Capturing middle schoolers’ attention with literature can be a challenge, but the right short stories can make all the difference! These 10 short stories for middle school are perfect for sparking curiosity, encouraging critical thinking, and making literary analysis more engaging. From suspenseful twists to meaningful life lessons, these stories offer rich themes and relatable characters that will keep your students hooked. Scroll down and get ready to transform your classroom discussions with these captivating reads!
10 short stories for middle school
The following selections cover a variety of genres, themes, and reading levels, ensuring there’s something for every student.
1. “Seventh Grade” – Gary Soto
This humorous and relatable story follows Victor, a middle school boy, as he navigates the challenges of first crushes and trying to impress his classmates. Set in a school environment, it explores themes of self-identity, peer pressure, and confidence.
Why Middle Schoolers Love It:
- Funny and realistic portrayal of middle school life
- Relatable characters and situations
- Encourages discussions about personal growth and social interactions
Source to Read: Read the full text of Seventh Grade.
2. “All Summer in a Day” – Ray Bradbury
This sci-fi classic takes place on Venus, where it rains constantly except for one hour every seven years. A young girl, Margot, is locked away by her jealous classmates and misses the rare sunshine. The story explores themes of bullying, isolation, and the consequences of cruelty.
Why Middle Schoolers Love It:
- Thought-provoking science fiction setting
- Engages with themes of empathy and fairness
- Sparks discussions on peer relationships and consequences
Source to Read: Read the full text of All Summer in a Day.
3. “The Scholarship Jacket” – Marta Salinas
This poignant story follows Martha, an eighth-grade student in Texas, who has earned the school’s prestigious scholarship jacket through years of hard work and academic excellence. However, she faces an unexpected challenge when school officials consider awarding the jacket to another student whose parents can afford to pay for it. The narrative delves into themes of integrity, perseverance, and the value of true merit.
Why Middle Schoolers Love It:
- Relatable protagonist facing ethical dilemmas
- Explores themes of fairness and justice
- Encourages discussions about personal values and standing up for oneself
Source to Read: Read the full text of The Scholarship Jacket.
4. “The Stolen Party” – Liliana Heker
This powerful story follows Rosaura, a young girl from a lower-income family, as she attends the birthday party of a wealthy classmate. She believes she belongs until an unexpected moment reveals the stark social divide between them. The story explores themes of classism, innocence, and social inequality.
Why Middle Schoolers Love It:
- Strong emotional impact
- Encourages discussions on privilege and discrimination
- Helps students analyze social dynamics
Source to Read: Read the full text of The Stolen Party.
5. “The Landlady” – Roald Dahl
A suspenseful and eerie story about a young man, Billy Weaver, who checks into a mysterious bed and breakfast. He soon realizes that the landlady is hiding a sinister secret. This chilling tale introduces students to foreshadowing and suspense in literature.
Why Middle Schoolers Love It:
- Builds suspense and keeps readers engaged
- Great introduction to mystery and horror genres
- Sparks discussions on literary techniques like foreshadowing
Source to Read: Read the full text of The Landlady.
6. “Flowers for Algernon” – Daniel Keyes
This touching story follows Charlie, a man with an intellectual disability who undergoes an experimental procedure to increase his intelligence. Through journal entries, readers witness his journey, triumphs, and heartbreaking realizations.
Why Middle Schoolers Love It:
- Deeply emotional and thought-provoking
- Explores themes of intelligence, ethics, and self-worth
- Great for discussing character development and point of view
Source to Read: Read the full text of Flowers for Algernon.
7. “Marigolds” – Eugenia Collier
A coming-of-age story about Lizabeth, a girl who experiences a defining moment of realization and maturity. The story explores poverty, innocence, and the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Why Middle Schoolers Love It:
- Strong emotional and thematic depth
- Explores personal growth and change
- Encourages reflection on past experiences
Source to Read: Read the full text of Marigolds.
8. “Charles” – Shirley Jackson
This humorous story follows a young boy, Laurie, who comes home from school each day telling wild tales about a mischievous classmate named Charles—only for readers to discover a surprising twist.
Why Middle Schoolers Love It:
- Fun and engaging twist-ending
- Relatable school setting
- Encourages discussions on character perception and storytelling
Source to Read: Read the full text of Charles.
9. “Raymond’s Run” – Toni Cade Bambara
A heartwarming story about Squeaky, a fiercely independent girl who takes care of her brother with disabilities while also training for a big race. The story explores themes of family, self-identity, and compassion.
Why Middle Schoolers Love It:
- Strong, relatable protagonist
- Celebrates perseverance and family bonds
- Encourages discussions on empathy and personal growth
Source to Read: Read the full text of Raymond’s Run.
10. “Eleven” – Sandra Cisneros
This reflective story captures the experience of turning eleven and feeling a mix of emotions as a young girl, Rachel, faces an embarrassing moment in class. It explores themes of growing up, identity, and emotional expression.
Why Middle Schoolers Love It:
- Relatable feelings of growing up
- Captures childhood emotions vividly
- Great for discussions on self-perception and identity
Source to Read: Read the full text of Eleven.
Final thoughts
These short stories for middle school aren’t just literary tools—they’re gateways to empathy, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of reading. Pair them with creative activities like reader’s theater, comic strip adaptations, or “what-if” rewriting exercises to maximize engagement. Happy teaching!
