In this project, you will show how Holes connects characters across generations. You’ll build at least one family tree (you can choose Stanley, Zero, the Warden line, or more than one) and answer questions that explain how those relationships shape the plot.
Holes Family Tree Project (Middle School)
Goal: Show how relationships and choices connect characters across generations in Holes.
Your task: Create at least 1 family tree (you may create 2 or 3) for one or more of these characters:
Stanley Yelnats
Hector Zeroni (Zero)
The Warden (Katherine Walker/Trout Walker line)
For each family tree, include:
A clear diagram showing relationships (parent/child, spouses/partners, guardians, etc.)
Names + roles (example: “Elya Yelnats — Stanley’s great-great-grandfather”) when the text supports it
A short evidence note (chapter reference or brief quote) for at least 4 connections
One paragraph explanation: How does this family line connect to the main plot at Camp Green Lake?
Important: If a relationship is unclear in the novel, you may:
label it as inferred and explain your reasoning, OR
leave it out and explain why it’s unclear
Turn in:
Your family tree diagram(s)
Written responses for the checkpoint questions in this activity
Match each family-tree term to its best meaning (for the Holes project).
| Draggable item | arrow_right_alt | Corresponding Item |
|---|---|---|
Descendant | arrow_right_alt | Relative from an earlier generation |
Guardian | arrow_right_alt | Relative from a later generation |
Lineage | arrow_right_alt | Group in the same age level |
Ancestor | arrow_right_alt | Family line across time |
Connection | arrow_right_alt | Adult responsible for a child |
Generation | arrow_right_alt | Link between people/events |
In Holes, Stanley’s family story includes his great-great-grandfather Elya Yelnats.
What does the phrase “great-great-grandfather” mean?
Sort each character into the family line they belong to for your Holes family tree.
Elya Yelnats
Trout Walker
The Warden
Hector Zeroni (Zero)
Madame Zeroni
Stanley Yelnats I
Stanley Yelnats
Yelnats family line
Zeroni family line
Walker family line
Yelnats line: Explain how Elya Yelnats is related to Stanley Yelnats. Include at least one piece of evidence (chapter number or short quote).
Zeroni line: Explain how Madame Zeroni is related to Hector Zeroni (Zero). If the exact relationship is not stated, explain what you can infer and why.
Walker line: Explain how Trout Walker is connected to the Warden. Include whether this connection is stated or inferred, and cite evidence if possible.
Create and submit one family tree for Holes (choose Stanley, Zero, or the Warden/Walker line).
On your tree, include:
At least 6 named people (more if you can support it)
Relationship labels (parent/child, spouse, guardian, etc.)
A generation label for each row/level (example: “Older generation,” “Parents’ generation,” “Stanley/Zero’s generation”)
At least 4 evidence notes (chapter numbers or short quotes) attached to specific connections
If you’re unsure about a relationship, label it inferred and add a 1–2 sentence note explaining why.