Sometimes they're called hoods, sometimes greasers. The name changes from place to place, but it doesn't matter -- they're the outsiders, the rough, tough, long-haired boys from the "other" side of town, with little hope for fancy cars and clothes and the good things of American life. This is their story as told by Ponyboy, a greaser with good reason to fear the Socs (the more privileged boys) and a witness to the savage baiting that leads his best friend to manslaughter. But The Outsiders is much more than a story of violence and hatred between greasers and Socs. It is also a story of loyalty and affection among friends, and the fumbling search by teenagers for personal dignity and a place in the world. Published in 1967, when S.E. Hilton was just sixteen years old, this remarkable book has enjoyed unparalleled popularity since its publication.