"The Outsiders": A WebQuest Built Upon Diversity and Its Impact

"The Outsiders" was first published almost fifty years ago, and yet its main points and morals are still as relevant as ever.  As for the basic literary elements of the novel, the syntax and diction is easily accessible for most middle school readers.  There is not much to struggle with, which leaves room for students to comprehend and soak in what they are reading, rather than focusing only on literacy.  Given the age group that would be reading "The Outsiders"--a group that would be transitioning in many ways within themselves, their peer groups, and society--the plot of the novel can be deftly transferred to their own lives, even in 2014.  For teachers, there is a great emphasis put on helping students to grow not only in their basic education, but also simply as a human being.  Fully grasping "The Outsiders" provides for a substantial push in that right direction.