Most of them have a clear moral or lesson. Like in 'The Tortoise and the Hare', it teaches about the value of perseverance. Also, they usually have a relatively straightforward plot to keep the young readers engaged without getting them too confused.
One story could be: A middle - schooler found a lost dog on his way to school. He took it to the school office, and they managed to find the owner. It was a simple act of kindness.
Another theme is self - discovery. Middle school is a time when kids start to figure out who they are. Stories might be about a student finding a new hobby or realizing they have a talent for something like writing or music. For example, a student who thought they were bad at sports discovers they are good at running long distances.
Sure. 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry is a great short story. It's about a young couple who are very poor but sacrifice their most precious possessions to buy gifts for each other. Another one is 'The Most Dangerous Game' by Richard Connell, which tells a thrilling story of a hunter becoming the hunted on an isolated island.
The characters in these stories are often relatable. In 'The Lottery', the townspeople seem like ordinary people at first, which makes the shocking ending more impactful. And the settings are diverse. Some are set in small towns like in 'A Sound of Thunder', while others can be in a more fantastical place like Venus in 'All Summer in a Day'.
One interesting middle school short story could be about a shy student who overcomes his fear of public speaking during a school debate. He practices hard in secret and finally surprises everyone with his confident performance.
Good middle school short stories often have relatable characters. For example, characters who are going through typical middle - school experiences like making friends or dealing with schoolwork. This makes it easy for middle school students to connect with the story.
Another good one is 'Thank You, Ma'am' by Langston Hughes. This story is about a boy who tries to steal a woman's purse but instead she shows him kindness and understanding. It's a simple yet powerful story that teaches about empathy and second chances. It's short enough for middle school students to understand easily and the characters are vividly drawn.
They often have a sense of mystery. For example, the settings are usually in some isolated or old - fashioned places like an abandoned house or a spooky forest. This creates an immediate atmosphere of unease. Also, they might involve some sort of supernatural element, such as ghosts or strange curses.
One of the best middle school short stories is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It's a thought - provoking story that shows how blindly following tradition can lead to cruel outcomes. The plot is set in a small town where an annual lottery is held, but the 'prize' is not what one would expect.