The Outsiders

Originally published in 1967 by a young woman who began writing the 'coming of age novel' at the age of 15, this novel titled 'The Outsiders' is essential reading. The narrative follows the story Ponyboy who hangs with his two brothers and a gang of teenage boys in the 1960s, the Greasers who live on the wrong side of town and live life on the edge. 

The story centres around the long running feud between two rival gangs, the Greasers and the Socs and through this mechanism S.E. Hinton shows the reader the brutal reality of social class in a capitalist society. In addition to showing us the reality of prejudice and poverty, Hinton also asks the reader to question the definition and appearance of heroism as the characters react to the world around them and make choices that are not always in their best interest. 

This novel is gritty and violent but has a sensitivity that is introduced with the rough innocence of characters such as Ponyboy and Johnny. 

I would give this novel 5 out of 5. One that will stay with you as it stayed with me after I read it in Year 8. The movie (of the same name) is also brilliant.