The Outsiders is a novel by S. E. Hinton, first published in 1967. The story is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the early 1960s, and tells the story of a group of teenage boys who are outcasts from society and form a gang called the Greasers. The novel explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and belonging.
The main character of the novel is Ponyboy Curtis, a 14-year-old Greaser who is struggling to find his place in the world. He is a sensitive and intelligent boy, but he is also quick-tempered and often gets into fights. Ponyboy's life is turned upside down when he and his friends are attacked by a group of Socs, a rival gang from the wealthier side of town. The fight results in the death of Bob Sheldon, a Soc, and Ponyboy and his friends are forced to flee Tulsa.
As the Greasers struggle to survive on their own, they begin to question the values of their society and their place in it. They come to realize that they are not as different from the Socs as they thought, and that they all share a common humanity. The novel ends with Ponyboy returning to Tulsa and reflecting on the events of the past few weeks. He has learned that violence is not the answer and that the only way to achieve true peace is through understanding and compassion.
The Outsiders has been widely praised for its realistic and moving portrayal of teenage life. The novel has been adapted into several films, television shows, and stage productions, and has become a classic of American literature.