BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:
Hinton, S.E. 1988. THE OUTSIDERS. Narr. Jim Fyfe. Audio Book on CD. New York: Listening Library. ISBN 9780739339015
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
THE OUTSIDERS, perhaps one of the most popular classic young adult stories, reveals the gritty tale of a young gang of boys from the wrong side of the tracks. The boys identify themselves as “Greasers,” and their hard luck stories and tough exteriors will resonate with teen readers regardless of the more than 40 years that have passed since the story’s original publication. The “Greasers” repeatedly find themselves clashing with the “Socs,” or “Socials,” and the opposing social classes find themselves in the middle of a bitter rivalry that plays out like a war between eternal enemies. When two of the youngest “Greasers” try to defend themselves from a group of “Socs” in the dark of the night, one of the “Socs” ends up dying and the “Greasers” lives are changed forever. From violent and deadly street fights to destructive fires, the action is fast paced and certain to keep the interest of the book’s intended audience. The main character, a self-proclaimed “Greaser” named Ponyboy Curtis, is unusually sensitive and observant given his circumstances. These attributes make him an easily likeable and effective narrator for the story. The other rough and tumble “Greasers” will also strike a chord with readers as their tragic home lives and strong relationships with each other are revealed. Listening Library’s audio version, narrated by Jim Fyfe, is easy to listen to and lays out the story in a dramatic and appealing fashion. Fyfe’s animated and dynamic voice reveals the timeless story’s exciting plot and unforgettable characters in a strong fashion that is sure to please listeners of all ages.
CONNECTIONS:
Since many teens find themselves in the middle of battles between social classes, begin by asking students to consider the social cliques that are prevalent in their school (“the jocks,” “the brains,” etc.). Is it difficult for one member of a clique to socialize with members of another clique? Do cliques really play a part in a teenager’s social life, or is much of this dramatized and overrated?
Remind students that this book was written more than 40 years ago. What is timeless about this story? What has changed in the last 40 years?
Invite students to visit S.E. Hinton’s website, which includes extended information on THE OUTSIDERS. Point out that Hinton began writing this story at the age of 16. Would you have guessed that a 16 year old wrote this story? Why or why not? Did her young age help her create believable teenage characters?
REVIEWS AND AWARDS:
From PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY (August 2007):
“Hinton’s first novel, written at the age of 16, has since introduced generations of readers to Ponyboy, a so-called Greaser from the wrong side of the tracks, and the fierce rivalry between the Greasers and the Socs (short for Socials). With more than 13 million copies sold to date, the relevance of this modern classic has not waned.”
New York Herald Tribune Best Teenage Books List, 1967
Chicago Tribune Book World Spring Festival Honor Book, 1967
Media and Methods Maxi Award, 1975
ALA Best Young Adult Books, 1975
Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, 1979
Wilson’s Junior High School
Wilson’s Senior High School
Hinton, S.E. 1988. THE OUTSIDERS. Narr. Jim Fyfe. Audio Book on CD. New York: Listening Library. ISBN 9780739339015
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
THE OUTSIDERS, perhaps one of the most popular classic young adult stories, reveals the gritty tale of a young gang of boys from the wrong side of the tracks. The boys identify themselves as “Greasers,” and their hard luck stories and tough exteriors will resonate with teen readers regardless of the more than 40 years that have passed since the story’s original publication. The “Greasers” repeatedly find themselves clashing with the “Socs,” or “Socials,” and the opposing social classes find themselves in the middle of a bitter rivalry that plays out like a war between eternal enemies. When two of the youngest “Greasers” try to defend themselves from a group of “Socs” in the dark of the night, one of the “Socs” ends up dying and the “Greasers” lives are changed forever. From violent and deadly street fights to destructive fires, the action is fast paced and certain to keep the interest of the book’s intended audience. The main character, a self-proclaimed “Greaser” named Ponyboy Curtis, is unusually sensitive and observant given his circumstances. These attributes make him an easily likeable and effective narrator for the story. The other rough and tumble “Greasers” will also strike a chord with readers as their tragic home lives and strong relationships with each other are revealed. Listening Library’s audio version, narrated by Jim Fyfe, is easy to listen to and lays out the story in a dramatic and appealing fashion. Fyfe’s animated and dynamic voice reveals the timeless story’s exciting plot and unforgettable characters in a strong fashion that is sure to please listeners of all ages.
CONNECTIONS:
Since many teens find themselves in the middle of battles between social classes, begin by asking students to consider the social cliques that are prevalent in their school (“the jocks,” “the brains,” etc.). Is it difficult for one member of a clique to socialize with members of another clique? Do cliques really play a part in a teenager’s social life, or is much of this dramatized and overrated?
Remind students that this book was written more than 40 years ago. What is timeless about this story? What has changed in the last 40 years?
Invite students to visit S.E. Hinton’s website, which includes extended information on THE OUTSIDERS. Point out that Hinton began writing this story at the age of 16. Would you have guessed that a 16 year old wrote this story? Why or why not? Did her young age help her create believable teenage characters?
REVIEWS AND AWARDS:
From PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY (August 2007):
“Hinton’s first novel, written at the age of 16, has since introduced generations of readers to Ponyboy, a so-called Greaser from the wrong side of the tracks, and the fierce rivalry between the Greasers and the Socs (short for Socials). With more than 13 million copies sold to date, the relevance of this modern classic has not waned.”
New York Herald Tribune Best Teenage Books List, 1967
Chicago Tribune Book World Spring Festival Honor Book, 1967
Media and Methods Maxi Award, 1975
ALA Best Young Adult Books, 1975
Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, 1979
Wilson’s Junior High School
Wilson’s Senior High School
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