The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Author Biography:
Susan Eloise Hinton was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has always enjoyed reading but wasn't satisfied with the literature that was being written for young adults, which influenced her to write novels likeThe Outsiders. Information retrieved from Goodreads.com.
Published by: Speak
ISBN: 014240733X
Genre: Fiction
Reading Level: Ages 12 and Up
Reader’s Annotation:
Ponyboy, a 14-year-old low-class Greaser, gets drawn in a gang war with the Soc’s – slang for the high social class rich kids. Though battles between the Greasers and the Soc’s are frequent and rarely go beyond a solid thumping, one battle goes Ponyboy is involved in goes terribly wrong and results in the murder of one of the rich kids. As he flees with a friend, Ponyboy must come to terms with what he has done and decide for himself if such ridiculous class warfare is worth so much pain.
Plot Summary:
Ponyboy is no stranger to day-to-day combat. As a low-class Greaser, he and his friends and family frequently travel in groups no matter where they go to protect themselves from the high-class rich kids, derisively named the Socs. Many of the Greasers and Socs have also taken to carrying switchblades in case of a fight, though it’s more to scare others rather than for actual combat.
Despite the constant threat of violence, Ponyboy decides to see a movie by himself one day and is quickly recognized by the rival gang and attacked. As the Socs threaten to kill him, Ponyboy’s brothers Sodapop and Darry come to his aid and chase off the rival gang. Though a bit rattled, Ponyboy is okay and soundly scolded by his other brother.
Ponyboy’s risky behavior continues, however, as he begins to talk up a few Soc girls at a movie with a friend and, much to both of their surprise, manage to hold a pleasant conversation with them. During the conversation Ponyboy realizes despite the violence between the two groups, they actually have quite a bit in common. The other side is just as afraid of being attacked and, though well-off financially, they often struggle with distant or horribly strict parents. While this encounter appears to be a major breakthrough in relations between the two groups, the girls’ boyfriends discover them talking – setting the stage for an encounter.
The Socs initially avoid a fight, but later attack Ponyboy and his friend Johnny. Overpowered, Ponyboy is nearly drowned in a nearby water fountain when Johnny draws his blade and kills one of the Socs, ending the battle. Certain they will either be sent to jail or worse, the two visit a friend who provides them with a bit of money and a gun for protection before they flee town, hoping to evade authorities. Though the two manage to escape to safety, their actions have tremendous consequences and both boys must determine if they can really live the rest of their lives on the run, or take responsibility for what they have done.
Critical Evaluation:
The Outsiders takes place during 1966, and the language really shows that. There’s a lot of slang thrown around in the book by the Greasers and, while it is usually explained by Ponyboy in short order, it does interrupt the flow of the dialog somewhat. That minor quibble aside, Hinton has crafted an interesting story about class warfare with the apparent goal to try to help readers understand that despite our economic differences, we are all very much the same. Besides that, it also touches on personal responsibility and the acceptance of one’s own actions, as well as the importance of family. All of these issues are still extremely relevant today, making this an important book for many to read.
Curriculum Ties:
Challenge Issues:
Defensive Maneuvers:
Book Talk Ideas:
Ever get into an argument that went too far and turned into a fistfight? Did it ever get so bad somebody was killed? That's the situation Ponyboy finds himself in.
Why This Book?
Though the book's time period is in the 1960s, matters such as social class, belonging, and family are still extremely relevant today making this a solid read.
Susan Eloise Hinton was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has always enjoyed reading but wasn't satisfied with the literature that was being written for young adults, which influenced her to write novels likeThe Outsiders. Information retrieved from Goodreads.com.
Published by: Speak
ISBN: 014240733X
Genre: Fiction
Reading Level: Ages 12 and Up
Reader’s Annotation:
Ponyboy, a 14-year-old low-class Greaser, gets drawn in a gang war with the Soc’s – slang for the high social class rich kids. Though battles between the Greasers and the Soc’s are frequent and rarely go beyond a solid thumping, one battle goes Ponyboy is involved in goes terribly wrong and results in the murder of one of the rich kids. As he flees with a friend, Ponyboy must come to terms with what he has done and decide for himself if such ridiculous class warfare is worth so much pain.
Plot Summary:
Ponyboy is no stranger to day-to-day combat. As a low-class Greaser, he and his friends and family frequently travel in groups no matter where they go to protect themselves from the high-class rich kids, derisively named the Socs. Many of the Greasers and Socs have also taken to carrying switchblades in case of a fight, though it’s more to scare others rather than for actual combat.
Despite the constant threat of violence, Ponyboy decides to see a movie by himself one day and is quickly recognized by the rival gang and attacked. As the Socs threaten to kill him, Ponyboy’s brothers Sodapop and Darry come to his aid and chase off the rival gang. Though a bit rattled, Ponyboy is okay and soundly scolded by his other brother.
Ponyboy’s risky behavior continues, however, as he begins to talk up a few Soc girls at a movie with a friend and, much to both of their surprise, manage to hold a pleasant conversation with them. During the conversation Ponyboy realizes despite the violence between the two groups, they actually have quite a bit in common. The other side is just as afraid of being attacked and, though well-off financially, they often struggle with distant or horribly strict parents. While this encounter appears to be a major breakthrough in relations between the two groups, the girls’ boyfriends discover them talking – setting the stage for an encounter.
The Socs initially avoid a fight, but later attack Ponyboy and his friend Johnny. Overpowered, Ponyboy is nearly drowned in a nearby water fountain when Johnny draws his blade and kills one of the Socs, ending the battle. Certain they will either be sent to jail or worse, the two visit a friend who provides them with a bit of money and a gun for protection before they flee town, hoping to evade authorities. Though the two manage to escape to safety, their actions have tremendous consequences and both boys must determine if they can really live the rest of their lives on the run, or take responsibility for what they have done.
Critical Evaluation:
The Outsiders takes place during 1966, and the language really shows that. There’s a lot of slang thrown around in the book by the Greasers and, while it is usually explained by Ponyboy in short order, it does interrupt the flow of the dialog somewhat. That minor quibble aside, Hinton has crafted an interesting story about class warfare with the apparent goal to try to help readers understand that despite our economic differences, we are all very much the same. Besides that, it also touches on personal responsibility and the acceptance of one’s own actions, as well as the importance of family. All of these issues are still extremely relevant today, making this an important book for many to read.
Curriculum Ties:
- Class warfare
- Gang violence
- Family
Challenge Issues:
- Alcohol usage, smoking
Defensive Maneuvers:
- Have the library's collection policy on hand and memorized. Even though you may have it committed to memory, being able to show specific provisions as proof with strengthen your position.
- Be familiar with the book. Having great knowledge of it will prove you understand the content and the way the challenged matters interact with each other. Alcohol and smoking is more of their culture, and isn't about being cool - its more a commentary on their class.
- Cite any awards the book may have. Though the patron may disagree with the book, showing that it is well known and seen as having great literary merit will strengthen your defense.
- Have a few reviews ready from respected sources such as Amazon or VOYA. At the very least, you can prove you understand the material and reviews will corroborate that.
- Have a strong idea WHY that item is in the library. Explain its merits, who the intended audience is, and so on.
- State your library's commitment to providing intellectual freedom as written in the Library Bill of Rights.
- Stay calm. Getting defensive or hot under the collar will only weaken your position.
- And finally, be open to discussion and LISTEN. Even if you do not agree with the patron, their concerns are still legitimate and you should show that you are engaged with them. Listening to their concerns may be enough to take the edge off.
Book Talk Ideas:
Ever get into an argument that went too far and turned into a fistfight? Did it ever get so bad somebody was killed? That's the situation Ponyboy finds himself in.
Why This Book?
Though the book's time period is in the 1960s, matters such as social class, belonging, and family are still extremely relevant today making this a solid read.