Word Search & Crossword Bundle for Use with Holes by Louis Sachar | Grades 5-8

These Holes vocabulary activities combine word search and crossword puzzles for Holes by Louis Sachar in one bundle, written for Grades 5-8. It is a no-prep 96-page printable PDF with answer keys, sold on Teachers Pay Teachers.

At a glance

• Book: Holes by Louis Sachar
• Grades: 5th–8th
• Resource type: Bundle: word searches + crosswords
• Format: 96-page printable PDF
• Answer key: Included
• Teaching duration: 2 Weeks
• Standards: L.5.4, L.6.4, L.7.4, L.8.4, RL.5.1, RL.5.4, RL.6.1, RL.6.4 and more
• Price: $5.40

Get two complete Holes puzzle packs in one money-saving bundle—perfect for reinforcing vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking from start to finish. This no-prep set pairs engaging word searches with challenging crosswords, all designed for use with Louis Sachar’s Newbery Medal-winning novel.

Why buy separate resources when you can have everything in one place? You’ll cover every chapter, save on prep time, and give students multiple ways to interact with the text—all while keeping more of your budget intact.

What’s Included – Two Full Puzzle Packs:

• Word Search Puzzle Pack (12 puzzles): 10 chapter-unit word searches covering all 50 chapters plus 2 whole-book reviews, each packed with Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary, character names, settings, and plot-driven terms
• Crossword Puzzle Pack (12 puzzles): 10 chapter-unit crosswords plus 2 whole-book reviews, with definition-based, fill-in-the-blank, and context-clue questions that require students to recall, infer, and connect key ideas
• 24 total puzzles with complete answer keys—students can self-check, and you save valuable grading time
• Well-illustrated design throughout, featuring thematic artwork inspired by the desert landscape, yellow-spotted lizards, onions, God’s Thumb, and other novel symbols
• Available in both full-color and black & white versions—vibrant options for centers, ink-saving prints for daily use
• Combined 96 pages of ready-to-use activities—no prep, no extra materials required

These puzzles are classroom workhorses. Use them for literacy centers, chapter review, formative assessment, test prep, homework, early finisher tasks, sub plans, or whole-group vocabulary games. The word searches build recognition and spelling confidence; the crosswords push students toward deeper analysis and textual evidence.

Aligned with Common Core standards RL.5.1, RL.5.4, RL.6.1, RL.6.4, RL.7.1, RL.7.4, RL.8.1, RL.8.4, and L.5.4, L.5.6, L.6.4, L.6.6, L.7.4, L.7.6, L.8.4, L.8.6, this bundle supports vocabulary acquisition, close reading, and literature comprehension across Grades 5–8. It’s the complete vocabulary companion your Holes unit has been waiting for.

Get the bundle on Teachers Pay Teachers today and give your students two ways to master the novel—at a price that respects your classroom budget.

Disclaimer:

This product is an independent supplemental resource designed for use with Holes by Louis Sachar. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the author or publisher. All references to characters, settings, and events are used for educational purposes only to support reading comprehension and classroom instruction. This resource does not include the original text. Students must have their own copy of the book to complete the activities. All content in this resource is original and created by the seller.

Fonts Used:
Roboto by Christian Robertson | Open Sans by Steve Matteson | Playfair Display by Claus Eggers Sørensen | Lexend by Dr. Bonnie Shaver-Troup & Thomas Jockin | Poppins by Jonny Pinhorn | Montserrat by Julieta Ulanovsky
(All fonts are available via Google Fonts and licensed for commercial use under the SIL Open Font License.)

More Holes resources

All Holes activities & puzzles

Frequently asked questions

What grade level is this for?

It is written for Grades 5-8 (TpT lists 5th-8th).

How long is it?

It is a 96-page printable PDF. Suggested teaching time: 2 Weeks.

Are answer keys included?

Yes. Answer keys are included.

Do students need their own copy of Holes?

Yes. This is an independent supplemental resource and does not include the text of Holes by Louis Sachar, so students need their own copy.

How do I get this resource?

It is sold on Teachers Pay Teachers ($5.40) as a PDF download. Use the Buy on TpT button on this page.