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The Outsiders
- By S. E. Hinton
- Genre: Coming of Age
Common Sense Media says
Story of ostracized kid a timeless fave of teens, preteens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this story of peer pressure, rebellion, and identity centers on two rival groups of teens, the lower-class "outsider" Greasers and the more well-heeled, popular Socs (short for Socials). It includes fighting, underage drinking, delinquent behavior, a rumble, a fatal stabbing, and a suicide. But the indelible characters and compelling story have consistently hooked middle school kids, teens, and reluctant readers since The Outsiders was first published in 1967. This book appeals to preteens (many read it in sixth grade) because that's the time when kids break into social cliques and life becomes tribal. The feelings of being ostracized are timeless -- which is why this book is still so relevant more than 40 years after its original publication. Kids may also want to check out Francis Ford Coppola's 1983 film version.
What's the story?
THE OUTISDERS has been one of the most popular book among teens and preteens since it came out in 1967. Ponyboy and his Greaser gang fight rival gang the Socs (short for "Socials," the wealthier, more preppie kids) and try to make a place for themselves in the world. The juvenile delinquent characters are fully and humanely developed in this realistic look at life, death, and growing up, told from a teen's point of view. The book was based on the author's high school experience in Tulsa, OK, in 1965, but the time and setting are not specified in the text.
Is it any good?
Many teens say this is the first book they ever enjoyed reading, even though it's often required in school. S.E. Hinton wrote it when she was only 16, and her insight into teen angst may explain why adolescents identify with Ponyboy so strongly. Readers find plenty of action and an idyllic view of friendship, a major concern for teens. Teenagers love this book; it teaches them that they can enjoy reading, as Ponyboy already knows.
Given that Hinton wrote the book at age 16, there are some too-easy resolutions in the plot. But whatever literary misteps she may have made are overcome by the power of her honest teen point of view, which rings so true to young readers. In the battle to get teens to read, The Outsiders is a nuclear missile.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why this book resonates with preteens and teens. Why has it remained so popular for more than 40 years?
What do you think happens to Ponyboy after the end of the novel?
If you've seen Francis Ford Coppola's 1983 movie based on the book, which do you like better, and why?
Why do you think The Outsiders is often required reading in school?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
This is a great book! What are you guys talking about?
"Iffy" for age 13? Off for under that? You've got to be kidding me.
Annoying Overprotective Parent (AOP): Isn't Ponyboy in a gang? I don't want my darling little -insert name here- reading that.
Me: Yes, he's part of a gang, but it even says in the book that it's not an organized gang. The only fighting they do is self defense against the Socs, a group of vicious rich kids who jump Greasers for fun.
AOP: So the Socs are bad, then? That's still setting a bad example!
Me: They're villains; they're supposed to be bad. Isn't the big bad wolf a bad example, too?
AOP: I heard that they smoke and drink a lot in the book.
Me: This was written a long time ago. Everyone smoked. Adults even smoked with little babies in the room.
And for drinking: Ponyboy says he tried some once, but when Darry (his older brother) found out, he got in big trouble.
AOP: What about violence? And death?
Me: Like I said before, violence is mostly self defense. And death? That's life. Get used to it.
AOP: I'll think about it.
So yeah, this is a really great book. If you parents out there prevent your child from reading this, I hope you know it's the worst mistake you'll ever make.
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AGE
great book
This is a very exciting book and I loved reading it. The book is about two rival gangs the greasers and the Socs, and it is told in the point of veiw of a greaser named Ponyboy. The gangs fight each other and the book is very violent, but it is exspressed in the book by Ponyboy that fighting tears people apart, and that fighting doesnt solve anything but makes things worse.
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AGE
A MUST read for ages 12 and up
Although Ponyboy does some things that parents may not approve of, he is a good kid. Just read the book. You'll be glad you did.
I think rating it a 4 out of 5 for violence is ridiculous. The violence is no worse than Twilight. In fact Twilight's more violent. The violence is notable, but it won't scar your kid for life. They'll most likely just keep reading.
Read this book! It's a very good read and has been my favorite for almost a year! I am so glad we read this in 7th grade :D
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AGE
AMAZING!
i read this book when i was 12 for summer reading and i absolutely loved it... i didnt want to leave from the book. i love s.e. hinton she's a great author and i love all her books
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AGE
I am 13 years old, and I loved this book. We read it at SCHOOL for my english class, and i swear, the only thing i had a problem with was the smoking. The message it gives out is really good and inspirational. I would totally recomend this book to any teenager.
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AGE
My review speaks the truth...
I cant say it was bad but it was way to violent.It was also educational it was about the old times with guns,razor blades and gangs jumping people!
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AGE
comments on the outsiders
i like the book but as i'm stating above there's too much smoking and violence.
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AGE
Great
This was a phenomenal book hands down. "Nothing gold stays" was the theme. It gives you a great message but a sad ending.
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AGE
This book is a classic. saying it's iffy for 15 year olds? give me a break. if you think your 15 year old doesn't know about fighting you need a reality check. this book is a classic! Im 13 and it's one of my favorites!
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AGE
I absolutely love this book! I thought it was amazing, but I don't think kids under 12 should read it. Almost all of the characters enjoy smoking. Also, there are lots of fights, and sometimes people come out injured, or even dead. Otherwise, a great book.
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| Topics: | cats, dogs, and mice, friendship, high school, misfits and underdogs |
| Author: | S. E. Hinton |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Coming of Age |
| Publisher: | Penguin Group |
| Publication date: | December 31, 1969 |
| Number of pages: | 156 |
| Paperback price: | $5.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 14 |
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