The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Ponyboy is a Greaser. Greaser=poor East Side neighborhood and less opportunities, while Soc=privileged West Sider. Ponyboy isn't your average Greaser. He's smart, likes to read, and his older brother will do whatever it takes to make sure he finishes high school.

When Ponyboy and his friends Johnny and Dally sneak into a drive-in movie, they set into motion a series of events that will change the lives of every Greaser and Soc they know. The guys sit behind a group of beautiful Soc girls, who befriend Ponyboy and Johnny and allow the guys to walk them home. The boyfriends of these Soc girls aren't the least bit happy about this. The Socs jump Ponyboy and Johnny later that night and someone becomes the first casualty in a long line of lives cut too short too soon. How can you stay golden when the world seems to be against you?

Why I picked this book up: Several teens in the Afternoon (7th-8th grade) Book Club suggested we read it.

Why I finished it: The book is timeless. It was written in the late 60s, I read it for the first time in the 90s and teens are still reading it today. Sadly in 40+ years, we haven't progressed much from the greasers and socs, regardless of what groups/gangs call themselves.

I'd give it to: any teen, especially boys. The book is timeless and really speaks to what it's like being a teenager. It's also on several required reading lists, so teens can read a book they might like and fulfill a school requirement.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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