The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton (YA LIT)

 S.E. Hinton, a young lady writes this powerful book in the 1960's relaying  her observations through the "Greaser" and "Soc" characters.  Hinton's publisher believed she needed to use initials because her being female might warrant others to ignore the book.  Thus, the public would assume S.E. could have easily been one of the "tough" guys from the tales pages. 
Excitement, controversy, fast-pacing, and sympathy encourage readers along the pages of this endearing story!
When I began to do my student teaching (after 10 years & raising 3 children) I was asked to instruct this book to 7th graders at the local middle school.  I was none too pleased about this endeavor - 1 reason being I thought the contents were "too" old for the 13 year olds I would soon come in contact with at the junior high.  Thus, I went in with the wrong attitude, but was pleasantly surprised when these pupils couldn't wait to read more.  As I read out loud, I would "skip" or "bleep" the cuss words, but, the kids would still giggle because they held their own copy!  Every day, they would beg me to keep reading, telling me their lives would be horrible if I quit at that spot -- things an English Major LOVE TO HEAR!!! (many of the kids took the book home & finished early)

A topic we discussed at length was the different "groups" of kids at school, these students were amazing at naming the different economical groups, athletically talented groups, "nerdy" groups, musical groups, etc.  They named groups I had never even considered & it was interesting to hear what they thought of these said groups.  I have to say, this helped me to grow up a little - they didn't like the "judging-ness" behind the terms, and almost 100% of the students said this was ridiculous & that they would be friends with any one in their class regardless of activities & $$$$ 

At the end of the book ... I allowed the students to use a silver sharpie and write words/draw graffiti on a black foam board to illustrate the differences in society and the differences of language from the time period of The Outsiders versus modern day (1 board for modern times and 1 for the past).   It was a fun way to end the book and the kids loved coming up with the terms.  The boards were displayed for the next several weeks and the other classes of students were jealous they didn't get to take part in the fun! :)

Other books to consider ...

Misfits by James Howe

Summer to Die by Lois Lowry

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls