Book "Holes" ok for 3rd grader

[Anonymous]

My 3rd grade son expressed interest in getting this audiobook (by Louis Sachar) from the library, but my friend said she wasn't sure it was appropriate for a third grader. It was in the "young adult" audiobook section, but I read it years back and can't remember anything inappropriate about it - maybe the plot is just a bit complicated??? Any reason that this book would not be find for a 3rd grader?

[Anonymous]

I’d say it’s fine.

[Anonymous]

My son loved it. He was in 4th grade. He listened to the audiobook that year and then was assigned the book for summer reading the summer before 5th grade.

[Anonymous]

Common Sense Media suggests ages 10 and up. I’d read the review, and then decide based on your own kid/family.

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/holes

[Anonymous]

It does talk about death. Not in a gruesome way.

If reading, I think the plot is a little challenging as it goes back and forth between current characters and past characters and does not make the connection to the end. But my son read it in fourth and liked it.

[Anonymous]

I read holes in Elementary school and our class took a field trip to see the movie. It is fine.

[Anonymous]

My movie-sensitive kid (can't handle violence or sadness) who is in 3rd grade now was exposed to Holes either 1 or 2 years ago (we read it to her at bedtime) and really enjoyed it. It depends on the kid, of course, but it will probably be okay.

The book is about kids who acted out and were sent to a sort of reformatory prison where they had to do manual labor all day (in this case, dig holes). They were treated poorly by being made to work in poor conditions, being denied care by their loved ones, etc. They are digging holes to find a buried treasure hidden there a long time ago by someone who is long dead, I think. I don't actually remember someone dying in the books -- I don't think any of the kids die, but maybe one of the people imprisoning them? The main character does get hurt, I think, climbing up a dangerous mountain. Maybe the kids get shot at, too? The book has a happy ending with the bad person/s getting caught and the kids getting released.

[Anonymous]

Mine read it in first grade, just turned six. No issues, but he doesn't have any issues distinguishing fiction from reality.

[Anonymous]

Mine listened to the audiobook in 2nd. He really liked it but it would have been better if we would have waited until 3rd. He would have understood the context better.

[Anonymous]

I am generally very cautious and careful about when to introduce books. (I just feel like they have the rest of their life ahead of them, why rush them!) My eldest, who is a voracious reader, read Holes toward the end of third grade and loved it. I hadn't read it until then and thought the book was brilliant. My second child is in fifth grade now and just read it this year and loved it. He is not as strong a reader and I really don't think the book would worked for him at a younger age.

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks. I let him get the audiobook and he is about halfway through - seems to be enjoying it and understanding the plot so far.

[Anonymous]

we read it to our first grader. Not an emotionally sensitive kid. He loved it, but it was . . . intense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mine listened to the audiobook in 2nd. He really liked it but it would have been better if we would have waited until 3rd. He would have understood the context better.

they can reread it. Learn them young the pleasure of a book read twice - seeing hings you didn't see the first go round. I read Crime and Punishment about once every 5-7 years, and it's like a new book each time. Only if you think of books as information is one read enough

[Anonymous]

It's not long - reread it and decide for yourself.

[Anonymous]

It talks about a black man being killed for kissing a white woman. It depends on if you think that subject is appropriate for an 8 year old.