Review: The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

Today we have another classic review from Katie. If you've read Outsiders, do you agree with Katie's review?

Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

Imagine its 1965, and you live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Sounds simple right? Wrong! There are two groups, the Socs or the Greasers. You're either a Soc or a Greaser, there is no inbetween. The Socs are the rich kids, you know with the fancy houses and fancy cars, whereas the Greasers are the poor ones, with long greasy hair that gives them their name. The Socs and Greasers are enemies, and they usually get into fights. Violent fights. More often than not, the Socs will win. You wouldn't want to be walking around by yourself if there's Socs around, thats for sure. But what if you didn't want to be a part of that? What if you don't like fighting? That's the case for Johnny Cade and Ponyboy Curtis. They're Greasers, but they don't act anything like the others. Johnny is 16, and is abused by his parents at home. He is small for his age, and has those wide, innocent puppy eyes. Ponyboy is 14, and he likes reading, poetry, and the country. He lives with his older brothers Sodapop and Darry. No matter how hard they try, they will never fit in. But what will happen when Ponyboy and Johnny get attacked by Socs one night at the park and Johnny ends up killing one? They know they can't stay in town, the police will be bringing them into jail if they stay!

The Outsiders was an AMAZING read for me. It's really great to have such a classic book like this. It gets you hooked in, and you almost feel like you're there with the characters. I would most definitely recommend this to anyone of any age. It has some minor swearing but not too much! It's a very refreshing book with a great plot, one of those books that are hard to find these days. No matter what types of books you like, you will definitely love The Outsiders!

~ Katie

Review: The Boy With the Striped Pyjamas

Here is our other fabulous new reviewer- Katie! I hope you enjoy her reviews!

Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

The Boy in the Striped Pyjama's is a sad story about the Holocaust and a forbidden friendship. Bruno is an 8 year old curious boy who wants to be an explorer when he grows up. His father is a soldier, that works for Hitler. When his father get promoted, Bruno and his entire family have to move away from Berlin, to Poland, so his father can work at the horrible concentration camp 'Auschwitz'. He doesn't know about the war, or understand why he has to leave Berlin. When they arrive in Poland, it isn't anything like what he expected. There are not any kids out playing, there aren't fruit stands, and the house it way too small! The house is not even good for exploring, and the backyard is out of bounds. When he looks out his window, he can see the farms with the strange people wearing striped pyjamas. One day, Bruno decides to go exploring in the backyard anyway, to get a closer look at the farmers. Careful not to be caught, he slips out of the house. Eventually, he sees a person behind the fence. He gets close enough to see its a little boy, just like him! They meet each other, and Bruno finds out his name is Shmuell. Bruno starts to meet him everyday. Bruno knows he shouldn't be talking to him, but he doesn't see why... Will Bruno get caught? What will happen? One of my favourite books ever, make sure to bring the tissues! 

~ Katie