Teens on the Scene — S.E. Hinton Author of “The Outsiders”
In 1967, a teenager made publishing history. That year Viking Press published a book written by S.E. (Susan Eloise) Hinton. The book? The Outsiders. Although the setting is never named, it takes place in Tulsa, OK – Hinton’s hometown (and mine as well). The book has sold more than 14 million copies and still sells more than 500,000 a year.
Who would have thought a teenager could change the direction 
and focus of young adult books? Susie Hinton was with a doubt, a “teen on the scene.”
Have you ever read the Outsiders? (Or listened to the audio? Or watched the movie?) What are your thoughts about this historical book? Leave your comments below.
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I read it in class in 1973 but didn’t know it was written by a teenager until a couple of years later! As a writer and an English teacher, I now marvel that someone “Susie’s” age could fathom things things in the book; but to write about them the way she did was nothing short of amazing! I’ve taught that and one of her other works off and on for years and it’s still timeless. To come from such a young mind…magic!
Hi Teresa — I have to agree. Of course I’ve sort of “always” known her story since I have lived in the Tulsa area most of my adult life.
I’ve always admired her. She’s so low-key and modest. She took an active part in all of the movies made from her books. Right on the scene!
My favorite of all her books is Tex. I’ve read it countless times and never tire of it.
Thanks for your comments. Always appreciated!!