80 Short Stories for Middle School

Short stories are a great way to help middle school students enjoy reading. They are short, interesting, and easy to relate to, making them perfect for learning in the classroom. This guide provides ideas and tips to help teachers and students explore short stories while building thinking skills and creativity.

80 Captivating Short Stories for Middle School Readers

Here are a few great short stories for middle school students, with a mix of classic and modern tales, covering themes of adventure, mystery, morals, and coming-of-age:

Classic Short Stories

1. "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson – A chilling story about tradition and conformity.
2. "The Monkey’s Paw" by W.W. Jacobs – A suspenseful tale about a cursed object and unintended consequences.
3. "The Necklace" by Guy de Maupassant – A lesson on materialism and fate.
4. "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe – A gripping psychological thriller.
5. "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" by Rudyard Kipling – A story of bravery and survival.

Modern & Thought-Provoking Short Stories

1. "All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury – A sci-fi story about bullying and jealousy on Venus.
2. "Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto – A relatable story about middle school and young crushes.
3. "Thank You, Ma’am" by Langston Hughes – A heartwarming story about kindness and redemption.
4. "The Paper Menagerie" by Ken Liu – A beautiful mix of fantasy and family dynamics.
5. "The Treasure of Lemon Brown" by Walter Dean Myers – A story about unexpected friendships and life lessons.