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It's not just for children, though. Holes is that rare thing: a book which has found approval from critics, adults and children alike. I found it irresistible. So did my mother. So did my husband. And so did just about every reviewer out there. And if that weren't enough, it won the Newbery Medal. Its wonderfully abrupt prose made it easy enough for my son, aged eight but reading a couple of years ahead, to enjoy thoroughly. That same pointed style made it a breeze to read aloud to my younger son, aged six. He was able to appreciate the jokes and enjoy second-guessing the mystery. So it's suitable for the young ones. Yet the maturity of the sentiments and the poker-faced, humorous way of making serious points that Sachar has, made Holes an equally enjoyable read for my nieces, aged twelve and fourteen when I bought it for them. I think it would be perfect also for the older reluctant reader. Holes is one of those wonderful books which create a domino effect. When you read it, you like it so much that you buy it for someone else, and they like it so much they buy it for someone else. They like it so much they buy it for someone else, and so on.
The more cynical of adults may perhaps be left very slightly unfulfilled by the unashamed happy ending, but those of us who like to be touched will join with the children - who always like to see justice served - and not mind at all. It's a joyous two hundred and thirty -three pages, and you should read it.
If you like this book, you'll really love [[Fup by Jim Dodge]]. We also have a review of Sachar's [[The Cardturner by Louis Sachar|The Cardturner]].
{{toptentext|list=Top Ten Quirky Kids' Books}}
