Summary: In this article, I have compiled 20 of the best books similar to The Outsiders that capture the same raw emotions, coming-of-age themes, and unforgettable characters. My top 3 picks:
- That Was Then, This Is Now by S.E. Hinton
- Rumble Fish by S.E. Hinton
- The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
TOP 20: Best Books Similar to The Outsiders
- That Was Then, This Is Now by S.E. Hinton
- Rumble Fish by S.E. Hinton
- The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
- Tex by S.E. Hinton
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
- Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
- Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
- Looking for Alaska by John Green
- The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
- Holes by Louis Sachar
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Lord of the Flies by William Golding
- The Giver by Lois Lowry
- We Are Okay by Nina LaCour
- The Pigman by Paul Zindel
- Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
- The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
- Monster by Walter Dean Myers
- Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
1. That Was Then, This Is Now
- Author: S.E. Hinton
- About: The story follows best friends Bryon and Mark as they navigate the challenges of adolescence, facing issues that test their loyalty and moral compass.
- Style of Writing: Realistic and straightforward, capturing the raw emotions of teenage life.
- Length: Approximately 50,000 words.
- Year Written: 1971
- Emotional Impact: Leaves a lasting impression with its exploration of friendship and the pains of growing up.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for both teens and adults.
- Why Read It: Offers a deep dive into the complexities of evolving friendships and personal growth during adolescence.
2. Rumble Fish
- Author: S.E. Hinton
- About: Centers on Rusty-James, a teenager who idolizes his older brother, the Motorcycle Boy, and struggles with gang conflicts and personal identity.
- Style of Writing: Gritty and poetic, reflecting the turbulent inner world of the protagonist.
- Length: Approximately 35,000 words.
- Year Written: 1975
- Emotional Impact: Provokes thought about the consequences of violence and the search for identity.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible yet profound.
- Why Read It: Explores themes of hero worship, disillusionment, and the desire to escape one's circumstances.
3. The Chocolate War
- Author: Robert Cormier
- About: Follows Jerry Renault, a high school student who challenges the corrupt practices of a secret society and faces severe repercussions.
- Style of Writing: Dark and unflinching, delving into the complexities of power and conformity.
- Length: Approximately 56,000 words.
- Year Written: 1974
- Emotional Impact: Leaves readers contemplating the cost of nonconformity and moral courage.
- Difficulty Level: Challenging; addresses mature themes and ethical dilemmas.
- Why Read It: Provides a stark look at the consequences of standing up against systemic corruption and peer pressure.
4. Tex
- Author: S.E. Hinton
- About: Chronicles the life of Tex McCormick, a carefree teenager dealing with family turmoil and the challenges of adolescence.
- Style of Writing: Engaging and heartfelt, with a focus on character development.
- Length: Approximately 60,000 words.
- Year Written: 1979
- Emotional Impact: Evokes empathy as it portrays the struggles of growing up and finding one's path.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; relatable and emotionally resonant.
- Why Read It: Offers insight into the resilience required to navigate personal and familial challenges during youth.
5. The Catcher in the Rye
- Author: J.D. Salinger
- About: Narrates the experiences of Holden Caulfield, a disenchanted teenager wandering New York City while grappling with complex emotions and societal expectations.
- Style of Writing: First-person narrative with a colloquial and candid tone.
- Length: Approximately 73,000 words.
- Year Written: 1951
- Emotional Impact: Profoundly resonates with themes of alienation and the loss of innocence.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; language and themes may require thoughtful reflection.
- Why Read It: A timeless exploration of teenage angst and the struggle to find authenticity in a superficial world.
6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
- Author: Stephen Chbosky
- About: Presented through letters, this novel delves into the life of Charlie, an introverted high school freshman exploring friendship, love, and trauma.
- Style of Writing: Epistolary format with a sincere and introspective voice.
- Length: Approximately 62,000 words.
- Year Written: 1999
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving, addressing sensitive topics with empathy and realism.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; deals with complex emotional and social issues.
- Why Read It: Captures the essence of teenage life, highlighting the importance of connection and self-acceptance.
7. Speak
- Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
- About: Centers on Melinda, a high school freshman who becomes selectively mute after a traumatic event, finding solace and expression through art.
- Style of Writing: Direct and poignant, capturing the protagonist's internal struggle.
- Length: Approximately 46,591 words.
- Year Written: 1999
- Emotional Impact: Powerfully addresses themes of trauma and recovery, leaving a lasting impression.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible prose with profound subject matter.
- Why Read It: Offers a courageous narrative about finding one's voice amidst adversity.
8. Eleanor & Park
- Author: Rainbow Rowell
- About: Set in 1986, it tells the story of two misfit teenagers, Eleanor and Park, who form an unlikely bond over music and comics, navigating young love and personal struggles.
- Style of Writing: Dual narrative with vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue.
- Length: Approximately 78,179 words.
- Year Written: 2013
- Emotional Impact: Heartwarming and bittersweet, capturing the intensity of first love.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; engaging and relatable language.
- Why Read It: Explores the beauty and challenges of young love, highlighting issues of identity and acceptance.
9. Looking for Alaska
- Author: John Green
- About: Follows Miles “Pudge” Halter as he enrolls in a boarding school, where he meets the enigmatic Alaska Young, leading to profound experiences of love, loss, and self-discovery.
- Style of Writing: Reflective and witty, with a first-person perspective.
- Length: Approximately 69,000 words.
- Year Written: 2005
- Emotional Impact: Thought-provoking and poignant, delving into themes of mortality and meaning.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; combines humor with deep philosophical questions.
- Why Read It: Challenges readers to contemplate life's big questions through the lens of adolescence.
10. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
- Author: Sherman Alexie
- About: The novel tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Determined to take control of his future, he transfers to an all-white high school off the reservation, facing challenges of identity, racism, and belonging.
- Style of Writing: Humorous and candid, interspersed with illustrations that enhance the narrative.
- Length: Approximately 44,275 words.
- Year Written: 2007
- Emotional Impact: Heartbreaking yet uplifting, providing a raw look into the struggles and triumphs of a young Native American teenager.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language with rich cultural insights.
- Why Read It: Offers a unique perspective on the Native American experience, highlighting themes of resilience, identity, and the pursuit of dreams.
11. Holes
- Author: Louis Sachar
- About: The story follows Stanley Yelnats, a boy wrongfully sent to a juvenile detention camp where inmates are forced to dig holes daily. As Stanley uncovers the truth behind this punishment, he unravels a family curse and discovers the power of friendship and perseverance.
- Style of Writing: Engaging and layered, blending elements of mystery, adventure, and humor.
- Length: Approximately 47,079 words.
- Year Written: 1998
- Emotional Impact: Inspiring and thought-provoking, emphasizing themes of fate, justice, and redemption.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; suitable for a wide age range with its captivating storytelling.
- Why Read It: Combines a compelling plot with meaningful messages about destiny, friendship, and breaking free from the past.
12. To Kill a Mockingbird
- Author: Harper Lee
- About: Set in the 1930s in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, the novel follows young Scout Finch and her brother, Jem, as their father, Atticus Finch, defends Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of raping a white woman.
- Style of Writing: Narrated from a child's perspective with a blend of warmth and gravity, employing rich, descriptive language that captures the nuances of Southern life.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 1960
- Emotional Impact: Profoundly moving, challenging readers to confront prejudice and moral integrity.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible prose with complex themes.
- Why Read It: A timeless classic that offers a poignant exploration of human behavior, empathy, and the fight against injustice.
13. Lord of the Flies
- Author: William Golding
- About: A group of British schoolboys becomes stranded on a deserted island during a wartime evacuation. Without adult supervision, their attempts to govern themselves descend into chaos and savagery, revealing the dark aspects of human nature.
- Style of Writing: Allegorical and descriptive, utilizing vivid imagery to depict the gradual descent into barbarism.
- Length: Approximately 60,000 words.
- Year Written: 1954
- Emotional Impact: Disturbing and thought-provoking, prompting reflection on societal structures and inherent human instincts.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; straightforward language with deep symbolic meaning.
- Why Read It: Offers a compelling examination of civilization versus savagery and the fragility of societal norms.
14. The Giver
- Author: Lois Lowry
- About: In a seemingly utopian society devoid of pain and strife, 12-year-old Jonas is selected to inherit the position of Receiver of Memory. As he uncovers the community's suppressed truths, he grapples with the complexities of free will, emotion, and individuality.
- Style of Writing: Clear and concise, with a focus on building a controlled, dystopian atmosphere.
- Length: Approximately 43,000 words.
- Year Written: 1993
- Emotional Impact: Evocative and unsettling, challenging readers to consider the value of emotions and memories.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; accessible language with profound themes.
- Why Read It: Encourages contemplation of societal control, conformity, and the essence of humanity.
15. We Are Okay
- Author: Nina LaCour
- About: Marin, a college freshman, has isolated herself in a New York dormitory after a personal tragedy. When her best friend Mabel visits during winter break, Marin confronts her grief and the complexities of her past relationships.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and introspective, with a focus on internal dialogue and emotional landscapes.
- Length: Approximately 240 pages.
- Year Written: 2017
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving, offering a raw portrayal of loneliness, loss, and healing.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; poetic prose with layered emotional depth.
- Why Read It: Provides a heartfelt exploration of grief, friendship, and the journey toward self-acceptance.
16. The Pigman
- Author: Paul Zindel
- About: Teenagers John and Lorraine form an unexpected friendship with Mr. Pignati, an eccentric, lonely old man they nickname “The Pigman.” Their bond leads to unforeseen consequences, teaching them about compassion, guilt, and the impact of their actions.
- Style of Writing: Conversational and candid, alternating between the perspectives of the two protagonists.
- Length: Approximately 40,000 words.
- Year Written: 1968
- Emotional Impact: Bittersweet and reflective, highlighting the consequences of thoughtless behavior and the value of human connections.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; straightforward narrative with underlying moral lessons.
- Why Read It: Explores themes of friendship, responsibility, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
17. Go Ask Alice
- Author: Anonymous (commonly attributed to Beatrice Sparks)
- About: Presented as the real diary of a teenage girl, the novel chronicles her descent into drug addiction after unknowingly consuming LSD.
- Style of Writing: Diary format with a candid and personal tone, capturing the protagonist's innermost thoughts and experiences.
- Length: Approximately 214 pages.
- Year Written: 1971
- Emotional Impact: Intense and unsettling, shedding light on the dangers of drug addiction and its profound effects on youth.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; straightforward language with mature and challenging themes.
- Why Read It: Serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of substance abuse, offering an immersive experience into the struggles of addiction and the importance of awareness and prevention.
18. The House on Mango Street
- Author: Sandra Cisneros
- About: This novel presents a series of vignettes that chronicle the life of Esperanza Cordero, a young Latina girl growing up in a Chicago neighborhood. Through her observations and experiences, the book explores themes of identity, culture, and the aspirations of a young girl striving for a better life.
- Style of Writing: Poetic and concise, with each vignette offering a snapshot of Esperanza's world, rich in imagery and emotion.
- Length: Approximately 103 pages.
- Year Written: 1984
- Emotional Impact: Deeply resonant, providing a vivid portrayal of the struggles and hopes within a marginalized community.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language layered with profound themes.
- Why Read It: Offers an intimate look into the life of a young Latina, highlighting the universal quest for self-definition and belonging.
19. Monster
- Author: Walter Dean Myers
- About: The novel follows Steve Harmon, a 16-year-old African American boy on trial for his alleged role in a robbery-turned-murder.
- Style of Writing: Innovative blend of third-person screenplay and first-person journal entries, creating a multifaceted narrative.
- Length: Approximately 281 pages.
- Year Written: 1999
- Emotional Impact: Intense and thought-provoking, challenging readers to consider perspectives on justice, race, and personal identity.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; the unique format offers an engaging yet complex reading experience.
- Why Read It: Provides a compelling exploration of the criminal justice system through the eyes of a young Black teenager, prompting reflections on societal biases and the concept of truth.
20. Stargirl
- Author: Jerry Spinelli
- About: The story centers on Stargirl Caraway, an eccentric and free-spirited high school student whose nonconformity initially enchants but eventually alienates her peers.
- Style of Writing: Simple and heartfelt prose, capturing the nuances of teenage emotions and the high school social landscape.
- Length: Approximately 186 pages.
- Year Written: 2000
- Emotional Impact: Inspiring and poignant, encouraging readers to embrace their uniqueness and question societal norms.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; accessible language with meaningful themes suitable for both young adults and adults.
- Why Read It: Offers a touching narrative about the importance of authenticity and the courage it takes to stand out in a conformist environment.
Conclusion
If you loved The Outsiders, I think you’ll really connect with these 20 books that explore friendship, identity, and the struggles of growing up. My top picks are That Was Then, This Is Now and Rumble Fish—both by S.E. Hinton—because they dive deeper into themes of loyalty, change, and finding your place in the world. The Chocolate War stands out too, offering a darker take on defiance, power, and the price of standing up for yourself. Each of these books left a lasting impact on me, and I believe they’ll do the same for you. Whether you're drawn to stories of rebellion, resilience, or self-discovery, this list has something that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
