The Outsiders

Title- The Outsiders

Author S.E. Hinton

ISBN-0670532576

Publication Information- Viking Press, 1967

 

Plot Summary- Ponyboy and Johnny are two friends and part of the Greasers, a lower-class gang. The Socs are their rivals and are wealthy. When Ponyboy, Johnny, and Darry (Ponyboy's brother) meet up with some Soc girls outside a movie theater, Bob and Randy- two Socs- decide to attack them when the opportunity presents itself. Later that night, Ponyboy and Johnny are wandering alone and Bob and Randy are drunk. A fight ensues where Johnny accidentally stabs Bob and kills him. The two boys are forced to flee out of town. While they are staying at an abandoned building, Ponyboy reads Gone with the Wind and Nothing Gold Can Stay to Johnny. When they are told it is safe to return, they come across a church on fire and they rush in to save people. Johnny is mortally wounded in the process. The two are declared heroes. Johnny dies in front of Ponyboy after giving him the copy of Gone with the Wind with notes written into it. He urges Ponyboy to "stay gold." Ponyboy relays the story in an essay to his English teacher.

Critical Evaluation- This is one of the greatest and first YA novels in the genre. The characters are true to the time period but also speak to multiple generations. It is timeless. Although the nature of the gangs is entirely outdated, the quality of the protagonists supersede that concern. Furthermore, the themes of the book speak to teens on multiple levels. The Frost poem is the initial element that most kids will cite as influential, but there is also a clear discussion of wealth versus poverty, of doing the right thing at great personal risk, and dealing with issues of guilt. This book packs a big punch in a very short space.

Reader's Annotation- Ponyboy and Johnny are fiercely loyal to their friends and to each other. What happens when that loyalty puts everyone in danger?

Author Information- The most interesting, and probably most known fact, is that S.E. Hinton was a teenager when she wrote this novel. It was loosely based on her own experiences in her school with two rival groups. Editors told her to use her initials rather than her name because reviewers might find the book less believable if written by a woman. She elected to keep using her initials as her career progressed. She has written nine books in total. She makes a point to keep her personal life separate from her publishing world.

Curricular Ties- No specific ties, but taught in English frequently

Genre- Coming of Age

Book talking ideas- How does the Frost poem incorporate the meanings of the novel? What does Ponyboy learn as a result of the story?

Challenge issues- I don't think there will be challenges of this book anymore.

1. Re-read the text to familiarize myself with the story
   
2. Ask parents for their specific objections (they are required to file that with our school district)
   
3. Review approved books list from California Department of Education for similar materials
   
4. Review approaches from ALA
   

Interest Age 14-18

Why I selected this piece Although this book is generally taught in junior high, it remains one of my student's favorite books, and is the hallmark of YA literature.