The Outsiders (novel) facts for kids
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First hardcover edition, 1967
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| Author | S. E. Hinton |
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| Cover artist | Richard M. Powers |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Young adult fiction |
| Publisher | Viking Press, Dell Publishing |
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Publication date
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April 24, 1967 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover, paperback), Audiobook, Ebook |
| Pages | 192 |
| ISBN | 0-670-53257-6 |
| OCLC | 64396432 |
| Followed by | That Was Then, This Is Now |
The Outsiders is a famous novel for young people. It was written by S. E. Hinton and published in 1967. The story explores the lives of teenagers in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It focuses on the friendship between a group of boys. These boys are divided by their backgrounds. One group is called the "Greasers." The other group is called the "Socs." The story is told by a 14-year-old boy named Ponyboy Curtis.
Hinton started writing this book when she was only 15. She finished most of it by age 16. She used her initials, S. E., instead of her full name. This was to help male readers take the book seriously. Today, it is considered a classic in schools. Many students read it to learn about empathy.
Contents
The Outsiders: A Story of Friendship and Courage
What is the Plot of the Novel?
Ponyboy Curtis is a young boy who belongs to the Greasers. One night, he and his friend Johnny meet two girls. These girls are from the rival group, the Socs. This meeting leads to a conflict between the two groups. Later that night, Ponyboy and Johnny are confronted in a park. To protect Ponyboy, Johnny defends him during a difficult fight. This event causes a tragic accident where a Soc named Bob loses his life.
Terrified, the two boys run away to hide. They stay in an old, abandoned church. While there, they read books like Gone with the Wind. They also watch beautiful sunrises together. Ponyboy recites a poem called "Nothing Gold Can Stay" by Robert Frost. This poem teaches them that good things can be brief.
Eventually, the boys decide to return home. However, they see the church is on fire. They bravely run inside to save some children. Johnny is badly hurt during the rescue. Back at home, the Greasers and Socs have one final meeting. Ponyboy learns that both groups face many challenges. He realizes that everyone sees the same sunset, no matter where they live.
Who are the Main Characters?
The Greasers Group
- Ponyboy Curtis: The narrator who loves books and movies. He is a track runner and very smart.
- Sodapop Curtis: Ponyboy’s older brother who is very friendly. He works at a local gas station.
- Darrel "Darry" Curtis: The oldest brother who looks after the family. He is strong and very hardworking.
- Johnny Cade: Ponyboy’s best friend who is very quiet. He becomes a hero after saving children from a fire.
- Dallas "Dally" Winston: A tough friend who has had a hard life. He cares deeply about Johnny.
- Two-Bit Mathews: The funny member of the group who likes jokes.
The Socs Group
- Sherri "Cherry" Valance: A cheerleader who becomes friends with Ponyboy. She helps the groups understand each other.
- Robert "Bob" Sheldon: The leader of the Socs who gets into a fight with Johnny.
- Randy Adderson: Bob’s best friend who eventually wants the fighting to stop.
The Legacy of the Story
The book was made into a famous movie in 1983. It was directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Many famous actors started their careers in this film. These include Tom Cruise and Patrick Swayze. There was also a television show in 1990.
In 2024, a musical version of the story opened on Broadway. It was very successful and won several Tony Awards. By 2025, plans were being made to turn the musical into a new movie. The story remains popular because it talks about being yourself. It also shows the importance of staying "golden" or kind-hearted.
The Outsiders House Museum in Tulsa
Fans of the book can visit a special museum in Tulsa. It is located in the house used for the 1983 movie. A musician named Danny Boy O'Connor helped save the house. He worked with the city to restore it.
The museum opened in 2019 and has many items from the film. Visitors can see the rooms where the characters lived. The street outside is even named "The Outsiders Way." Many actors from the movie have visited the house to support it. It is a place where people celebrate the message of the book.
See also
In Spanish: Rebeldes (novela) para niños
