The Outsiders is a popular choice for study in the classroom as it is an easy read and appeals to weaker students (as well as those of higher ability) who sometimes view themselves as "Outsiders", in the school system.....
The story centres around two rival teenage gangs: the Socs and the Greasers and explores themes of identity, loyalty, friendship and self-sacrifice. While these may be interesting themes and the book, realistic and easy to understand, we feel that there are better quality books out there which explore these very common themes. The Outsiders is not particularly well-written and does not give any balance to the negatives it portrays: there are no good role models and few redemptive moments in this story. Rather it is full of disturbing murders, suicide, fighting, family conflict and dysfunction, objectionable language and violence.
Verdict:
While we understand that social realism has its place in literature, we feel that many young students at junior level could benefit from studying a more positive book as life at that age can be depressing enough. As a collective group of parents and teachers,we do not recommend this book for study in the classroom.
The book The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton tells the story of two gangs of young people who are constantly after each other. It talks of violence, muggings, gang beatings, gang fights, revenge, murder, and depicts young teenagers carrying blades and putting them at people’s throats to steal from them. Throughout the book there are scenes depicting under-age drinking, smoking and shoplifting. The teenagers talk about their dislike of having to obey the law and have one rule of their own: “don’t get caught”. In one instance, two kids, fourteen and sixteen years of age, run from the law after one of them murders one of their gang rivals.
The family is portrayed as a dysfunctional institution in most of the boys’ homes: some of them are orphans while others have been mistreated by their parents or even spoilt too much to the point of letting them do as they please. Some of the boys have had unhealthy relationships with girls and it mentions some boys talking dirty to girls. Some of the boys have dropped out of school, which is another negative example in the book.
As parents, we feel this is not a suitable book for young, impressionable teenagers and are unhappy
that our girls have had to read it.
JIm & Orla, Co. Limerick.
Good read if you can get past all the fighting and violence. My lad liked it and he isn't a "reader"
Angela T, Co. Limerick
Many schools are reading this book which I don't understand when there are so many other wonderful
more positive books out there!
Pauline K, Mum & Teacher, Co. Wicklow