Why did author Hinton choose Tulsa as the location for outsiders book?

S.E. Hinton did not choose Tulsa as the location for her book *The Outsiders*. The book is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but Hinton was born and raised in Tulsa and drew heavily on her own experiences and observations of the city and its social dynamics.

Here are some reasons why Tulsa was likely a good fit for the story:

* Real-life gang culture: Tulsa, in the 1960s, had a very real and active gang culture, much like the one portrayed in the book. This gave Hinton a firsthand understanding of the social dynamics, conflicts, and struggles between groups.

* Social divides: Tulsa, like many American cities, had its own social divisions based on class, race, and socioeconomic status. Hinton's portrayal of the Greasers and Socs reflects these real-life divides.

* Personal connection: Hinton was deeply familiar with the city's landscape, its people, and its history. This allowed her to create a believable and relatable setting for her characters.

While Hinton didn't specifically choose Tulsa for the story, the city served as a natural backdrop for her exploration of teenage angst, social inequalities, and the search for identity.