Highlight the Holidays
December 14, 2017
New Year, New Reading Posters!
December 29, 2017Best Short Stories to Read Right Now!
December 21st is National Short Story Day. There are so many benefits to reading short stories! Not only are they short, but they are a great way to get students to read new and different authors, genres, and to finish an entire piece. Reading short stories brings back the habit of daily reading, which is so important to instill in our students.
5 Short Stories for Middle and High School Students
Check out these five short stories that you can suggest to your middle and high school students. Some of these stories can be used in a lesson plan, paired with other learning activities, or be displayed as recommendations.
1| All Summer in a Day by Ray Bradbury
“One of Bradbury’s best short stories…” quote by a Good Reads reviewer. And we agree! In typical Bradbury style, this short story can analyze many different aspects of the human condition and how we treat others. The story takes place on Venus where it rains constantly, and the sun shines in only one day. Short, sweet, and impactful, this is a perfect short story for a library lesson, studying Ray Bradbury literary works, or suggestions a new genre to students.2| The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connel
1924’s version of the Hunger Games… The Most Dangerous Game has an interesting twist on the sport of hunting. Exciting and adventurous this short story also has a more in-depth substance of ideas. Its reputation is well deserved as the author grabs the reader’s attention instantly.
3| The Lady or the Tiger by Frank Stockton
American author Frank Stockton creates a questioning story about choosing between a Lady and a Tiger. In short, a man and princess love each other. The King finds out and punishes their forbidden love by forcing the man to choose between two doors. Behind door one is a tiger who will kill the man. Behind the second door is a lady, in which the man will have to marry if he opens that door. The princess can signal to him which door to open, for she knows what is behind each one. It’s quite the predicament for regardless of whichever door the man opens, the princess will lose him. This short story, like all short stories, examines character development and human nature.4| The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
As a timeless message, Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery is sure going to make you and your students think deeply about the blind following of traditions, rituals, and rules. Many reviewers of this short story make connections with the Hunger Games and other dystopian storylines.
