The Outsiders

Title: The Outsiders

Author: S.E. Hinton

Website: http://www.theoutsidersbookandmovie.com/

ISBN: 978-0140385724

Publisher: Puffin Books

Copyright Date: 1967

Genre: Classic

Reading Level/Interest Age: 12-18

Awards: ALA Best Young Adult Books, 1975

Plot Summary: The greasers and the socs are two different groups from opposite sides of town who do not get along. Pony Boy is a greaser who will do anything for his group of friends, who are actually more like family. When a fight in the park with a group of socs turns deadly after Pony Boy's best friend Johnny stabs and kills one of the socs, the boys are forced to hide out in the country. The story ends with one final brawl between the two classes, which leaves everyone wondering if this rival is even worth it.

Critical Evaluation: E.H. Hinton tells this tale from the perspective of Pony Boy, enabling the reader to identify with every thought, down to the lingo Pony uses. Hinton identifies and depicts the gap between the rich and the poor, ultimately pointing out that while there are some differences between the two classes they are more alike that Pony initially wanted to admit. 

Reader's Annotation: The struggle between the greasers and the socs ultimately ends in murder and a brawl. 

Booktalking Ideas: social classes, violence
Challenge issues if any: While this story does depict violence and murder, it equally portrays very well how violence leads down a path of destruction for all involved.

Why did you include this book: The themes and concepts in this book are ones that most teenagers will be able to identify with. The idea that nothing positive can come from judging people by the clothes they wear, or the amount of money their family has is an important lesson to walk away with. 

Quote: "Hey," I said suddenly, "can you see the sunset real good from the West Side?"

She blinked, startled, then smiled. "Real good."

"You can see it from the East Side, too," I said quietly.
pg.138