Hinton, S. (1967). The Outsiders. NY: Viking. ISBN: 0670532576.
Plot Summary:
Ponyboy Curtis and his brothers, Sodapop and Darry are part of a gang of Greasers. Their parents died in a car accident and Darry has to take care of his younger brothers. They often have altercations with the Socs, a group of wealthy, privileged boys who attack them for sport. Ponyboy, the youngest brother, is shy, quiet, and smart. Sodapop, the middle brother, is handsome and likable. Darry, the adult, is serious, hardworking and pushes Ponyboy to do well in school. Ponyboy is concerned that they aren’t a real family because they constantly argue with one another. Ponyboy and his friend Johnny end up stabbing a Soc during a fight and they leave town. While away, they both reevaluate their lives and decide to change their lives. Ponyboy wants something more than just being a greaser but it may be too late.
Critical Evaluation:
This book was popular when first released in 1967 and it still has credible resonance with teen readers. Hinton writes a compelling story that poignantly describes how different teen groups clash with each other in a world that is devoid of parents, privilege and protection. Ponyboy and Johnny enjoy the comraderie of older gang members and the excitement of a life filled with adventure. But they also discover the gravity of their crime and what they need to do to improve their lives. Readers of both genders will relate to the characters and become absorbed by the story.
Reader’s Annotation:
Ponyboy and Johnny are part of a gang of Greasers who get by just fine without privilege and much money. They have their friends and family to get them by in life. But then something bad happens and they have to disappear for awhile…
Information About the Author:
S.E. Hinton remains one of the best known writers of young adult fiction. Her books have been taught in some schools while banned from others. Her landmark novels have changed the way people look at young adult literature. As a child in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she enjoyed reading but wasn't satisfied with the literature that was being written for young adults. She wrote The Outsiders and it was published when she was seventeen. It became the second bestselling YA novel in publishing history, with more than 13 million copies. She lives in Tulsa with her husband and her son is away at college.
Genre:
Teen Issues: Gangs, Outsiders, Crime and Criminals
Contemporary Life: Coming of Age
Multicultural Fiction: Multiple Cultures and Culture Clash
Curriculum Ties: English class, Social Studies class, Filmmaking class, Book clubs, Social clubs, Recommended Books for Reluctant Readers
Booktalking Ideas:
• The parentless and territorial world of Ponyboy
• Groups and cliques in high school and their inevitable clashes
• Does Johnny and Ponyboy’s rescue absolve them of their earlier crime?
• What will happen to Ponyboy in the end?
• Why this book is still read by teens today
Reading Level/Interest Age: Grades 7-12
Challenge Issues/Defenses:
Potential Challenges:
• Depictions of violence
• References to sex
• Content includes smoking
Defense Strategy:
• Provide our Collection Development Policy (which includes Young Adult scope): http://ww2.cityofpasadena.net/library/collection.asp
• Refer to awards won by this book from reputable organizations:
http://www.sehinton.com/books/outsiders.html
• Provide book reviews by actual readers on a publicly accessible website:
http://www.amazon.com/Outsiders-S-E-Hinton/dp/014038572X
• Provide book club discussion questions used to address issues or book content:
http://www.mrcoward.com/slcusd/outsiders.html
• Provide advisory reviews for parents about this book’s content and age appropriateness:
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/Outsiders.html
Why This Book Was Included: I wanted to include a few classic YA books among this blog list and this one was noteworthy as it has special appeal for male readers. Also, I remember when the 1983 Francis Ford Coppola movie became popular for all the new breakout male stars. Today, I’ve discovered that teens find it interesting that every one of those actors became big stars and many are still working today. It’s a bit of trivia that seems to get them interested in the book AND the movie.
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