Outsiders

Title: Outsiders
Author: S.E. Hinton
Puffin Books, 1997 (1967)

This true teen classic has probably been used a gazillion times in classrooms across the United States and Europe. It is dramatic with its two gangs of kids - rich and poor - and characters you can warm to, be they arrogant abusers or hounded deadbeats. The focus is on the kids from the wrong side of the track and they have all the trademarks usually found there: social strife, money troubles, and academic difficulties. But there is also kids who break this mold and above all, integrity, lojalty and love. My experience when reading it in class, is that teenagers can still relate to the issues brought up in the novel and appreciate it. And for those who are inclined towards cinematic experiences there is also the movie where Tom Cruise has a fantastically adventurous set of teeth!