As popular today as they were when first published more than thirty years ago, The Outsiders and That Was Then, This Is Now are finally available in one handy edition! Both titles incorporate universal themes of loyalty, independence, and alienation in a realistic voice that speaks directly to young adult readers. The Outsiders: Growing up in a rough city surrounded by violence, Ponyboy and his friends learn what it means to defend your turf and to stand up for each other. That Was Then, This Is Now: Mark and Bryon are practically brothers-they have no family to speak of-but they eventually come to a point in their lives where they have difficult choices to make; choices that might separate them forever.