Use this discussion guide to support students’ comprehension and analysis of chapters 1–4 of S.E. Hinton’s novel The Outsiders.

Before reading S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders, use this pre-reading activity to get readers thinking about one of the major themes in the novel: stereotypes.

After reading S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders, students dig deeper into the poem referenced throughout the novel: Robert Frost’s poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay.”

After students read S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders, have them compare and contrast the greasers and the Socs using this two-page novel study extension activity!

Use this discussion guide to support students’ comprehension and analysis of chapters 5–8 of S.E. Hinton’s novel The Outsiders.

After completing S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders, allow students to connect to the theme of identity with this engaging reflection activity! 

Support students’ comprehension and analysis of S.E. Hinton’s novel The Outsiders with these discussion questions for chapters 9-12.

After reading The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, give students the chance to reflect on the novel and respond in writing to five of these post-reading prompts.

Invite students to reflect on a book character’s words in this writing response worksheet featuring a quote by Ponyboy From The Outsiders.

After reading S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders, watch the film adaptation of the movie to compare and contrast the written and filmed versions of the story!