The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Hinton, S.E. The Outsiders. Speak, 2003. ISBN 0-14-038572-X

Plot

Ponyboy Curtis and his brothers, Sodapop and Darry are part of a gang of greasers. There parents died in a car accident and Darry has to take care of his younger brothers. They often get in fight with the Socs, a group of wealthy, privileged boys who beat them up for fun. Ponyboy is the youngest brother who is shy, quiet, and smart. Soda, the middle brother, is very handsome and likable. Darry, is the adult, he is very serious, works most of the time, and is pushes Ponyboy to do well in school. Pony does not feel that they are a real family because they are constantly arguing with one another. Ponyboy and Johnny end up getting into trouble that could possibly end there lives so they run away. While away they both reevaluate there lives and decide to change it but tragedy strikes that might hinder it. Ponyboy wants something more than just being a greaser but is it to late for them to change?

Critical evaluation

Hinton explores the differed side of a notorious generation. They were not all brutes that wanted to fight all the time. Hinton reveals the Soc to be the problem in this novel. They have the money and social statues that the greasers do not so they do not get reprimanded for there actions. At first the greasers seem to be the victims but as the story progresses they grow as individuals as well as a family. They teach the Soc once and for all not to mess with them anymore. After the large fight at the park that should understand that. Hinton captures teenage greaser life very well in her various novels.

Readers Annotation
Ponyboy and Johnny are part of a gang of greasers though they do not seem the part since they are both shy and do not like to cause any trouble. They get themselves in trouble that would change there lives as well as those around them.

Information About the Author
S.E. Hinton began to write this novel when she was 15 years old

Genre

Realistic fiction

Curriculum Ties

English

Booktalking Ideas
1) greasers and modern gangs

2) ponyboy first person narrative

Reading Level/Interest Age

Gr 9-12

Controversial Subject Matter and Defense of Ideas

Violence, underage drinking, smoking

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

Why Book Included

It is a popular novel that I have always wanted to read that I never got around to doing.