Book: S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders. New York: Puffin, 1997.
Awards: New York Herald Tribune Best Teenage Books List, 1967
Chicago Tribune Book World Spring Book Festival Honor Book, 1967
Media and Methods Maxi Award, 1975
ALA Best Young Adult Books, 1975
Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, 1979.
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Summary: Ponyboy Curtis belongs to a group called the Greasers. They are the lower class group in their town as opposed to the Socs who are the middle and upper class. The Greasers and the Socs have always been rivals. Throughout the novel readers are taken through the daily lives of the Greasers as they attempt to live side by side with the Socs. Ponyboy experiences much more than any person his age normally would.
Audience: This book could be used for a wide variety of audiences. The earliest I would begin teaching this book would probably be around seventh grade. It contains some information that I don't believe would be suitable for younger audiences.
Themes: One of the most obvious themes in The Outsiders is that of society and class. There are obviously two distinct classes in the novel. They even names that separate them from one another; the Socs and the Greasers. Throughout the novel these two groups never seem to see eye to eye. There could be alot of useful teaching lessons found within this theme, especially in a school where students are not necessarily aware that this differentiation of society occurs!
Another theme found throughout the book is loyalty. Each gang is completely loyal to their members. Even though they may not always get along or even like each other, they watch out for one another. In the novel, Ponyboy does not like Dallas who is a member of the Greasers. Although he does not like him, he would still do anything to protect him.
Evidence: "When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home." Page 1.
I chose this quotation because when first reading the novel, readers have absolutely no idea what he is talking about. It is the first part readers begin to question about the novel.
"You‘re not going to drop out. Listen. With your brains and grade you could get a scholarship, and we could put you through college. But schoolwork‘s not the point. You‘re living in a vacuum, Pony, and you‘re going to have to cut it out. Johnny and Dallas were our buddies, too, but you don‘t just stop living because you lose someone. I thought you knew that by now. You don‘t quit! And anytime you don‘t like the way I‘m running things you can get out." Page 173. I chose this quote because before this statement, Ponyboy wasn't sure of his abilities or what he wanted to do with his life. This statement really helped him to realize he could be someone and that his life was worth the struggle. He realizes that if he does not comply and stay in school he will inevitably be alone.
Connections: This book could be used in several ways depending on the school it is being taught in. Most schools could teach something about the over abundance of violence in the novel. The importance of family could also be integrated into lessons as the boys rely solely on each other for support.
Reaction: I thought this was a decent book. I enjoyed reading it but there were parts where I felt it was a little much for a young person to be reading. It was evident to me that a sixteen year old wrote this book. Parts of it were not as well written as other young adult literature novels.
Reception: "If you like symbolism, this novel has plenty, but the main one is to “stay gold.” The book has a strong message of staying young and innocent. It teaches us not to create a shell to block emotions and the importance of friendship. This is one book you definitely will not want to skip." Review 1.
"The perfect book for teens who feel like they are being judged for what they look like,who they are, and how much money they may or may not have. I read this when I was 16, and I had been an outcast for being different, for thinking differently, for not wanting to conform in order to belong. I was alone wolf, this book showed me that I was not alone." Review 2.
Hyperinks: S.E. Hinton
Awards: New York Herald Tribune Best Teenage Books List, 1967
Chicago Tribune Book World Spring Book Festival Honor Book, 1967
Media and Methods Maxi Award, 1975
ALA Best Young Adult Books, 1975
Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, 1979.
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Summary: Ponyboy Curtis belongs to a group called the Greasers. They are the lower class group in their town as opposed to the Socs who are the middle and upper class. The Greasers and the Socs have always been rivals. Throughout the novel readers are taken through the daily lives of the Greasers as they attempt to live side by side with the Socs. Ponyboy experiences much more than any person his age normally would.
Audience: This book could be used for a wide variety of audiences. The earliest I would begin teaching this book would probably be around seventh grade. It contains some information that I don't believe would be suitable for younger audiences.
Themes: One of the most obvious themes in The Outsiders is that of society and class. There are obviously two distinct classes in the novel. They even names that separate them from one another; the Socs and the Greasers. Throughout the novel these two groups never seem to see eye to eye. There could be alot of useful teaching lessons found within this theme, especially in a school where students are not necessarily aware that this differentiation of society occurs!
Another theme found throughout the book is loyalty. Each gang is completely loyal to their members. Even though they may not always get along or even like each other, they watch out for one another. In the novel, Ponyboy does not like Dallas who is a member of the Greasers. Although he does not like him, he would still do anything to protect him.
Evidence: "When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home." Page 1.
I chose this quotation because when first reading the novel, readers have absolutely no idea what he is talking about. It is the first part readers begin to question about the novel.
"You‘re not going to drop out. Listen. With your brains and grade you could get a scholarship, and we could put you through college. But schoolwork‘s not the point. You‘re living in a vacuum, Pony, and you‘re going to have to cut it out. Johnny and Dallas were our buddies, too, but you don‘t just stop living because you lose someone. I thought you knew that by now. You don‘t quit! And anytime you don‘t like the way I‘m running things you can get out." Page 173. I chose this quote because before this statement, Ponyboy wasn't sure of his abilities or what he wanted to do with his life. This statement really helped him to realize he could be someone and that his life was worth the struggle. He realizes that if he does not comply and stay in school he will inevitably be alone.
Connections: This book could be used in several ways depending on the school it is being taught in. Most schools could teach something about the over abundance of violence in the novel. The importance of family could also be integrated into lessons as the boys rely solely on each other for support.
Reaction: I thought this was a decent book. I enjoyed reading it but there were parts where I felt it was a little much for a young person to be reading. It was evident to me that a sixteen year old wrote this book. Parts of it were not as well written as other young adult literature novels.
Reception: "If you like symbolism, this novel has plenty, but the main one is to “stay gold.” The book has a strong message of staying young and innocent. It teaches us not to create a shell to block emotions and the importance of friendship. This is one book you definitely will not want to skip." Review 1.
"The perfect book for teens who feel like they are being judged for what they look like,who they are, and how much money they may or may not have. I read this when I was 16, and I had been an outcast for being different, for thinking differently, for not wanting to conform in order to belong. I was alone wolf, this book showed me that I was not alone." Review 2.
Hyperinks: S.E. Hinton