The Soc's idea of having a good time is beating up Greasers like Ponyboy, the rough, tough, long-haired kids from the other side of town. Ponyboy knows what to expect and knows he can count on his brothers and on his friends - until the night someone takes things too far.

Susan Hinton's novels may be considered as suitable for young adults, rather than young teenagers. her novels are realistic and deal with adolescent problems. The Outsiders was published when Hinton was still a teenager herself. Some of her novels have been turned into Hollywood films - this book was filmed by Coppola.