Books Like The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

If you loved The Outsiders for its raw emotions, complex characters, and themes of friendship, belonging, and the struggles of adolescence, you'll likely enjoy these other books that tackle similar ideas. From gritty coming-of-age stories to tales about social divisions and loyalty, here’s a list of books that capture the same spirit:

1. That Was Then, This Is Now by S.E. Hinton

Why You’ll Love It: Written by the same author as The Outsiders, this novel explores similar themes of friendship and change. It follows Bryon and Mark, two foster brothers whose bond is tested as they grow older and their lives take different paths.
Key Themes: The loss of innocence, loyalty, and how growing up can strain even the closest relationships.

2. Rumble Fish by S.E. Hinton

Why You’ll Love It: Another of Hinton’s classics, this story is about Rusty-James, a young street tough who idolizes his older brother, the Motorcycle Boy. It’s darker and more introspective, but still captures the struggles of identity and belonging.
Key Themes: Family dynamics, loneliness, and self-destruction.

3. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Why You’ll Love It: While not about gang rivalries, Holden Caulfield’s struggle to find meaning in a world that feels phony echoes the themes of alienation and searching for identity seen in The Outsiders.
Key Themes: Teenage rebellion, loneliness, and the transition from youth to adulthood.

4. Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Why You’ll Love It: Like The Outsiders, this book captures the confusion and beauty of teenage years. Charlie, the narrator, finds solace in a group of friends who help him navigate love, trauma, and self-discovery.
Key Themes: Friendship, mental health, and coming of age.

5. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Why You’ll Love It: This poignant story centers on Melinda, a high school freshman who becomes an outcast after a traumatic event. Like Ponyboy, she’s introspective and misunderstood, trying to find her voice in a world that feels stacked against her.
Key Themes: Isolation, resilience, and healing.

6. We Were Here by Matt de la Peña

Why You’ll Love It: This book follows Miguel, a teen sentenced to a group home, as he sets out on a journey of self-discovery alongside two unlikely friends. It has the same gritty, heartfelt vibe as The Outsiders.
Key Themes: Guilt, redemption, and brotherhood.

7. Looking for Alaska by John Green

Why You’ll Love It: If you enjoyed the introspective, poetic side of The Outsiders, you’ll connect with this story about Miles “Pudge” Halter and his experiences at a boarding school, where he meets the enigmatic Alaska Young.
Key Themes: Friendship, loss, and the search for meaning.

8. The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

Why You’ll Love It: This dark, thought-provoking novel examines power, conformity, and rebellion within a high school setting. Like The Outsiders, it highlights the struggles of standing up for what you believe in.
Key Themes: Peer pressure, individuality, and moral dilemmas.

9. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Why You’ll Love It: This tender romance follows two misfit teens, Eleanor and Park, who find connection and solace in each other. It’s heartfelt, with the same themes of finding belonging despite hardship.
Key Themes: Young love, acceptance, and overcoming adversity.

10. Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Why You’ll Love It: This gripping story, told through a mix of screenplay and diary entries, follows Steve Harmon, a teen on trial for murder. It dives into questions of identity and the labels society places on us.
Key Themes: Justice, identity, and the complexities of morality.

11. A Separate Peace by John Knowles

Why You’ll Love It: Set in a boys’ boarding school during World War II, this novel delves into the intense, sometimes destructive friendships between young men, much like the bond between Ponyboy and his gang.
Key Themes: Friendship, jealousy, and the loss of innocence.

12. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Why You’ll Love It: This powerful, modern-day story of Starr Carter, a teen navigating the fallout of witnessing her friend’s death at the hands of police, combines themes of social justice with the loyalty and identity struggles seen in The Outsiders.
Key Themes: Racism, activism, and finding your voice.

13. Go Ask Alice by Anonymous

Why You’ll Love It: Told through diary entries, this book gives an unflinching look at a teenager’s descent into drug addiction and her attempts to find herself. It’s gritty and emotional, reminiscent of the struggles faced by the Greasers.
Key Themes: Addiction, peer pressure, and survival.

14. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

Why You’ll Love It: This story about individuality and nonconformity follows a quirky, free-spirited girl who challenges the status quo at her high school. While lighter in tone, it still explores themes of belonging and self-identity.
Key Themes: Acceptance, individuality, and courage.

15. I Am the Cheese by Robert Cormier

Why You’ll Love It: This psychological thriller tells the story of Adam Farmer, a boy on a journey to uncover the truth about his family. Its dark, emotional intensity and focus on identity echo the tone of The Outsiders.
Key Themes: Memory, truth, and self-discovery.

Whether you're drawn to stories of friendship, social struggles, or finding your place in the world, these books all capture the emotional depth and relatability that made The Outsiders such a timeless classic. Dive in and discover new characters and stories that will stick with you just as much as Ponyboy and the gang!