Book 1: The Outsiders by Hinton, S.E

Book 1: The Outsiders by Hinton, S.E

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Hinton, S.E. 1967. THE OUTSIDERS. New York, NY: Dell Publishing. ISBN 0044967694

2. PLOT SUMMARY

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is a novel set in the 1960s that follows the lives of two rival groups of teenagers, the Greasers and the Socs. The story is narrated by Ponyboy Curtis, a teenager from the wrong side of the tracks, who belongs to a gang of “Greasers.” The book explores the tensions and conflicts between the Greasers and the wealthier “Socs” (Socials), recalling themes of socioeconomic class, friendship, and cycles of violence. The book displays examples of social and economic struggles of their time. The Outsiders captures the essence of teenage rebellion, friendship, and the search for identity in the face of societal expectations. After a violent confrontation between the two groups, Ponyboy and his friend Johnny go on the run, leading to a series of events that force Ponyboy to confront the harsh realities of the world around him.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The Outsiders was written by a teen for teens. The summary of the book is pretty simple in that it follows main character Ponyboy who is part of a gang called the Greasers and they rival a gang called the Soc's. Ponyboy doesn't really think much about being a part of his gang until his close friend and fellow gang member, Johnny, kills a member of the rival gang. It is then that Ponyboy realizes that life is not as simple as being identified as a Greaser or a Soc. This is a perfect story for a teen and one that I would highly recommend to any middle grade to high school aged student. Whether greasers or Socs, every kid experiences the in crowd and the out crowd. The isolation and bullying is relatable as is the appeal it brings to the idea of being different, even the realization that no matter how different you think you are, we are all quite similar no matter which side of the tracks you come from. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Booklist (February 1, 2017)

Grades 6-12. This realistic but sometimes unconvincing and melodramatic teenage novel by a 17-year-old girl centers on the actions of a semi tough gang in a city in Oklahoma. Narrated by 14-year-old Ponyboy, the story describes the conflict between the “greasers' ' and the wealthy upper-class boys, during the course of which Ponyboy’s best friend is provoked into killing another boy. Some of Ponyboy’s philosophizing about himself, his friends, and his enemies does not ring true, but on the whole the book is a meaningful narrative with appeal for teenage readers. Junior high and high school.

Horn Book Guide (Spring 2018)

This anniversary edition of the groundbreaking novel opens with a note from the author, reflecting on the classic's half-century in print. New back matter features archival material from the publisher and from Hinton's personal collection, including correspondence, black-and-white photos, and review and newspaper clippings. Remembrances from the 1983 film's actors and director Francis Ford Coppola should further delight fans.

5. CONNECTIONS

Books to Read If You Love ‘The Outsiders’:

That Was Then, This Is Now by S.E. Hinton

Rumble Fish by S.E. Hinton

Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead

Dear Martin by Nic Stone

Monster by Walter Dean Myers

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie



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