Here's a breakdown:
* Coming-of-age: The novel explores the themes of adolescence, identity, social class, and the search for belonging. It follows the journey of Ponyboy Curtis and his friends as they navigate the challenges of growing up in a world divided by social status.
* Youth fiction: The story is told from the perspective of a teenage boy and focuses on the experiences of young people, making it relatable to a younger audience.
* Social realism: The novel portrays the harsh realities of poverty, gang violence, and social inequality in 1960s America. It offers a glimpse into the lives of marginalized youth and the challenges they face.
* Crime fiction: The story involves a rivalry between gangs, leading to violence, suspense, and a focus on the consequences of crime.
While the novel contains elements of various genres, its core focus on the experiences of young people and their struggle for identity makes it primarily a coming-of-age novel.