Many people first encounter S.E. Hinton’s story The Outsiders at a time in their lives in which they all feel like outsiders in some way: middle school.
The Story 
The 1967 novel tells the story of kids who feel like they don’t fit in, kids who don’t have the best clothes or shoes or cars. The novel is written in a way that encourages the reader to identify with the Greasers, to feel like they don’t belong and to long for a group of friends like Two Bit, Sodapop, and Sandy.
Maybe that was just my experience.
My Outsiders
I read The Outsiders for the first time when I was in 7th grade. It’s commonly taught in the middle grades. Even though my family and life were far from those of the characters in The Outsiders, I immediately felt like I was a member of their gang.
I didn’t fully understand the differences between the greasers and me at the time. At 14, though, I understood feeling like I didn’t know where my place was. I think that is what initially draws most teenagers to this book- at some point in time most teenagers feel like social outcasts. People continue to be drawn to this story because it ultimately shows that no matter what side of town you live on, you see the same sunset.
The Outsiders Comes to Huntsville
January 23-25, 2014, Butler High School Theatre Project will present its own take on the classic story. Although most teenagers identify with the greasers in The Outsiders, at Butler High School our students have a unique connection to the greasers. Our students come from the same background as the greasers. Their childhoods were marked by the same struggles and challenges characteristic of the greasers. They understand what it feels like to be the have nots in a city full of haves.
Our students are telling their own story. We hope to see you as Butler Theatre Project presents The Outsiders.
Event Information: Butler Theatre Project Presents The Outsiders
Dates: January 23-25, 2014
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Butler High School
Address: 3401 Holmes Avenue Huntsville
Cost: $7- general admission; $5- students
Tickets: Available at the door
About the Author: Megan Carroll
Megan Carroll is in her second year of teaching at Butler High School. This is her second production with Butler Theatre Project. She is a graduate of Auburn University with a degree in English and a degree in English Education. She loves working with the students at Butler High School.
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Guest blogger for We Are Huntsville. Are you interested in writing a post for our site? Email katelyn@wearehuntsville.com.
