Topic 1

Hinton is considered the most successful writer for young adults in contemporary times. In fact, she is often credited with creating the genre of "young adult literature" as a viable and attractive genre for junior high and high school audiences. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Topic 2

Critics have compared Hinton favorably with Ernest Hemingway in terms of sentence structure, minimal description, and the exploration of conventional male and female roles. In your opinion, to what extent is this valid?

Topic 3

In Tex, S.E. Hinton has created another engaging character—a carefree, easy-going, fifteen-year-old who learns some hard lessons on the road to maturity. Hinton's skillful handling of the first-person narrative easily involves the reader in Tex's changing feelings and relationships with his brother, his father, and his friends. Discuss the benefits of first person narration in Tex and allude to other narration techniques...