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Cover of The Outsiders

Young adult · Classics

The Outsiders

by S. E. Hinton

Bestseller: about 15 million copies (estimate)

3.9 out of 5, from 1,317 ratings from Hardcover readers

Fourteen-year-old Ponyboy belongs to the Greasers, a group of working-class boys who clash with the wealthy Socs. A violent night forces him and his brothers to face what their loyalty costs.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
1967
Pace
Fast
Length
Short
Pages
229
Format
Standalone
Borrow free with Libby Compare prices Save to my shelf

Read this if you want a short, emotional story about brotherhood and class divides.

Skip this if you dislike dated slang or stories where teenage violence ends in tragedy.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence
  • Death
  • Bullying

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Child abuse
  • Sexual harassment
  • Suicide
  • Death of parent

Quick answers about The Outsiders

What is The Outsiders about?
Fourteen-year-old Ponyboy belongs to the Greasers, a group of working-class boys who clash with the wealthy Socs. A violent night forces him and his brothers to face what their loyalty costs.
Who should read The Outsiders?
Read it if you want a short, emotional story about brotherhood and class divides. Skip it if you dislike dated slang or stories where teenage violence ends in tragedy.
How long and how fast is The Outsiders?
It is a fast-paced, short read of about 229 pages, first published in 1967.
Does The Outsiders have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence, Death, Bullying.
Can I borrow The Outsiders for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Outsiders; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The Outsiders?
Readers who liked it often move on to The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Hatchet, The Hate U Give.

Where to get it

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