The main character, Stanley Yelnats, is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile detention center located in the middle of a desert. He and the other boys are forced to dig holes every day in the hot sun as a form of punishment. Stanley must endure the harsh conditions and learn to overcome his personal challenges in order to survive.
Friendship
Stanley develops friendships with some of the other boys at Camp Green Lake, including Zero, who becomes his closest friend. The boys support each other through the difficult times, and they learn to depend on each other for survival.
Hope
Even in the midst of his struggles, Stanley never gives up hope. He believes that he will eventually be able to escape from Camp Green Lake and return to his family. This hope sustains him and gives him the strength to keep going, even when things seem impossible.
Redemption
Stanley is sent to Camp Green Lake because he is accused of stealing a pair of sneakers. Throughout the book, he learns more about the theft and discovers that he may not be guilty. He has the opportunity to redeem himself and prove his innocence by solving the mystery surrounding the sneakers.