S. E. Hinton's Tex captivates readers with its compelling portrayal of adolescence and brotherhood. The characters are well-developed, and Hinton's authentic dialogue resonates. Critics praise its emotional depth and relatability. However, some find the plot predictable and slower-paced. Overall, Tex remains a heartfelt narrative, appreciated for its realism and warmth.

Readers who would enjoy Tex by S. E. Hinton are typically teens and young adults who appreciate realistic, emotionally driven narratives about youth. Fans of Hinton's other works, such as The Outsiders and That Was Then, This Is Now, or those who enjoy J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, would find this book particularly engaging.

In the 1970s Oklahoma, teen Tex McCormick navigates life with his older brother, Mason, while their father, Pop, is often absent in S. E. Hinton’s young adult novel Tex. Tex experiences highs and lows, from bonding over adventures to facing consequences of rash decisions, culminating in a journey of self-discovery and familial responsibility as Mason contemplates his future. The book deals with themes such as abandonment, teen angst, and substance use.

Gritty / Challenging / Bittersweet / Emotional

- Tex was published in 1979 and is one of S. E. Hinton's novels focusing on young adult themes, having been written when Hinton was just a few years past her teenage years.
- Actor Emilio Estevez, who later became well-known for his roles in films like The Breakfast Club and The Mighty Ducks, starred as Tex in the 1982 film adaptation of the novel.
- The book Tex was inspired by and set in the author's home state of Oklahoma, which serves as the backdrop for many of S. E. Hinton's stories.

**Texas "Tex" McCormick**  
A laid-back fifteen-year-old from a small Oklahoma town with a special bond with animals, struggling to define himself amidst a negligent father and a responsible older brother.

**Mason McCormick**  
Tex's older brother who is disciplined and responsible, aspiring to leave their hometown through a basketball scholarship, and acts as a protective figure for Tex.

**"Pop" McCormick**  
The often-absent father of Mason and assumed father of Tex, who travels with the rodeo circuit, engages in dubious ventures, and shows little consideration for anyone but himself.

**Jamie Collins**  
A strong-willed and independent young woman with four older brothers who navigates her feelings for Tex while expressing a desire for autonomy and demonstrating insightful perspectives beyond teenage impulses.

S. E. Hinton

Middle grade

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