62 pages • 2 hours read
S. E. HintonThat Was Then, This Is Now
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1971A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Set in 1960s Tulsa, Oklahoma, That Was Then, This Is Now by S. E. Hinton follows 16-year-old Bryon Douglas and his adopted brother Mark Jennings as they navigate the challenges of adolescence amid social upheaval. When Bryon discovers Mark's involvement in drug dealing, he calls the police, fracturing their relationship and illustrating their divergent paths to adulthood. The book includes trauma resulting from substance use and family violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
That Was Then, This Is Now by S. E. Hinton is praised for its realistic portrayal of adolescent struggles and complex characters, reflecting on friendship and growth. Critics appreciate Hinton's gritty narrative style but note the somber tone and some predictability in the plot. Overall, it remains a powerful exploration of youth and change.
Who Should Read That Was Then, This Is Now?
Readers who would enjoy That Was Then, This Is Now by S. E. Hinton are typically teens and young adults interested in coming-of-age stories exploring themes of friendship, change, and moral dilemmas. Fans of The Outsiders and John Green's novels like Looking for Alaska may find this book particularly compelling.
RecommendedReading Age
12-18yearsLexile Level
780LBook Details
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Relationships: Friendship
Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal
Trauma / Abuse / Violence