Common Sense Media Review
Story of ostracized kid a timeless fave of teens, preteens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 42 parent reviews
Parents say that this book is a powerful read that resonates with both young audiences and adults, highlighting themes of social class and personal growth, but it also contains violence and mature content that may not be suitable for younger readers. While many appreciate its emotional depth and rich character development, some express concern over its intense themes and suggest that it may be better suited for older children and teens.
- engaging characters
- emotional depth
- violence concerns
- social themes
- age-appropriate discussions
Summarized with AI
Based on 315 kid reviews
Kids say this book is an emotional and engaging story that explores themes of friendship, class struggles, and the harsh realities of life, while also touching upon substance use and violence. Many find the characters relatable and the lessons impactful, making it a memorable read despite concerns about its suitability for younger audiences and the presence of mature themes.
- emotional impact
- relatable characters
- themes of friendship
- substance use
- class struggles
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE OUTSIDERS 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?
In the battle to get teens to read, The Outsiders is a nuclear missile. Any literary missteps -- like some too-easy plot resolutions -- are overcome by the power of author S.E. Hinton's honest teen point of view (she wrote it at age 16), which rings so true to young readers.
Many teens say this is the first book they ever enjoyed reading, even though it's often required in school. Hinton's 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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Animals , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Penguin Group
- Publication date : April 24, 1967
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 14
- Number of pages : 156
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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