Injustice runs through Holes from beginning to end. Stanley is punished for something he did not do, the boys at camp are put to work with little oversight, and the story of Sam and Kate Barlow shows a much older and more violent unfairness. For a class ready to discuss it, this is a powerful essay topic.

The Sam and Kate storyline requires care. Sam is a Black man who is killed after the town reacts with hatred to his relationship with Kate, a white schoolteacher. The novel treats this as a real wrong and shows the lasting consequences, and students need context to write about it accurately.

Before assigning the essay, make sure students have talked through the events in class. A shared discussion sets the tone and clears up misunderstandings. It also makes it easier to grade the writing on its analysis instead of on what students happened to pick up.

Then set clear expectations for how students will write about sensitive material. They should describe events accurately, use respectful language, and tie their claims to the text. That framing keeps the essay serious and focused.

Design a Prompt That Connects Past and Present

A strong prompt asks students to compare forms of injustice across the novel. How is the treatment of Sam similar to or different from the treatment of the boys at Camp Green Lake? Comparing the two forces students to look at how unfairness works, not only that it exists.

• Identify at least two examples of injustice from different time periods
• Explain who holds power in each situation and how they use it
• Analyze what the novel suggests about the effects of injustice over time
• Use precise, respectful language when describing the events
• Support each claim with a specific scene or detail from the book

Grade Accuracy and Sensitivity Together

It is reasonable to include a row on accurate description of events. Students sometimes blur the details or leave out key context. A clear, factual account is the foundation of any analysis.

Handle language issues through feedback, not punishment. If a student uses careless wording, explain why and suggest a better phrase. Most students respond well to a calm correction.

Encourage Depth Over Outrage

Strong feelings are natural here, but an essay that only expresses anger does not analyze anything. Ask students to explain how the author shows injustice, through character reactions, consequences, or contrast. That moves them from reaction to interpretation.

You might also ask how the novel offers some measure of repair, such as Stanley's family fortune or the lifting of the curse. Students who notice these details often produce more balanced essays. It shows they are reading the whole book, not only its darkest moments.

Keeping Grading Consistent on Sensitive Topics

Emotional topics can influence how we score, even when we try to stay objective. A defined rubric protects against that. Using a tool like GraideMind to apply your criteria uniformly can add another layer of consistency, while you review the essays that call for your judgment.

Make time for a brief reflection after the essays are returned. Students often want to talk about what they wrote. A short discussion can turn the assignment into a meaningful moment for the whole class.