A criminal isn't necessarily a bad guy, is he?

Stanley Yelnats isn't a criminal; he didn't steal a car or rob a bank. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Doing something he thought would benefit his father, the inventor, and his mother.

Stanley, or 'Caveman' as the boys at Camp Green Lake call him, is a juvenile with a disturbing secret. He is the stereotypical bullied child, because he is overweight. He never knew what real friends were, until he met the colourfully named 'Armpit', 'X-ray', 'Zero', 'Zig-Zag' and 'Squid'.

You may ask what this book is about; well, it is true to the title. You never know what might turn up when you dig holes in the middle of a desert. Stanley and his new-found friends can only hope not to discover anything too awful…

This book is inspiring to myself and hopefully many others, because it teaches you about loyalty, true friendship and not judging others by their looks - or their unfortunate mistakes in life.

I would recommend this book to children above the age of 9, as those of a weak-hearted disposition may not appreciate Louis Sachar's amazing descriptive skills.

I couldn't put this book down, it has a great personality (if any a book might have one!). It was completely unique to any other book that I have read: and that's saying something!! I can only hope that the sequel lives up to the high standard Louis Sachar has set himself!

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