**The Outsiders** is a classic coming-of-age novel written by S.E. Hinton, first published in 1967. Set in the 1960s, the story revolves around two rival groups of teenagers in a small American town: the **Greasers**, a group of working-class boys, and the **Socs**, a wealthier, privileged crowd. The novel is narrated by **Ponyboy Curtis**, a 14-year-old Greaser, who struggles with his identity, his relationships with his family and friends, and the social divide between the Greasers and the Socs. As tensions rise between the two groups, a series of events leads to violence, heartache, and ultimately, self-realization. Themes in **The Outsiders** include class conflict, friendship, loyalty, and the struggles of growing up. Hinton's portrayal of the harsh realities of teenage life, along with its powerful emotional depth, has made **The Outsiders** an enduring and influential book for generations of readers. Its message of empathy and understanding remains relevant today.
