Speaking with S.E. Hinton...

When did Hinton write The Outsiders?

• during her sophmore year of college
• her 8th grade year of junior high
• her junior year of high school
• her freshman year of college

When was The Outsiders published?

• Hinton's 8th grade year of junior high
• Hinton's sophomore year of high school
• Hinton's graduation from high school
• Hinton's graduation from college

How old was Hinton when she began to write The Outsiders?

• 12
• 14
• 15
• 18

What was Hinton's inspiration for writing the novel?

• Her friend was beat up on his walk from school.
• Her sister was a member of the socials.
• Her teacher told her that her story was great.
• Her mother made her write a story for extra credit.

Is there a real-life Ponyboy or Johnny?

• No. There were only inspirations from friends.
• YES!  They are her best friends.

How does Hinton describe her writing method for creating memorable descriptions?

• She just writes.
• She goes from being herself to becoming the characters.
• She asks friends for help.
• She has a co-writer who does character descriptions.

What made Hinton want to become a writer?

• Her mom was a writer, and she wanted to be like her.
• She was a reader when she was young and loved writing.
• Writing was a struggle for her, and she was determined to overcome!
• The love of writing was instilled by her high school English teacher.

Why does Hinton use her initials and not her name?

• She doesn't like her first name.
• She wanted to pretend she didn't write the book.
• She wanted to be more widely accepted by girls and boys.
• Her publisher made her change her name.

Why has the book remained so popular through time?

• It's just good.
• The cover has a pretty picture.
• Teens still believe parents don't understand them.
• Everyone enjoys a story about Oklahoma.