The Outsiders, written by S.E. Hinton, is often classified as a coming-of-age novel rather than strictly historical fiction. It is set in the 1960s and deals with the experiences of young people navigating social class struggles, which provides a historical context. However, the story’s focus is mainly on the personal growth and conflicts of its characters, rather than on historical events or a deep exploration of the era itself.
While The Outsiders reflects some societal issues from the time, such as class divisions and gang culture, its primary aim is to highlight the emotional and relational dynamics between the characters, making it more of a social commentary than a piece that is anchored in specific historical events. Thus, while it does contain elements that are representative of the era, it does not fit the typical mold of historical fiction, which usually emphasizes factual historical events and characters’ interactions with those events.