The Outsiders

Hinton, S.E.  The Outsiders.  Viking, 1967,

ISBN: 9780670062515, 188 pages, hardback $17.99

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The death of a rival gang member causes an orphaned teenage boy to reconsider societal expectations and his own family bonds.

#review

            Socioeconomic conflicts epitomized by two rival gangs, the Greasers and the Socs, come to a head in this breakout coming of age novel written by a first-time author nearly a half-century ago.  Orphaned teenager Ponyboy must deal with a murder and the death of two friends while seeking his own place in his family and in society.  As he confronts these issues, he is able to recognize the love and loyalty already present in his life, and make the reader question just who “the outsiders” truly are.

            Although this book is recommended for ages twelve and up, and is sometimes classified as a children’s read, the difficult themes of violence, death, and class conflict are more suitable for older adolescents.  While the dialogue and situations are specific to the era in which it was written, the timeless issues and their satisfying resolution transcend its particular setting.  Since The Outsiders is frequently read in a classroom setting, it should be stocked in libraries and be readily available.

     #awards

     New York Herald Tribune Best Teenage Books List, 1967
     Chicago Tribune Book World Spring Book Festival Honor Book, 1967
     Media and Methods Maxi Award, 1975
     ALA Best Young Adult Books, 1975
     Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, 1979 

                                                       watch the book trailer!

and learn more: S. E. Hinton's website