100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

🏆Don't forget Father's Day this Sunday! Auckland Bookstore open 8:30am-5:00pm Sat & Sun 🎉

The Outsiders

Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Outsiders is a heroic coming-of-age novel centred on Ponyboy, a young greaser navigating the harsh realities of life on the fringes of society. With his brothers Darry and Sodapop, and friends Johnny and Two-Bit, Ponyboy confronts the ongoing conflict with the wealthy Socs, a gang whose idea of fun is brutal violence. The story explores themes of friendship, belonging, and brotherhood as one night’s events force Ponyboy to face an unexpected and dangerous turning point. This enduring classic, credited with shaping young-adult fiction, remains powerful and relevant decades after its first publication.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$4300

International Supplier

This title is in-stock with overseas suppliers. While it is not available locally, we fly books in weekly from the US and UK to our Auckland warehouse for immediate dispatch.

AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 2-3 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This novel is ideal for young adults and teens seeking a gripping, realistic exploration of societal conflict and personal growth, as well as readers interested in classic coming-of-age stories.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

When it was first published in 1967, "The Outsiders" defied convention with its immediate, deeply sympathetic portrayal of Ponyboy and his struggle to find a place for himself in a difficult world.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The iconic international bestseller with over 25 million copies sold • The inspiration for the Tony Award–winning Broadway musical! A heroic coming-of-age novel revolving around friendship, belonging, and brotherhood that has touched the hearts of readers for generations.

The Outsiders transformed young-adult fiction.—The New York Times

This remarkable novel gives a moving, credible view of the outsiders from the inside. . . . A book with a powerful message.—The Horn Book

“Stay gold, Ponyboy.”

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. But not on much else besides trouble with the Socs, a vicious gang of rich kids whose idea of a good time is beating up on “greasers” like Ponyboy. At least he knows what to expect—until the night someone takes things too far.

The Outsiders is a dramatic and enduring work of young adult fiction that laid the groundwork for the genre. S. E. Hinton’s classic novel of a boy who finds himself on the outskirts of regular society remains as powerful today as it was the day it was first published.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised by The New York Times as the novel that transformed young-adult fiction into a portrayal of a darker, truer world, The Outsiders has been lauded for its tension, drama, and heartfelt insight. The Chicago Tribune noted its taut storytelling, while the Philadelphia Daily News called it a classic coming-of-age book. The National Observer highlighted its rawness and honest hope, and The Horn Book praised its credible portrayal of outsiders and powerful message. Among its accolades are the New York Herald Tribune Best Teenage Book and the ALA Best Book for Young Adults awards.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140385724

Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 September 1988

Country: Australia

Imprint: Puffin

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 14.0mm

Width: 108.0mm

Height: 189.0mm

Weight: 181g

Pages: 224

About the Author

S. E. Hinton is the author of a number of bestselling and beloved books for young adults, including THAT WAS THEN, THIS IS NOW; RUMBLE FISH, TEX, and of course, THE OUTSIDERS, which was written when she was just 16 years old. She has also written several picture books, a collection of short stories, and a novel for adults. She lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma—the setting of THE OUTSIDERS—with her husband. When she is not writing, she enjoys riding horses.

Also by S. E. Hinton

View all
  • The Outsiders
    The Outsiders is the original teenage rebel story. Greasers, Rockers, different place, different name - but wherever they are, they're outsiders; the rough, tough, long-haired boys from the other side of town, with little hope of flash cars, fine madras shirts, and the good things of American life in the Sixties. Their story is told by Ponyboy, a Greaser with...
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2300
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Rumble Fish
    Stylistically superb. . . . This packs a punch that will leave readers of any age reeling - School Library Journal Sharper in focus and more mature in style than Hinton's The Outsiders - Booklist An ALA Best Books for Young Adults A School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
    Paperback
    $1699
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • The Outsiders
    First time in Penguin Modern Classics In Ponyboy's world, there are two types of people. There are the Socs, the rich society kids who get away with anything. Then there are the greasers, like Ponyboy, who aren't so lucky. Ponyboy has a few things he can count on—his older brothers, his friends, and trouble with the Socs, whose idea of...
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • That Was Then, This Is Now
    Set in the world of The Outsiders, S. E. Hinton's sequel is honest and hard-hitting—perfect for The Originals—Iconic, Outspoken, First. Byron and Mark are like brothers, but as they reach 16, things begin to change. Byron is interested in girls, while Mark's focus is solely on making money. Despite their differences, they still enjoy hustling pool games in Charlie's Bar....
    Paperback
    $2300
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Outsiders
    The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton unfolds the gripping tale of Ponyboy Curtis, a young man growing up in the gritty streets of the 1960s. Life in a rough Oklahoma neighbourhood is far from simple. Ponyboy, a thoughtful and sensitive teenager, navigates a world marked by the stark socioeconomic divide between the "Greasers," the working-class kids, and the "Socs," the...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

More from Children's Books

View all
  • New Release
    The Neverfear
    A world of richly-imagined wonder Cressida Cowell It’s the Midsummer Feast on the Islet of Glimt and on this magical moonlit evening, the word on everyone’s lips is bandits. Reports of masked men burning villages are spreading throughout the Archipelago, but worse is still to come: Christopher and Anya are ambushed and one of the people they love most is...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Matihe! Achoo! Matihe! Achoo!
    New Release
    Matihe! Achoo!
    What happens when a grumpy tupua has to sneeze? Matihe! Achoo! is a bilingual story about the tupua Mataoho and his connection to the volcanoes of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. It comes with an action song to engage young readers! He pūrākau e pā ana ki a Mataoho me ngā puia o Takamaki Makaurau. He tupua pukukino a Mataoho e noho...
    Paperback
    $1899
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Pocket Observology
    New Release
    Pocket Observology
    Pocket Observology is a practical field guide designed for those who love to explore and understand the natural world around them. Slip this guide out of your pocket to identify, measure, compare, or find clues to the things you encounter every day in nature. This pocket guide is a useful tool and a fun reminder of how to engage with...
    Paperback
    $2399
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Minecraft Annual 2027
    Pre-order
    New Release
    Minecraft Annual 2027
    The official Minecraft Annual 2027, full of updates, builds, activities, and more! Discover all there is to know about the past year of Minecraft in this exciting annual. Stuffed to the brim with updates, activities, step-by-step builds, and tips and tricks for the game, this book is a must-have for any minecrafter. This year’s annual includes: Mob guides on happy...
    Hardback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    Giant Heart
    Meet Jonah Lomu, one of the greatest All Blacks of all time. His speed and strength on the rugby field made him famous around the world, and his fun and generous personality made him beloved, but all the while he faced a big battle with his health. “[David Hill’s] stories are wonderful, full of action and are always teaching the...
    Hardback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2500
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Protector of Beyond 1
    New Release
    Protector of Beyond 1
    Experience fierce magical creatures, perilous trials, and a heroine to root for in this 1st instalment in a new blockbuster fantasy series. The moment you enter the Arbiter, your fate is sealed. If you spark, you fight! And 12-year-old Elder Triss produces a spark like no other. Transported to the mysterious Beyond, Elder has no choice but to train for...
    Paperback
    $2199
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    Animalia 40th Anniversary Edition
    A beautiful, foiled collector's edition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Graeme Base's classic and bestselling Australian picture book, Animalia. Embark on a fantastical alphabetic adventure where each turn of the page unveils a rich tapestry of intricate illustrations tied to a unique letter of the alphabet. More than 5 million copies sold worldwide Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA)...
    Hardback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • The Little Kiwi Builder
    New Release
    The Little Kiwi Builder
    Oh no, the little kiwi builder's house is falling down! His screws have all come loose - what can he do? When the brickie, the plumber, the roofer, the sparky and the painter all come to help, it's looking good! Until, that night ... uh-oh! Perfect for: Anyone who likes fun and silly rhyming stories Reading aloud with little ones...
    Paperback
    $1899
    Elsewhere:
    $2199
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • You Choose Party Time You Choose Party Time
    New Release
    You Choose Party Time
    It's time to celebrate - Party Time is a brand new You Choose adventure! It's Party Time and you choose what happens! What kind of party will it be? Who will you invite? Which cake would you like to eat? Will you dance to a steel pan band or bagpipes? The possibilities are endless in this magical storytelling toolkit which...
    Hardback
    $2599
    Elsewhere:
    $3400
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    When Nature Calls (Duck #2)
    New in 2026, the latest story from Duck, the quirky new children's series by million-copy bestselling author Matt Stanton. Do you ever wonder what animals think about humans? Do they feel they could do a better job running things? Would they ever try and take over? Duck, Mouse and Dog are alarmed that the adults in Redhill are being brainwashed...
    Paperback
    $1700
    Elsewhere:
    $1999
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    The Case of the Viral Video: Violet and the Velvets 3
    Violet and the Velvets can hardly believe they've come so far in the BandChamps competition with only hard work, a smidge of talent, and a whole lot of thinking outside the box. This time, they get to record their new song in a proper recording studio and star in their very own music video! But Violet is letting her perfectionism...
    Paperback
    $1600
    Elsewhere:
    $1899
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    Royalslinger
    K Pop Demon Hunters fans will love this! Graci Kim is back with the second book in her exciting and fantastical Slinger series where dragons and phoenixes roam the skies of Seoul; meals magically appear based on your mood; and dreams literally come to life. Praise for Dreamslinger: “A mind-blowingly original fantasy adventure—Graci Kim has done it again!”—Rick Riordan, New York Times #1...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    In Stock
    Ships Monday

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.