The Outsiders

You know those books that you read and you can't put them down? You get so engrossed in the story and the characters and their world that it becomes real to you? The Outsiders was that book for me for the past few weeks.

We have been reading it as a class, well in all of my classes. And reading something three times a day really ingrains it in you. But then I decided to let my kids partner read and I had to catch up at night but I didn't mind. I was lying in my bed crying the night Ponyboy said, "I'm home."

If you haven't read it, go to the library and find the young adult section, do not be embarrassed at all, and get a copy of it. It's written by S.E. Hinton and I am extremely jealous of her, she wrote The Outsiders when she was just 16. I mean seriously, what have I been doing for the past 13 years!?!?!?!

We're going to finish it as a class tomorrow, the last 2 chapters. All year I've been reading the novels right along with the kids, listening to the stories unfold just as they do. And being disappointed when one of them ruins the story or twist for the others and myself. I did hear about the deaths in this book from others, not kids but other teachers and I was disappointed but not surprised. However, this afternoon I finished the book (so I could plan tomorrow's wrap-up activity) and I was so impressed. I smiled as I closed the book. The ending was perfect and I was deeply moved by the story of these brothers.

More and more I am realizing that young adult fiction has a lot to say. A LOT. I can't wait to delve into it some more. And my suggestion is this, if you're looking for some good summer reads, look no further than the young adult section of the library or bookstore. You'll be pleasantly surprised!