It was a miracle he was still alive A wonderful event that seems almost impossible.
ventilation: to provide light and ventilation Fresh air moving through a space.
bacteria: what kind of bacteria might be living in it Tiny living things that can cause sickness.
nectar: It was a warm, bubbly, mushy nectar, sweet and tangy. A sweet drink.
parched: down his parched throat Very dry from thirst.

Stanley says he has a plan so Zero will not get in trouble. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how sure he is that it will work.
Stanley squeezes through the hole under the boat and says he never would have fit before. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how Stanley has changed.
Zero says Barf Bag stepped on a rattlesnake on purpose. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what that tells us about how Zero sees the camp.