Since the end of 8th grade's THE OUTSIDERS novel study unexpectedly coincided with the first week of distance learning due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 8th grade class found a special connection to Ponyboy and Cherry's conversation about "all see[ing] the same sunset." In S.E. Hinton's classic book, Ponyboy and Cherry constantly remind each other that despite their socioeconomic (poor greasers/rich socs) and geographical (East Side/West Side) differences, "things are rough all over" (Ch. 2, p. 35) and they "see the same sunset" (Ch. 3, p. 41). Since unprecedented circumstances prevented the 8th grade class from being together at school to celebrate the conclusion of THE OUTSIDERS after a two-week thematic essay, this message in the novel took on even greater meaning. Therefore, 8th graders went outside at dusk and took a look at the sunset to remember that although they may be apart right now, they "all see the same sunset."

Just as they did, I hope everyone can find special meaning - and a text-to-world connection - in those words from the novel at this time. It reinforces the timeless power of literature: teenagers in 2020 can find relevance and a needed reminder of social connection in S.E. Hinton's 1967 words.

We are all at home, but none of us are alone. We are in this together. Let's be reminded of that by looking at the "same sunset" together.

Take a look at some of the 8th grade's sunset selfies!






"Cherry no longer looked sick, only sad. 'I'll bet you think the Socs have it made. The rich kids, the West-side Socs. I'll tell you something, Ponyboy, and it may come as a surprise. We have troubles you've never even heard of. You want to know something?' She looked me straight in the eye. 'Things are rough all over'" (THE OUTSIDERS, Ch. 2, p. 31)






"I pictured that, or tried to. Maybe Cherry stood still and watched the sun set while she was supposed to be taking the garbage out. Stood there and watched and forgot everything else until her big brother screamed at her to hurry up. I shook my head. It seemed funny to me that the sunset she saw from her patio and, the one I saw from the back steps was the same one. Maybe the two different worlds we lived in weren't so different. We saw the same sunset" (THE OUTSIDERS, Ch. 2, p. 35).






"Just don't forget that some of us watch the sunset too" (THE OUTSIDERS, Ch. 3, p. 40).