The Outsiders
Hinton, S. E. (2012). The outsiders. New York: Speak. 978-0142407332, Paperback: $7.99
Written by a teenage girl in the mid-1960s, The Outsiders is a story of Ponyboy, a smart, sensitive 14-year-old boy, raised by his older brothers and their street gang as he tries to live his life in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The novel details the conflicts between the “greasers” and upper-class “Socs” which lead to unfortunate ramifications for Ponyboy and his friends when Ponyboy’s best friend unwittingly kills another boy. This is a story of friendship, loss, and empathy.
The themes within The Outsiders may not resonate with all readers and the events and writing may seem unrealistic or immature to some, but most teens can relate to the feelings of being misunderstood and can take home important messages about empathizing with others. The Outsiders would belong in a Teen or Young Adult library section and is suitable for readers 12 and older.
Content warnings: Knife violence, violence, alcohol use (minimal)
Here’s an interview with the author, S.E. Hinton, 50 years after the book’s debut!