Small Steps (Holes, #2)

by Louis Sachar

[clementine]

I think this is much more obviously a middle-grade book than Holes. Holes has this irresistible, timeless charm that makes it absolutely fantastic to read at any age. (Or, well, any of the ages I've been, which, admittedly, is a fairly limited range.) Small Steps isn't a bad book, and there are some very strong aspects, but it's not terribly strong overall and I think that without the connection we have to X-Ray and Armpit through Holes, it might be less compelling.

Armpit's relationship with Ginny was easily the best part of the book. It was very touching, sweet, and nuanced, and it added a nice layer of realism to the book. It also ties into the underlying (or, well, pretty overt) theme of racism in the book, as their relationship is seen completely inaccurately by various characters due to their different races.

I thought the ending was also good - it's a little more ambiguous and less perfectly happy than Holes. It was definitively an ending, and was thematically tied up well, but it isn't all "happy ever after". The climax was a bit ridiculous, but not in a horribly detrimental way. Not super realistic, but then again, neither was Holes.

Otherwise, meh. The main plot was a bit convoluted and a bit boring - nothing like the carefully-plotted, innovative, and exciting Holes. It wasn't TERRIBLE, but it also wasn't especially great. The pacing was a bit off, as well.

I don't know, I think this a charming book and I think that it's probably one that middle-grade kids will really enjoy, but it just didn't blow me away. I got the feeling that this book was Louis Sachar indulging his desire to write about his Camp Green Lake characters - which, hey, more power to him... it just doesn't necessarily translate into a fantastic novel.