TITLE: The Outsiders
AUTHOR: S. E. Hinton
PUBLISHER: Viking Books for Young Readers
PUBLISHED DATE: April 24, 1967
ISBN: 978-0670532575
PAGES: 192
I'm late to the party. I know.
I've just read this classic, and I'm simply amazed that S. E. Hinton wrote this book when she was only 16 years old. Finished another book this morning where the 12 year old protagonist says she this book is her favorite book of all time, and that she's read it 14 times. I thought about not embarrassing myself and posting that I'm only now reading this book. But I'll just tell the truth and shame the devil.
It's easy to see why this book is a classic. Orphan, Ponyboy, gives a raw and emotional look into the life of Oklahoma hoods who spend their days greasing their hair, battling Soc's and being all around "tough". In all of this Ponyboy longs to overcome his rough life, and his tough veneer fades to reveal a very vulnerable and scared boy who wants to belong, to love, and be something.
Recommendation: Read it!
Audience: Young Adults (Grades 7 and up)