* It resonated with readers: Hinton was surprised by the book's popularity and how it resonated with readers. She saw it as a personal story about her own teenage experiences but didn't expect it to connect so deeply with so many people. This connection is what made the book a classic.
* It addressed important issues: Hinton wanted to explore the themes of social class, belonging, and understanding in *The Outsiders*. She felt these were important issues facing teenagers, and she wanted to give a voice to those who felt misunderstood or marginalized.
* It promoted empathy and understanding: Hinton hoped that by showing the world from the perspective of the "outsiders," the book would foster empathy and understanding between different groups of people.
* It challenged stereotypes: Hinton was also aware of the stereotypes surrounding "greasers" and "socs," and she wanted to break those down. She wanted to show that people can be more complex than their social labels suggest.
Ultimately, Hinton is proud of *The Outsiders* and its impact. She has expressed that the book resonated with her deeply, and she is happy that it has helped so many readers understand and appreciate different perspectives.
Keep in mind that Hinton has often said she writes "for kids" and that *The Outsiders* is not an autobiography, but rather a fictionalized version of her teenage experiences.