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S.E. Hinton
The publication of The Outsiders forty years ago turned the young adult publishing industry upside down, and it hasn't been the same since. Bored with the benign themes common to teenage literature at the time, S.E. Hinton, a teenager herself, set out to write a novel that contained all the gritty realism that surrounded her at Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Praised, condemned and in some cases even banned, The Outsiders opened a new genre of realistic young adult fiction, and paved the way for the authors read and loved by young people today. In addition, Hinton went on to write many more critically acclaimed young adult novels, as well as branch into picture books, middle grade chapter books, and books for adults.
* Reviews *
This well-written and informative biography weaves facts about Hintons life with analyses of and reflections on her novels. What emerges is an interesting portrait of a gifted writer whose work continues to touch young people. A section entitled In Her Own Words provides further insight through speeches and interviews. A few photos of the author are scattered throughout. There are also several movie stills from film adaptations of her books, which feature some young actors who later became major stars, such as Matt Dillon, Tom Cruise, and Nicolas Cage. Familiarity with Hintons work will make this a more compelling read although it could also serve as an introduction to the author and stimulate an interest in seeking out her enduring classics., School Library Journal November 2007
RL
Grades
6-7 IL
Grades
6-12+ GRL
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