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Quick answer: The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton is best for ages 12 and up and is often taught in seventh or eighth grade. It includes gang fights, a fatal stabbing, the deaths of two teens, smoking and drinking, and some mild language, but it’s also a moving story about friendship and belonging.
Quick facts
Recommended age: 12+
Reading level: Middle school
Genre: Classic young adult fiction
Published: 1967; Hinton was 16 when she started writing it
Main concerns: Gang violence, deaths, smoking, drinking
Movie rating: PG (1983 film)
The Outsiders is often called the first true young adult novel, and it’s still a middle school favorite more than 50 years later. Written by a teenager about teenagers, it feels honest and emotional. It’s also violent in places, with gang fights and deaths. This guide explains what’s in the book, how to decide whether your child is ready and what to read before or after it. It also includes discussion questions you can use at the dinner table or in the car.
Table of Contents
What Is The Outsiders About?
Fourteen-year-old Ponyboy Curtis lives with his two older brothers in a poor part of town. They’re Greasers, rivals of the wealthy Socs, who drive nice cars and look for fights.
One night, the Socs attack Ponyboy and his quiet friend Johnny, and Johnny kills a Soc to save Ponyboy from drowning. The boys go on the run, and what follows tests their loyalty, courage and sense of who they are.
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Content Guide for Parents
| Content | Level | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Violence | Moderate to high | Gang fights, a near-drowning, a fatal stabbing, a fire and a police shooting. Two main characters die. |
| Smoking and drinking | Frequent | The teens smoke constantly, and some drink. |
| Language | Mild | Mild swearing and insults, mostly implied rather than spelled out. |
| Romance | Mild | A brief connection between Ponyboy and Cherry, a Soc girl. |
| Family issues | Moderate | Ponyboy’s parents have died, and Johnny’s parents are abusive and neglectful. |
| Positive messages | Strong | Loyalty, friendship, looking past labels and “staying gold.” |
Age-by-Age Breakdown
| Age | Is The Outsiders a Good Fit? |
|---|---|
| Under 11 | Usually too intense; try Holes or Wonder. |
| 11 to 12 | Possible for mature readers, especially with a parent. |
| 12 to 14 | The sweet spot; it’s taught in seventh and eighth grade. |
| 15 and up | Still powerful, with Hinton’s other novels to follow. |
Is The Outsiders Okay for an 11-Year-Old?
Some mature 11-year-olds read The Outsiders and love it. The writing is clear and the story is emotionally gripping. But the deaths of Johnny and Dally, the stabbing and the gang violence can be upsetting.
If your child is 11 and eager to read it, consider reading it at the same time so you can talk about the hardest scenes. For most kids, 12 or 13 is a comfortable age, and many will read it in English class anyway.
What Parents Should Know
- It’s a great discussion book. It explores class, prejudice and belonging.
- The deaths are emotional. Many readers cry at the ending.
- The smoking is everywhere. It reflects the 1960s setting.
- The 1983 film is PG. It features a young cast of future stars.
- Hinton wrote more. That Was Then, This Is Now and Rumble Fish are similar.
How to Tell If Your Child Is Ready for The Outsiders
- Read the first chapter yourself. Ten minutes with the opening pages tells you a lot about the tone of The Outsiders.
- Think about what upsets your child. Every child is different, so match the content table above to your own child rather than to their age alone.
- Ask what they already know. Kids often hear about popular books from friends, so ask what they expect and why they want to read it.
- Offer to read it together. Reading at the same time, or aloud, makes it easy to pause and talk about hard scenes.
- Keep the door open. Tell your child they can stop at any time and come to you with questions.
Questions to Talk About With Your Child
- What does “Stay gold” mean to you?
- Are the Greasers and Socs really so different?
- Why do you think Johnny becomes a hero?
- How does Ponyboy’s view of his brother Darry change?
- Are there groups like Greasers and Socs in your school?
If Your Child Isn’t Ready Yet: Similar Books to Try
These picks share The Outsiders’s focus on friendship and identity with less violence, plus another Hinton novel for fans.
Ghost by Jason Reynolds: ages 10 and up. A boy running from a painful past joins an elite middle school track team. It’s funny, moving and full of heart, and it’s the first of four books.
Check price of Ghost on Amazon
Wonder by R. J. Palacio: ages 8 and up. A boy with a facial difference starts school and changes the people around him.
Check price of Wonder on Amazon
That Was Then, This Is Now by S. E. Hinton: ages 12 and up. Hinton’s follow-up explores a friendship that falls apart as two boys grow up.
Check price of That Was Then, This Is Now on Amazon
Related: best book club books for teens and best books to read to your kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is The Outsiders appropriate for?
The Outsiders is best for ages 12 and up and is commonly taught in grades 7 and 8.
Is there anything inappropriate in The Outsiders?
There’s gang violence, two teen deaths, a fatal stabbing, smoking and drinking, plus mild language, but no sexual content.
Why is The Outsiders challenged?
It has been challenged for its gang violence, underage smoking and drinking, and family dysfunction.
Is The Outsiders okay for an 11-year-old?
Some mature 11-year-olds handle it well, especially with a parent to discuss it.
Is The Outsiders movie appropriate for kids?
The 1983 film is rated PG and suits most children 11 and up.