Every adult was a kid at one time, and probably always a kid in some ways. Either in play or wonder or understanding of the world and its dynamics. Yet, somehow, I always forget that kids intuit and navigate the same world we adults do, often with more moral clarity and insight if not vocabulary. 
S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders is a great reminder of those truths. Not just because it’s such a timeless story of coming of age, moral luck, and choice. But also because it was written by a sixteen-year-old girl. That is so impressive to me. The wisdom and insight of a kid. The writer and the writing are monuments to the dignity of children. I see that in my own kids sometimes. While I know they are good-hearted and smart, I’m still surprised by the depth of their feeling and wisdom.
Even though I’m a middle-aged man, I somehow had never read this book until last week. The Outsiders is the story of a group of young men, loosely a gang, of “greasers.” Just by being born on the wrong side of the tracks, they’re basically outcast at school and sworn enemies of the Socs (socialites), aka the rich kids.
Within the span of about a week, some chance encounters at a drive in movie and on the side of the road forever change the lives of a handful of greasers and Socs. Kids on both sides try to make sense of why they are where they are, why they fight like they do, and whether they’re more alike than different. And, whether the answers matter at all.
I just found this so compelling. I’d recommend it to anyone. Especially in divided times.
