The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
This is an old one. Classic YA. First published in the 1960s. It’s been released with the Penguin “Originals” cover and branding which is what drew me to it (and the others below) – love these covers. In the simplest terms, it’s a short novel depicting the conflict between gangs across a social divide – the rich kids vs the greasers. The beauty of it, for me, is in the main character, ‘Ponyboy’ who is a greaser, from the wrong side of the tracks, broken home etc etc. He transcends the stereotypes; he’s compassionate, fiercely loyal, and caught up in a murder, which gets you questioning…what would you do…?
Classic YA, raw and honest. You can read this in one sitting. Stays with you.