S.E. Hinton

State: Oklahoma

Susan Eloise Hinton (born July 22, 1948) is a pioneering American writer credited with creating the young adult (YA) fiction genre as we know it. Born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she began writing The Outsiders at age 15 and published it at 18. The novel’s raw portrayal of teenage life—gangs, class divides, loyalty—changed perceptions of YA literature and has sold over 14 million copies. Her follow-up novels (That Was Then, This Is Now, Rumble Fish, Tex, Taming the Star Runner) continued exploring teen struggles with authenticity and emotional depth. Several were adapted into award-winning films in the 1980s, including The Outsiders, Rumble Fish, and Tex. Although she stepped back from public life in the 1990s, she remains active through screenwriting and occasional literary commentary. Hinton still resides in Tulsa with her husband, and her influence endures in classrooms, libraries, and the YA market she shaped.

Genres: Adventure, Contemporary, Mystery

Audiences: All Ages, Middle Grade, Young Adult