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Must-read books by women, as chosen by our readers

The Outsiders

From Penguin's The Originals collection, The Outsiders is an outstanding story of teenage rebellion, written when the author was only 17. 
 
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Teenagers in a small Oklahoma town have split into two gangs, divided by money, tastes and attitude. The Socs' idea of having a good time is beating up Greasers like Ponyboy Curtis. 
 
Ponyboy knows what to expect and knows he can count on his brothers and friends - until the night someone takes things too far, and life is changed forever. 
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Iconic, outspoken, first. 
 
The Originals are the pioneers of fiction for young adults. From political awakening, war and unrequited love to addiction, teenage pregnancy and nuclear holocaust, The Originals confront big issues and articulate difficult truths. The collection includes: 
 
(Un)arranged Marriage - Bali Rai 
Stone Cold - Robert Swindells 
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole - Sue Townsend 
The Tulip Touch - Anne Fine 
I Capture the Castle - Dodie Smith

S E Hinton wrote THE OUTSIDERS, her first book, when she was 17; it was a phenomenal success. Its publication enabled her to attend the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma; she graduated in 1970 with a major in education. S E Hinton was the first recipient of the American Library Association Award for an outstanding contribution to Young Adult Literature. She continues to live in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Greasers, Rockers, different place, different name - but wherever they are, they're outsiders; the rough, tough, long-haired boys from the other side of town, with little hope of flash cars, fine madras shirts and the good things of American life in the Sixties. Their story is told by Ponyboy, a Greaser with good reason to fear the Socs, the rich kids in Mustangs who come looking for trouble, and witness to the savage baiting that drives his best friend to manslaughter. More than a story of hatred and violence, this is also a story of loyalty and friendship as teenagers of the urban slums search for personal dignity and a place in the world.

S E Hinton

Byron and Mark are like brothers but when they get to 16 things begin to change. Byron is into girls but Mark is only interested in making money, yet they still enjoy hustling pool games in Charlie's Bar. When Charlie is killed defending them in a brawl Byron and Mark begin to drift apart. Byron is in love with Cathy and has to make the decision of his life when her drug-addicted brother goes missing.

S E Hinton

That Was Then, This Is Now

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