Outsiders by S.E. Hinton: Summer Reading Questions
Seventh Grade English
*Please answer the following questions in complete sentences! Make sure you use examples from the book
to support your answers.
1. Who are the main characters of the novel? Provide two characteristics of each character (make sure to provide
text details to support characteristics, especially one word characteristics such as “nice”).
2. What are some similarities between the Socs and the greasers? What are some differences between the two?
3. Who are some of the members of the greasers? Who are some of the members of the Socs?
4. Explain Darry and Ponyboy’s relationship. How would you feel if you were Darry and you had to take care of
your brother?
5. Do you think that Johnny was justified in killing Bob? Give your reasons.
6. How does the event mentioned above change the novel?
7. What is one movie, book, or poem that is referenced in the book? Why do you think this work is included?
8. How do Johnny and Ponyboy act heroically?
9. Compare and contrast Johnny and Dally. What roles do they play in the novel? What roles do they play in
Ponyboy’s life?
10. Just before he dies, Johnny says, “Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold…” What does he mean by this?
11. If Johnny had not died, what future might he face? Would he have been convicted of murder, a lesser crime, or
set free?
12. What do you think is one theme of the novel? Explain with text details.
13. Would you recommend this novel to others? Why or why not?