50 Short Stories for High School

High school is a time of learning, change, and new experiences—an important stage in life that helps shape who we become. “Short Stories for High School” is a carefully chosen collection meant to entertain, teach, and inspire students during these years. With relatable characters, different viewpoints, and engaging stories, this collection explores themes that matter to young readers.

50 Classic and Modern Short Stories for Teens

Here are a few excellent short stories for high school students, covering a range of genres and themes:

Classic Short Stories

1. "The Most Dangerous Game" – Richard Connell (Thriller, survival, ethics of hunting)
2. "The Lottery" – Shirley Jackson (Dystopian, tradition vs. morality)
3. "The Tell-Tale Heart" – Edgar Allan Poe (Psychological horror, guilt, madness)
4. "Harrison Bergeron" – Kurt Vonnegut (Dystopian, government control, individuality)
5. "The Necklace" – Guy de Maupassant (Irony, materialism, fate)

Modern & Thought-Provoking Stories

1. "Everyday Use" – Alice Walker (Family, heritage, identity)
2. "The Scarlet Ibis" – James Hurst (Guilt, pride, sibling relationships)
3. "There Will Come Soft Rains" – Ray Bradbury (Science fiction, technology, nature)
4. "Girl" – Jamaica Kincaid (Mother-daughter relationships, societal expectations)
5. "The Paper Menagerie" – Ken Liu (Magical realism, cultural identity, family love)