Hinton Defies Convention with “The Outsiders”

The Outsiders, a renowned young adult fiction novel, holds a significant place in literary history. Penned by Susan Eloise Hinton, who is commonly known as S. E. Hinton, the book was published in 1967 when Hinton was a mere 17-year-old student at Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Hinton’s journey towards becoming a published author began when she failed creative writing during her junior year of high school. Undeterred by this setback, she channeled her determination and passion into crafting a novel that would resonate with her peers. The result was “The Outsiders,” a groundbreaking work that tackled themes of adolescence, social class, and the struggles faced by teenagers.

It is worth noting that during the time of its publication, there was no defined market for young adult literature. However, Hinton’s book defied convention by delving into the lives of teenagers, offering a raw and authentic portrayal of their experiences. Initially released in hardcover by Viking Press, “The Outsiders” was later published in softcover by Dell Publishing, both of which were adult trade imprints.

The novel quickly gained popularity and acclaim for its relatable characters and compelling narrative. Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, “The Outsiders” depicts the ongoing rivalry between two groups, the Greasers and the Socs, representing different social classes. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Ponyboy Curtis, readers are exposed to the challenges and conflicts faced by these young individuals.

What makes Hinton’s achievement even more remarkable is the fact that she wrote “The Outsiders” at the age of 16 and sold it when she was just 17. The book was published shortly after, coinciding with her 18th birthday. This early success not only catapulted Hinton into the literary spotlight but also solidified her reputation as a talented and perceptive writer.

“The Outsiders” has since become a classic in young adult literature, captivating readers of all ages with its timeless themes and compelling storytelling. It continues to be widely read and studied in schools, serving as a testament to Hinton’s remarkable talent and her ability to capture the essence of teenage life.

“The Outsiders” is a groundbreaking novel that was published in 1967 by S. E. Hinton when she was just 17 years old. Despite the absence of a young adult market at the time, Hinton’s book defied conventions and resonated with teenagers, cementing its place in literary history. Its enduring popularity and impact make it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the challenges and experiences of adolescence.

How Old Was The Author Of The Outsiders When It Was Published?

The author of “The Outsiders,” S.E. Hinton, was 18 years old when the book was published. Hinton wrote the book when she was 16 years old, after failing creative writing in her junior year of high school. She successfully sold the book at the age of 17, and it was eventually published when she turned 18. It is worth mentioning that Hinton often brings up the fact that the teacher who failed her in creative writing was not pleased with her subsequent success, as she likes to mention this in interviews.

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When Was The Outsiders Published Day?

The Outsiders, a young adult fiction novel written by S. E. Hinton, was first published on April 24, 1967. This date marks the publication of the first hardcover edition of the book by Viking Press and Dell Publishing.

When Was The Outsiders Written?

“The Outsiders” was written in 1967 by S. E. Hinton. It was her debut novel and at that time, there was no specific young-adult market. The book was initially published in hardcover by the Viking Press and later in softcover by Dell, both of which were adult trade imprints.

When Was The Outsiders Published And How Old Was S.E. Hinton At The Time?

The Outsiders, a novel written by S.E. Hinton, was published in the year 1967. At the time of its publication, Hinton was a mere 17 years old. It is worth noting that Hinton was attending Will Rogers High School during this period.

Conclusion

S.E. Hinton’s novel, “The Outsiders,” is a groundbreaking work of young adult fiction that defied traditional publishing norms at the time of its release in 1967. Written by a teenager, the book offers a raw and authentic portrayal of teenage life in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Hinton’s ability to capture the struggles, conflicts, and emotions of her characters resonated with readers of all ages and has made “The Outsiders” a timeless classic. The book’s success is even more remarkable considering Hinton’s age when she wrote it – 16 years old.

“The Outsiders” was initially published in hardcover by the Viking Press, a well-known adult trade imprint, and later in softcover by Dell Publishing. Despite the absence of a specific young adult market at the time, Hinton’s novel found its place and became immensely popular among teenagers and adults alike.

The novel’s themes of social class, identity, and the search for belonging continue to resonate with readers today. Hinton’s realistic and relatable characters, such as Ponyboy Curtis and Johnny Cade, have become iconic figures in literature.

“The Outsiders” serves as a testament to the power of young voices and the importance of authentic storytelling. Hinton’s debut novel not only launched her successful writing career but also paved the way for the growth and recognition of the young adult genre.

“The Outsiders” remains a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of adolescence and the universal desire for acceptance and understanding. It stands as a timeless work that continues to captivate and inspire readers of all ages.

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William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.