#Free short stories for teens how to
The story also showcases the power of character voice, and can be paired with a number of exercises on how to develop character voice in fiction writing. As the first tale in Saunders’ short story collection Tenth of December, Victory Lap teaches a great lesson in character building. In addition to his standout prose, he also knows how to tell a lesson through short stories. George Saunders just might be one of the greatest fiction writers of the modern era. Cell One is a standout story about familial relationships, struggles between parents and children, and among siblings, which can be relatable for teens of any background.Ĭell One also offers an insightful look at Nigerian history and politics, showing how the breakdown of civilian laws in society can echo the struggles in a family structure. In a short story collection called The Thing Around Your Neck, Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie touches on themes like equality, politics and family relationships. When read side-by-side, students can compare and contrast the two perspectives. This is a unique approach to storytelling that can offer many lessons in voice, character, and gender for student writers. McGregor reimagined the story a decade later, writing In Winter the Sky - the same story, but from a female perspective. In his 2002 short story, What the Sky Sees, McGregor tells the tale of a male teen who causes a terrifying accident, then tries to live with the aftermath. Jon McGregor’s stories often discuss ordinary characters and rural themes. When you’re looking for exciting, meaningful material, refer to this list of contemporary short stories your students are guaranteed to love. For high school students in particular, short stories provide a platform for teaching about both the English language and life itself. Short stories offer a wealth of teaching opportunities for students of all ages.