A CLASSIC STAYS GOLD
ISBN 0-670-53257-6
Hardback, $17.99
192 pages
***AWARDS AND HONORS***
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| Cover Artwork Copyright © Viking Penguin Inc. 1967 |
ANNOTATION
Ponyboy
Curtis writes about life on the fringe, where Greasers and Socials are in perpetual
conflict over class integrity and territory.
This American classic, written by a teenage S. E. Hinton in 1967, deals
with themes related to the importance of education, literacy, integrity,
allegiance, diversity, and empathy.
BOOK REVIEW
The pensive Ponyboy Curtis narrates The Outsiders to recount indelible life experiences during his teenage years set to a gritty 1960s Midwestern urban landscape. Peppered with animated and unforgettable characters like Cherry Valance, Johnny, Sodapop, Dally, and Two-Bit, this classic story explores the culture clash between Greasers and Socials. When Ponyboy and Johnny find themselves embroiled in a deadly encounter with their rivals, the two friends seek refuge from the law in an abandoned countryside church. However, fate turns ironic when the church ignites in flames and the Greaser “hoods” become overnight heroes for laying down their own lives to save a group of young children in danger. Over just a handful of days, related events forever change life for Ponyboy, his family, friends, and their hometown.
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| Title Page Artwork Copyright © Viking Penguin Inc. 1967 |
S. E. Hinton’s The Outsiders is a humble 1967 novel with hulking themes that matter to modern society. The importance of education, literacy, integrity, allegiance, diversity, and empathy appear throughout the pages of this exciting and emotional story. When Ponyboy meets the alluring Cherry, he realizes their common ground despite any class conflict: “It seemed funny to me that the sunset she saw from her patio and the one I saw from the back steps was the same one. Maybe the two different worlds we lived in weren’t so different” (49). The Outsiders challenges stereotypes in this meaningful way, while also considering how individual life choices affect everyone around us. This is the kind of thought-provoking book that all young people should add to their reading list—and then share with all the adults who never had a chance!
TEEN VOICE
The Outsiders is probably one of the best coming-of-age novels I've read. The conflict between two different social classes is nothing new, but The Outsiders stands out because of its characters. From Ponyboy to Johnny, I could really relate to the situation and the feelings they were experiencing. The ending was incredible!
Denney P., age 18
The
Outsiders was the first book I ever read involving topics like violence and
death. At first, it was a shock to read
a story with such powerful and emotional themes—but, looking at the story again
a couple years later, I started to appreciate how S. E. Hinton managed to show
that good will rise even from evil and violence.
Rita B., age 18
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RELATED RESOURCES (COOL STUFF)
>>> Learn more about The Outsiders novel.
>>> For more information about The Outsiders and its author, watch this behind-the-scenes footage with S. E. Hinton in her hometown of Tulsa...
>>> Fans of the book also should check out the 1983 film adaptation. Watch the movie trailer here...
>>> Learn more about The Outsiders movie.
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