The Outsiders

Hinton, S. E. (2006). The outsiders. New York: Speak.
Originally published in 1967 | ISBN: 9780142407332 | paperback | 180 p. | $10.00 USD

Cover image courtesy of goodreads.com

Annotation: The struggle of three brothers to stay together after their parent's death and their quest for identity among the conflicting values of their adolescent society.

Book Review: As an orphan, Ponyboy finds solace among his two older brothers and a close-knit group of dirty, rough boys known as Greasers.  Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the 1960’s, the underprivileged Greasers are in constant conflict with the rich Socs (or Socials) from the other side of town.  However this normalcy is interrupted when Ponyboy’s closest friend, Johnny, goes too far during a heated brawl. 

One of the main themes in the book is the struggle young people often have to understand the world and their place within it. The parts of the book touching on this theme had more honesty and authenticity to young people’s thoughts and struggles because the author was sixteen when she wrote it. This gives the story more integrity; something that may have been absent had the book been written by an adult recounting his/her adolescence. This book makes you wonder if “outsiders” really exist.  We are all susceptible to the same conflicts and pains of life, despite our socioeconomic level or group association.  In this way, despite our differences, we are all the same. We are all outsiders. Long considered a classic, this book is worthy of including in a library’s young adult collection.  

Recommended for ages 12 and up.

My favorite thing(s) about the book:   
This book was written by the author at the age of 16!  Also, the characters' names are really enjoyable.  Their nicknames had me wishing I were part of the group and had my own nickname to fame. 

Favorite character:
Johnny

First sentence:  
“When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home.”

Awards/Honors:
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 

Learn More: 

Author S.E. Hinton takes us on a tour of her hometown,Tulsa, and reveals some old haunts that were used as settings for events in the book.