A review by kamrynharned
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

emotional funny reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

The Outsiders was written by S. E. Hinton when she was 16 years old.  This fact shed so much light on how she was able to capture the mind of a teenage boy and get it on paper in such a chillingly accurate and meaningful way.  I am curious how much of the book was based off of her own childhood experience - she is an author that now I want to know more about.  I will always think about this book when it comes to the beauty of sibling relationships and friendships. These boys were all each other had, and their loyalty to each other is something so many who have so much more deeply long for. I loved following Pony-Boy’s journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Instead of toughening up, he learned that it was more worth-while to “stay gold”.  Even the hardest and harshest of boys in their gang accepted him for who he truly was and didn’t want him to change. I love that a story about a gang of bunch of teenage boys could deliver such a powerful message of love & acceptance.