S.E. Hinton, the trailblazing author who redefined young adult literature, has captivated readers for decades with her raw, emotional, and relatable stories. Best known for The Outsiders, Hinton’s works explore themes of identity, belonging, and the struggles of youth with unparalleled authenticity. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her books, this guide provides the complete S.E. Hinton books in order, including publication details, summaries, and why her stories remain must-reads today.
Who Is S.E. Hinton?
Susan Eloise Hinton, better known as S.E. Hinton, was only 15 when she began writing The Outsiders, a novel that would change the landscape of YA fiction. Published in 1967 when she was just 18, the book introduced readers to gritty, realistic portrayals of teenage life, breaking away from the idealized narratives of the time. Hinton’s ability to capture the struggles of youth—class divides, family dynamics, and personal growth—made her a literary icon.
Her books, often set in her native Oklahoma, resonate with readers of all ages due to their universal themes and unforgettable characters. Below, we’ve compiled a chronological list of S.E. Hinton’s books, including her novels and children’s books, to help you navigate her work.
S.E. Hinton Books: Complete List in Order
S.E. Hinton’s bibliography primarily consists of standalone novels and children’s books, with no traditional multi-book series. However, her early young adult novels—The Outsiders, That Was Then, This Is Now, Rumble Fish, and Tex—are loosely interconnected through shared settings in 1960s-1970s Oklahoma and overlapping characters or themes, often referred to as her “YA Universe.” Some of Tim’s Stories (2007) is a collection of interconnected short stories forming a novella-like narrative.
Below is a complete table of all S.E. Hinton’s published books in publication order, including her novels, children’s books, and the short story collection. This covers her full output as of 2025, with no new releases since 2007.
| Order | Title | Publication Year | Type | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Outsiders | 1967 | YA Novel (Standalone) | A Greaser teen navigates class rivalry and loss in Tulsa, Oklahoma. |
| 2 | That Was Then, This Is Now | 1971 | YA Novel (Loose connection to The Outsiders) | Two foster brothers’ friendship fractures amid drugs and crime. |
| 3 | Rumble Fish | 1975 | YA Novel (Standalone) | A teen idolizes his enigmatic brother in a gritty urban tale. |
| 4 | Tex | 1979 | YA Novel (Loose connection to The Outsiders) | A rural teen deals with family secrets and growing pains. |
| 5 | Taming the Star Runner | 1988 | YA Novel (Standalone) | A troubled teen finds redemption taming a wild horse on a ranch. |
| 6 | Big David, Little David | 1995 | Children’s Picture Book | A boy’s whimsical confusion about two “Davids” in his life. |
| 7 | The Puppy Sister | 1995 | Children’s Novel | A puppy mysteriously gains human traits, exploring family bonds. |
| 8 | Hawkes Harbor | 2004 | Adult Novel (Standalone) | A sailor’s haunted life blends adventure, crime, and the supernatural. |
| 9 | Some of Tim’s Stories | 2007 | Short Story Collection (Interconnected) | Vignettes of cousins’ intertwined lives, loss, and resilience. |
S.E. Hinton Books in Order of Publication
Here’s the complete list of S.E. Hinton’s books in order of their original publication, with brief summaries and insights into why each one is worth reading.
1. The Outsiders (1967)
- Genre: Young Adult Fiction
- Summary: Set in 1960s Oklahoma, The Outsiders follows Ponyboy Curtis, a 14-year-old “Greaser” caught in the violent rivalry between his working-class gang and the wealthy “Socs.” Through tragedy and brotherhood, Ponyboy grapples with identity, loyalty, and the hope for a better future.
- Why Read It?: This iconic novel is a cornerstone of YA literature, exploring class divides and the universal search for belonging. Its raw emotion and memorable characters like Sodapop and Dallas Winston make it a timeless classic. Fun fact: The 1983 film adaptation by Francis Ford Coppola brought this story to the big screen, cementing its cultural impact.
- Perfect For: Readers who love coming-of-age stories with heart and grit.
2. That Was Then, This Is Now (1971)
- Genre: Young Adult Fiction
- Summary: Set in the same universe as The Outsiders, this novel follows Bryon and his foster brother Mark as they navigate adolescence in a tough neighborhood. As their paths diverge—Bryon matures while Mark spirals into trouble—their bond is tested by drugs, crime, and betrayal.
- Why Read It?: A darker, more introspective follow-up to The Outsiders, this book tackles tough issues like addiction and moral dilemmas. It’s a compelling look at how relationships evolve under pressure.
- Perfect For: Fans of character-driven stories with complex moral questions.
3. Rumble Fish (1975)
- Genre: Young Adult Fiction
- Summary: Rusty-James idolizes his older brother, Motorcycle Boy, a enigmatic former gang leader. Set in a gritty urban backdrop, the story explores Rusty-James’ struggle to find his own identity while living in his brother’s shadow, leading to a haunting conclusion.
- Why Read It?: Known for its poetic prose and cinematic quality, Rumble Fish is a raw exploration of hero worship and self-discovery. The 1983 film adaptation, also by Coppola, adds a visually striking layer to the story.
- Perfect For: Readers who enjoy introspective narratives and vivid imagery.
4. Tex (1979)
- Genre: Young Adult Fiction
- Summary: Tex McCormick, a carefree teen, lives with his older brother Mason in rural Oklahoma. When family secrets unravel and financial struggles mount, Tex must confront growing up faster than he expected.
- Why Read It?: Tex is lighter than Hinton’s earlier works but still packs an emotional punch. It’s a heartfelt story about family, resilience, and finding one’s place in the world. The 1982 film starring Matt Dillon is a great companion to the book.
- Perfect For: Those who love stories about sibling bonds and rural life.
5. Taming the Star Runner (1988)
- Genre: Young Adult Fiction
- Summary: Travis, a troubled teen sent to live with his uncle on a ranch, finds solace in working with a spirited horse named Star Runner. As he navigates personal struggles and new relationships, Travis learns to channel his anger and find purpose.
- Why Read It?: This novel stands out for its rural setting and focus on redemption. The horse, Star Runner, serves as a powerful metaphor for Travis’s own wild spirit, making it a unique addition to Hinton’s catalog.
- Perfect For: Animal lovers and readers seeking stories of personal growth.
6. Big David, Little David (1995)
- Genre: Children’s Picture Book
- Summary: A young boy named Nick tries to figure out if his father and a schoolmate named David are the same person, leading to a humorous and heartwarming exploration of childhood imagination.
- Why Read It?: This charming picture book showcases Hinton’s versatility, offering a lighthearted story for younger readers. It’s a delightful departure from her YA novels.
- Perfect For: Parents and young children looking for a fun, imaginative read.
7. The Puppy Sister (1995)
- Genre: Children’s Fiction
- Summary: Nick and his family adopt a puppy who mysteriously begins to act more human as she grows. This whimsical tale explores family dynamics and acceptance through a fantastical lens.
- Why Read It?: Perfect for young readers, this book blends humor and heart, showing Hinton’s ability to write for a younger audience while maintaining her signature emotional depth.
- Perfect For: Kids who love animals and quirky, heartwarming stories.
8. Hawkes Harbor (2004)
- Genre: Adult Fiction / Supernatural
- Summary: Jamie Sommers, an orphaned sailor, recounts his life of adventure, crime, and an encounter with a mysterious creature in Hawkes Harbor. Part coming-of-age tale, part supernatural thriller, this novel explores trauma and redemption.
- Why Read It?: Hinton’s only adult novel is a bold departure, blending gritty realism with supernatural elements. It’s a fascinating, if unconventional, addition to her work.
- Perfect For: Fans of darker, genre-bending stories.
9. Some of Tim’s Stories (2007)
- Genre: Short Story Collection
- Summary: This collection of interconnected short stories follows cousins Tim and Terry, exploring their lives through vignettes about family, loss, and resilience. Written with Hinton’s signature emotional clarity, it’s a compact but powerful read.
- Why Read It?: Perfect for readers who enjoy short fiction, this collection offers a poignant look at human connections and survival.
- Perfect For: Those who appreciate concise, emotionally resonant storytelling.
Why S.E. Hinton’s Books Remain Timeless
S.E. Hinton’s books resonate because they tackle universal themes—identity, belonging, and the challenges of growing up—with unflinching honesty. Her characters, often outsiders in their own worlds, speak to anyone who’s ever felt misunderstood or out of place. Her ability to write authentically about youth, combined with her vivid settings and relatable struggles, keeps her work relevant across generations.
Key Themes in S.E. Hinton’s Work
- Class and Social Divides: From The Outsiders to That Was Then, This Is Now, Hinton explores the tensions between social groups and the impact of economic disparity.
- Family and Brotherhood: Whether it’s the Curtis brothers or Travis and his uncle, family dynamics are central to her stories.
- Coming of Age: Her novels capture the messy, transformative journey from adolescence to adulthood.
- Redemption and Resilience: Characters like Travis in Taming the Star Runner and Jamie in Hawkes Harbor find ways to overcome their pasts.
How to Read S.E. Hinton’s Books
If you’re new to S.E. Hinton, start with The Outsiders for its iconic status and accessible storytelling. From there, follow the publication order to see how her writing evolves. For a lighter read, try her children’s books like The Puppy Sister. If you’re drawn to darker, more experimental stories, Hawkes Harbor is a unique choice.
Reading Tips
- For YA Fans: Stick to her early novels (The Outsiders, That Was Then, This Is Now, Rumble Fish, Tex) for classic coming-of-age tales.
- For Younger Readers: Big David, Little David and The Puppy Sister are great for kids.
- For Adult Readers: Hawkes Harbor and Some of Tim’s Stories offer more mature themes and complex narratives.
- Pair with Films: Watch the movie adaptations of The Outsiders, Rumble Fish, and Tex to see how her stories translate to the screen.
Where to Find S.E. Hinton’s Books
S.E. Hinton’s books are widely available in bookstores, libraries, and online retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org. Many of her novels are also available as audiobooks or e-books for digital readers. Check your local library for free access or look for secondhand copies at used bookstores for a budget-friendly option.
Fun Facts About S.E. Hinton
- Pseudonym: Hinton used “S.E.” to hide her gender, as publishers worried a female author wouldn’t appeal to her largely male audience.
- Young Author: She wrote The Outsiders as a teenager, drawing from her own observations of social dynamics in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
- Film Connections: Hinton made cameo appearances in the film adaptations of The Outsiders and Tex.
- Legacy: Her work is credited with launching the modern YA genre, influencing authors like John Green and J.K. Rowling.
Final Thoughts
S.E. Hinton’s books are more than just stories—they’re a window into the complexities of youth, identity, and resilience. Whether you’re revisiting The Outsiders or diving into Hawkes Harbor for the first time, her work offers something for every reader. Use this guide to explore S.E. Hinton’s books in order and discover why her stories continue to inspire and resonate with readers worldwide.
Have a favorite S.E. Hinton book? Share your thoughts in the comments or let us know which one you’re reading next! For more book recommendations and author guides, subscribe to our blog or follow us on social media.
