Synopsis
Three brothers struggle to stay together after their parents' death, as they search for an identity among the conflicting values of their adolescent society in which they find themselves "outsiders."

Written when the author was still in high school, this is the story of Ponyboy, a teenage orphan who lives with his two older brothers. Members of the lower class known as the "Greasers," Ponyboy and his friends are at constant war with the "Socs," who represent the middle and upper classes. When Ponboy's best friend, Johnny, accidentally kills a member of the Socs, the two teenagers go on the run, hiding out until the heat dies down in their hometown. Tragedy strikes, again, however, and Ponyboy must come to terms with the fact that his life has changed forever. First published in 1967, THE OUTSIDERS brought a new tone of realism into the world of young adult literature. By presenting a story almost completely free of adult characters, Hinton reflects the lives of many contemporary teenagers--who view their friends not only as their companions, but also as their family.

Details
Publication Date:	1997-11-01
Edition Description:	Reprint

Size
Length:	180 pages
Height:	7.3 in
Width:	4.5 in
Thickness:	0.5 in
Weight:	4.0 oz

Publisher's Note
When it was first published in 1967, "The Outsiders" defied convention with its immediate, deeply sympathetic portrayal of Ponyboy and his struggle to find a place for himself in a difficult world. Thirty years later, it speaks to teenagers as powerfully as ever.

When it was first published in 1967, The Outsiders defied convention with its immediate, deeply sympathetic portrayal of Ponyboy and his struggle to find a place for himself in a difficult world. Thirty years later, it speaks to teenagers as powerfully as ever.Puffin is proud to publish this contemorary classic for a new generation of readers. Praise for THE OUTSIDERS "This remarkable novel gives a moving, credible view of the outsiders from the inside. . . we meet powerful characters in a book with a powerful message." -- The Horn Book "Taut with tension, filled with drama . . ." -- The Chicago Tribune

Industry Reviews
"This remarkable novel gives a moving, credible view of the outsiders from the inside--their loyalty to each other, their sensitivity under tough crusts, their understanding of self and society."

"No social scientist can fault this talented teenage author's sympathetic observations of the members of a city gang...The killing pride of the disadvantaged is captured and conveyed in the novel's action and suspense."
Zvirin