The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Review by:  Mary DeClerico

Who would like this book:     All ages 

Pros or Cons:   Pro- Story line is exciting and the characters are believable.   

Summary of Plot: 

Ponyboy Curtis belongs to a lower-class gang who call themselves greasers because of their greasy long hair. The greasers’ rival an upper-class gang from the West Side of town called the Socs. The story is a fantastic snap shot of a pivotal period in the lives of these boys.  The characters in this story are well developed and very believable.  There are a variety of exchanges between members of these two gangs.  During one exchange, Johnny accidentally kills a soc while coming to Pony's rescue.  Johnny and Pony are forced to run away for a time.  While in hiding, Johnny and Pony save some children from a burning church.  They are commended as heroes but also must return home to face the consequences of their actions against the socs.
 Several key characters in this book die (Johnny and Dally) as a result of the environment in which they have grown up.  The greaser's have to deal with these losses.  Pony and his brothers have to face the reality of their parent's death and begin to learn to rely on one another.  

Ponyboy goes through some physical and emotional challenges throughout the story.  He becomes confused about facts and unable to manage.  By the end of the book, Ponyboy is able to remember Dally’s and Johnny’s deaths without pain or denial. He decides to tell their story .....................but you'll have to read the book to find out how.  I love this book and have since I was 12 years old.