Review

The Outsiders

Common Sense Media says

Story of ostracized kid a timeless fave of teens, preteens.
Age
12
Quality
 
  • Educational value2
    Ponyboy is tough but loves literature. He reads "Gone With the Wind" to Johnny and recites the poem "Nothing Can Stay" by Robert Frost when they are hiding out, which may inspire readers to check out these works. This aspect of Ponyboy's character conveys a message that reading is cool.
  • Positive messages5
    True friendship is golden, even an outsider can find his way, redemption and forgiveness are possible.
  • Positive role models3
    Ponyboy's gang, the Greasers, routinely engages in petty crime, although he avoids that behavior. He is loyal to his friends, a savior to some kids in danger, and is open-minded enough to see through Cherry that not all Socs are alike. He is also a great reader, and not afraid to show it.
  • Violence3
    A rumble between gangs is vividly described, but is mild compared with the gore teens encounter in media today. Ponyboy's brother, Dally, hits him when he comes home late. One of the main characters accidentally kills a rival in an attempt to save his friend. A dangerous fire breaks out and a main character is seriously injured.
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this story of peer pressure, rebellion, and identity centers on two rival groups of teens, the lower-class "outsider" Greasers and the more well-heeled, popular Socs (short for Socials). It includes fighting, underage drinking, delinquent behavior, a rumble, a fatal stabbing, and a suicide. But the indelible characters and compelling story have consistently hooked middle school kids, teens, and reluctant readers since The Outsiders was first published in 1967. This book appeals to preteens (many read it in sixth grade) because that's the time when kids break into social cliques and life becomes tribal. The feelings of being ostracized are timeless -- which is why this book is still so relevant more than 40 years after its original publication. Kids may also want to check out Francis Ford Coppola's 1983 film version.

This review of The Outsiders was written by
Age
12

Most useful reviews by all members

Kid, 12 years old
January 10, 2011
9
OK for kids & up
 
This is a great book! What are you guys talking about?
"Iffy" for age 13? Off for under that? You've got to be kidding me. Annoying Overprotective Parent (AOP): Isn't Ponyboy in a gang? I don't want my darling little -insert name here- reading that. Me: Yes, he's part of a gang, but it even says in the book that it's not an organized gang. The only fighting they do is self defense against the Socs, a group of vicious rich kids who jump Greasers for fun. AOP: So the Socs are bad, then? That's still setting a bad example! Me: They're villains; they're supposed to be bad. Isn't the big bad wolf a bad example, too? AOP: I heard that they smoke and drink a lot in the book. Me: This was written a long time ago. Everyone smoked. Adults even smoked with little babies in the room. And for drinking: Ponyboy says he tried some once, but when Darry (his older brother) found out, he got in big trouble. AOP: What about violence? And death? Me: Like I said before, violence is mostly self defense. And death? That's life. Get used to it. AOP: I'll think about it. So yeah, this is a really great book. If you parents out there prevent your child from reading this, I hope you know it's the worst mistake you'll ever make.
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Teen, 13 years old
September 3, 2010
12
OK for kids & up
 
A MUST read for ages 12 and up
Although Ponyboy does some things that parents may not approve of, he is a good kid. Just read the book. You'll be glad you did. I think rating it a 4 out of 5 for violence is ridiculous. The violence is no worse than Twilight. In fact Twilight's more violent. The violence is notable, but it won't scar your kid for life. They'll most likely just keep reading. Read this book! It's a very good read and has been my favorite for almost a year! I am so glad we read this in 7th grade :D
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Teen, 14 years old
December 28, 2010
12
OK for kids & up
 
great book
This is a very exciting book and I loved reading it. The book is about two rival gangs the greasers and the Socs, and it is told in the point of veiw of a greaser named Ponyboy. The gangs fight each other and the book is very violent, but it is exspressed in the book by Ponyboy that fighting tears people apart, and that fighting doesnt solve anything but makes things worse.
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Teen, 13 years old
February 5, 2011
12
OK for kids & up
 
I absolutely love this book! I thought it was amazing, but I don't think kids under 12 should read it. Almost all of the characters enjoy smoking. Also, there are lots of fights, and sometimes people come out injured, or even dead. Otherwise, a great book.
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Teen, 17 years old
April 14, 2011
10
Pause for kids & under
 
My review speaks the truth...
I cant say it was bad but it was way to violent.It was also educational it was about the old times with guns,razor blades and gangs jumping people!
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Teen, 13 years old
May 14, 2011
13
OK for kids & up
 
I am 13 years old, and I loved this book. We read it at SCHOOL for my english class, and i swear, the only thing i had a problem with was the smoking. The message it gives out is really good and inspirational. I would totally recomend this book to any teenager.
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Teen, 14 years old
March 28, 2011
12
OK for kids & up
 
Great
This was a phenomenal book hands down. "Nothing gold stays" was the theme. It gives you a great message but a sad ending.
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Teen, 13 years old
November 21, 2010
12
OK for kids & up
 
AMAZING!
i read this book when i was 12 for summer reading and i absolutely loved it... i didnt want to leave from the book. i love s.e. hinton she's a great author and i love all her books
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Teen, 13 years old
November 24, 2010
12
OK for kids & up
 
This book is a classic. saying it's iffy for 15 year olds? give me a break. if you think your 15 year old doesn't know about fighting you need a reality check. this book is a classic! Im 13 and it's one of my favorites!
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Teen, 14 years old
December 5, 2010
14
OK for kids & up
 
comments on the outsiders
i like the book but as i'm stating above there's too much smoking and violence.
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