The Outsiders
Weewisdom Books (Paperback) Series
on Goodreads (1,487)
What’s inside...
Secondary Solutions® offers professionally developed, teacher-written Literature Guides that help busy teachers address content standards while teaching core literature. The guides provide reproducible activities and materials to help students understand and evaluate novels, saving teachers hours of work by eliminating the need to research, create, write, edit, and print educational materials. Each guide is tailored to the unique learning styles and comprehension levels of students, providing comprehensive coverage of literature units, including pre-reading activities, vocabulary, comprehension activities, study-guide questions, literary analysis, essay writing ideas, quizzes, and tests. All teacher materials are included, ensuring complete coverage of content standards. No one ever said life was easy. But Ponyboy is pretty sure that he's got things figured out. He knows that he can count on his brothers, Darry and Sodapop. And he knows that he can count on his friends - true friends who would do anything for him, like Johnny and Two-Bit. And when it comes to the beating up on 'greasers' like him and his friends - he knows that he can count on them for trouble. But one night someone takes things too far, and Ponyboy's world is turned upside down.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-15
Length
132 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ponyboy Curtis
Cherry Valance
Steve Randle
Keith 'Two-Bit' Mathews
Dallas Winston
Sodapop Curtis
Johnny Cade
Darrel 'Darry' Curtis
Randy Adderson
Darrel "Darry" Curtis
Dallas "Dally" Winston
Keith "Two-Bit" Matthews
Sherri "Cherry" Valance
Curly Shepard
Tim Shepard
Discussion points
How do the relationships between the Greasers and the Socs reflect real-life social or group conflicts?
What does the phrase 'Stay gold, Ponyboy' mean to you, and why do you think it's important in the story?
How do the characters' choices in the book impact their lives and the lives of those around them?
In what ways do family and friendship play a role in shaping the characters' identities and actions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by discussing the context of the 1960s, explaining how the era's values and challenges are reflected in the book.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they might feel in the situations encountered by Ponyboy or other characters.
Focus on the theme of belonging and identity, and relate these to your child’s own experiences with peers and groups.
Highlight key moments in the book that sparked an emotional response and ask your child to elaborate on their feelings during those moments.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through the diverse experiences of the characters, 'The Outsiders' teaches readers to empathize with people from different social backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing compassion and understanding towards classmates who may come from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
Example Lesson: The Impact of Choices
Explanation: The novel illustrates how the choices characters make, such as participating in gang rivalry, lead to serious consequences.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of considering the potential outcomes of their actions and making decisions that promote safety and positive relationships.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship and Loyalty
Explanation: Throughout the story, strong bonds of friendship and loyalty among the characters demonstrate how crucial support systems are during hard times.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and nurture friendships and to be loyal and supportive friends in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Adversity
Explanation: The characters in 'The Outsiders' face significant challenges but work through them, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persevere through their own difficulties, whether they're academic, social, or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Breaking Stereotypes
Explanation: The novel challenges the stereotypes associated with social classes, showing that individuals from any background can display courage, intelligence, and kindness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn not to judge others based on societal labels but to appreciate everyone's unique qualities and contributions.