Louis Sachar. Holes. Francis Foster Books, 1998.

Recommended Age Range: 10 and up

Plot Summary: Stanley Yelnats' family has a history of bad luck. So, it is no surprise when he is wrongly convicted of stealing his idol's shoes. When he is sent to a detention camp in the middle of the desert, he learns that there is more than just punishment involved in the holes they have to dig.

Evaluation of Reader Appeal: I think this book can appeal to a wide age range because of its plot. It combines mystery, adventure, and historical fiction to create a modern day fairy tale. It also deals with issues of acceptance and teamwork in a non-preachy manner.

Evaluation of Literary Merit: I love this book. Even though I was reading it for the second time, I was pulled into the story and could not wait to see what happened next. The omniscient narrator works well to bring together the separate but interrelated storylines. This book won the Newbery medal.