10 Short Stories For High School Students

Do you think only the big-sized novels help students learn about plot, ideas, and characters?

While novels are a helpful way to delve into writing styles, there’s something unique about short stories. As students reach high school, their minds naturally open to the concepts of life, identity, right and wrong, and global events.

That is the right time to introduce them to short stories. These reading pieces are capable of grasping attention, as they are filled with twists, questions about life, and realistic scenarios.

Short stories work well in quick classrooms where teachers can begin with a story, complete reading, and spark discussions among curious minds. As they do not take an expansive amount of time, they are ideal for meaningful reading experiences. Most of them can also help students be creative with story starters for high school, allowing them to think through multiple perspectives.

10 Short Stories Shaping Perspectives of High Schoolers

Understanding from only one perspective or sticking to a particular way of thinking hampers creativity. Short stories charge the brain to think of varied narratives, concepts, and alternative twists. The below-mentioned stories include survival scenarios for students, understanding human psychology, societal values, and everyday occurrences.

1. Unexpected Trade

Every night, Sam felt jealous of Jordan, as Jordan was perfect in high school. He always scored great grades and performed well in activities. During a lightning storm, Sam wished to exchange his life with Jordan. At first, it was all thrilling, and later, Sam felt extreme pressure to be social, study every day, and have sleepless nights. Jordan instead felt good to be around genuine friends and carefree studying. By the end of the week, they nodded and wished the same thing that night. Back to their original lives, they felt grateful and became a little wiser.

2. The True Machine

Tom worked hard to invent a device that detected lies. He dreamed of changing the world and presented it in a business fair. One of the investors asked, “Does this device work?” Tom said, “Perfectly.” The device said, “Lie, lie, lie.” The crowd and Tom went silent!

3. The Power of a Note

Eva always chose the last seat in the class. Often unnoticed, she hardly had a say. One afternoon, she received a note saying, “Hey, you should share your ideas. They are worth listening to.” She couldn’t see anyone; however, she raised her hand. With a trembling voice, she answered the question. That day, she received another note stating, “You did so well. Regards from another last bench student.” 

4. Reliving Guilt

Liam cheated in the English exam with the help of small notes hidden in his pocket. After years, he became a teacher. In the examination hall, he noticed one student with a note hidden under the desk. That day, Liam chose honesty over punishment and educated the future towards the right direction.

5. The Night of Bravery 

Jake and Emily, the siblings, planned a short hike to a river trail in Oregon. On their way, they could not read the map well and were lost in the woods. With no signals in the phone and just a few snacks, they panicked. Jake collected dry leaves, and Emily lit a fire to spend the night under a tree. The next morning, they followed the river downstream and found a small hut. They met locals who had phones, and both had tears of relief. The siblings truly had a night of courage, bravery, and companionship.

6. The Dare that Stayed

In a fun dare game, Oliver entered an old mansion famous for its spooky vibes. As he heard footsteps echoing, someone said, “You shouldn’t have come.” That’s when he took her phone to text his friends. A message appeared: “I am here.” Right after this, the door slammed shut, and Oliver still lives in the mansion.

7. The Remote

One night, Lily looked at the sky and wondered if another world existed. Excited to watch aliens, she began talking to the sky. A figure appeared with a spaceship and asked her to enter the new world. She nodded and reached another planet where everything was heavenly. Upon her arrival, she was given a remote stating that she’s now the controller of humans living on earth. The next morning, she realized it was a dream and woke up with a remote in her hand.

8. Hiding Place

It was 1942 when Ana hid under the table, hearing deadly bombs and voices of destruction. Each step invited the fear of death. Sudden silence, and a stranger left a note outside her door: “It’s over.” That’s when Ana soaked the sunlight with freedom. History remembered the war, and Ana remembered the hiding.

9. Enchanted Path

On a golden afternoon, Elara followed a deer deep into the forests. Trees whispered secrets while the wind danced with her. The sun pulsed like a heartbeat, and butterflies flew around her. The deer paused near a silver pond and disappeared. Her reflection smiled at Elara. That’s when magic chosen the girl.

10. Mask of Fine

Nicola smiled at work and laughed at every joke. He often said that he’s fine and doing well. No one noticed his discomfort, the messy desk, or fake laughter. One day, a stranger asked him, “Are you okay?” He broke and cried while narrating his tale. His mind screamed loudly while his voice couldn’t.

Short Stories: A Way to Explore Literary Analysis and Creative Writing

• Short stories act as a starting point to understanding the bits and pieces of literature. Students get to explore the difference between a theme, a plot, a tone, and character development. 
• They create a significant impact in learning poetic devices. The concepts of irony, pride, conflict, and similar effects are well highlighted.
• Due to their diverse nature, they also help generate writing prompts for seniors. It further allows them to think openly and draft their opinions in a concise format.
• As students form their interpretations and perspectives, they can easily channel their thoughts and critical analysis.
• Short stories can be naturally transitioned into creative writing activities. Students can draft alternate endings or unexpected twists midway.

Wrapping Up

Aspiring writers, scripting enthusiasts, and novice readers can benefit from short stories in the classroom.

They not only enhance the power of imagination but also introduce high schoolers to different forms of writing. Distinctive themes, ideologies, and thoughtful interpretations of popular authors make them a resourceful tool for learning.

As they help in developing language and vocabulary, short stories are becoming a quick and accessible way to polish language and writing skills.