S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders has been a beloved classic for decades, resonating with teenagers facing universal issues. For those seeking similar reads, this list offers a variety of novels that explore similar themes. From award-winning stories to controversial titles, these books are great additions to any collection.
1. Hatchet
Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet is a novel that shares similarities with The Outsiders. The story follows Brian Robeson, a young boy who experiences loneliness and turmoil due to his parents’ divorce. During a flight to visit his father, the plane crashes into a lake in Canada’s woodlands, leaving Brian stranded and alone.
With only a hatchet as his tool, Brian must survive in the wilderness and overcome his fears to stay alive. The novel explores themes of resilience, survival, and the power of the human spirit. Hatchet is a must-read for anyone who enjoys adventure and survival stories.
2. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time India
Sherman Alexie’s book, “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time India,” tells the story of a young boy named Junior who dreams of becoming a famous cartoonist. Despite the odds stacked against him, Junior perseveres after surviving a brain injury at birth.
However, when he attends high school outside of his Spokane Indian Reservation, he is seen as a traitor by both his peers and the Indian community. Through his experiences, Junior gains a deeper understanding of the issues that plague his people, such as alcoholism, hopelessness, and lack of tolerance.
The book raises the question of whether it is possible for Junior to achieve his dreams without denying his native heritage.
3. That Was Then, This Is Now
In the novel That Was Then, This Is Now, the protagonist Mark Jennings faces the traumatic experience of losing both his parents in a drunken brawl. He then moves in with his best friend’s family and lives as a foster brother throughout his teenage years.
However, when one of the boys reports the other for selling drugs, their relationship takes a dramatic turn. Jennings struggles with the question of whether it is right to betray a friend. This internal conflict is a central theme of the novel, as Jennings tries to navigate his loyalty to his friend and his own moral compass.
4. Eleanor & Park
Rainbow Rowell’s debut young adult novel, “Eleanor & Park,” takes place in 1980s Nebraska and follows the story of two misfits who find solace in each other’s company. Eleanor is a high school sophomore who lives in a dysfunctional family with an abusive stepfather and is frequently bullied at school.
On the other hand, Park comes from a loving family but struggles with his Asian heritage and small stature. Their friendship slowly blossoms into a romantic relationship, with Park saving Eleanor from bullies and eventually from more significant dangers. The novel explores themes of love, family, and identity in a heartwarming and relatable way.
5. The Catcher in the Rye
J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye is a compelling novel that explores the challenges of growing up and the complexities of mental health. The story follows the life of Holden Caulfield, a teenage boy who struggles to find his place in the world and maintain his innocence.
Holden’s fear of becoming an insincere adult leads him on a journey of self-discovery, where he encounters a variety of characters and situations that challenge his beliefs and values. The novel’s themes of identity, alienation, and authenticity continue to resonate with readers today.
6. Rumblefish
Rumble Fish is a novel by S.E. Hinton that was published in 1975. The book explores themes of family dysfunction, teenage rebellion, and the consequences of reckless behavior. The story follows two old friends who reconnect and reflect on their youth.
The novel is known for its portrayal of troubled youth and the impact of parental neglect. It is a short but powerful read that has resonated with readers for decades. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.
7. The Chocolate War
Jerry, a student at Trinity High School, is tired of the chaos caused by a secret society known as “The Virgil.” In an act of rebellion, Jerry refuses to sell chocolates for the school fundraiser, defying the orders of both the school and the gang.
This defiance leads to a series of events that ultimately make Jerry question whether it is worth disrupting the universe. The novel, “The Chocolate War,” written by Robert Cormier, explores themes of power, conformity, and individuality in a high school setting.
8. Looking for Alaska
Looking for Alaska is a novel written by John Green that shares similarities with The Outsiders. The book tells the story of Miles “Pudge” Halter, a young man who is bored with his mundane life.
After reading the final words of a famous poet, he decides to make a change that leads him to a boarding school filled with excitement, chaos, and conflict. There, he meets Alaska, a girl who he becomes deeply infatuated with. The novel takes a life-changing turn that forever alters Miles’ perspective on his past, present, and future.
9. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Stephen Chbosky’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a thought-provoking novel that explores themes similar to those found in “The Outsiders.” The book is written in an epistolary style, with the protagonist, Charlie, penning letters to an imaginary person.
The novel’s conversational tone tackles sensitive topics such as homosexuality, incest, and pedophilia, which have led to it being listed seven times on The American Library Association’s Challenged Books list. Despite this, the book has garnered a loyal following due to its relatable characters and insightful observations on the human experience.
10. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime
Mark Haddon’s novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, follows the story of a 15-year-old boy with savant-like characteristics who struggles with social interactions and behavioral issues. The story begins when the boy discovers a dead dog that has been stabbed with garden shears. When he informs the dog’s owner, the police get involved, and the boy is accused of killing the animal.
As the story progresses, the boy’s life becomes more complicated as he uncovers the truth about who killed the dog. The novel provides an outsider’s view of the world, showcasing the struggles of individuals who do not fit into societal norms.
Through the use of first-person narrative and visual aids, such as diagrams and illustrations, the novel provides a unique perspective on the world and the challenges faced by individuals with behavioral and social difficulties. Overall, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime is a thought-provoking novel that sheds light on the experiences of those who are often marginalized in society.