KIDS

Whether your child is a reluctant or ravenous reader, short stories can provide a sweet introduction to new authors, writing styles and genres. For kids with limited attention spans, short stories can capture them with fast-moving plots and fully developed characters. And while there is absolutely nothing wrong with having a favorite genre, sometimes readers need a “break,” but struggle to move on to something new. Short stories can help by introducing a variety of authors, writing styles and genres, all within the covers of a single book!

Short story collections allow a reader to dip a toe into a new genre or style, without feeling overwhelmed to finish the entire volume. Most importantly, short stories provide great opportunities for family discussions. Choose one day a week or month to read aloud an age-appropriate short story as a family to spark conversation. 

Here are some suggested short story collections for a variety of grades and ages.

The Quiet Boat Ride and Other Stories. Sergio Ruzzier. Preschool to grade 1. Also available on Hoopla.

Fox & Chick seldom agree, but remain strong friends in this second book in Sergio Ruzzier’s Fox & Chick series. Pragmatic Fox and worrier Chick couldn’t be more different, which adds humor and warmth to the stories. A perfect series for early readers who aren’t quite ready for chapter books, as well as anyone who loves Mo Willems’ Elephant and Piggie books. 

Tales for Very Picky Eaters. Josh Schneider. Grades K-3. Also available as an audiobook on Hoopla. 

Filled with delightful and absurd illustrations, even the pickiest of eaters will laugh out loud at the preposterous tales James’ father tells him to get James to eat broccoli, eggs, oatmeal and more.

Freestyle Frenzy and Other Stories. David Lubar. Grades 2-5.

Lubar is the king of zany stories that keep reluctant readers entranced and entertained with these short, fast-paced tales that range from warped to creepy.

Fable Comics. Edited by Chris Duffy. Grades 3-6.

A unique introduction to ancient fables and myths presented in comic book style, featuring a variety of cartoonists.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark: Collected from Folklore. Retold by Alvin Schwartz. Grades 3-6.

A classic that’s continued to send shivers down the spines of generations of kids, this is a great collection to share as a family read aloud.  The complete anthology is available as an audiobook on Hoopla. New readers in grades K-3 may enjoy In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories, also available on Hoopla.

Don’t Turn Out the Lights: A Tribute to Alvin Schwartz’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. Grades 4-8. Edited by Jonathan Maberry. Award-winning horror writer Jonathan Maberry didn’t read Schwartz’s outstanding series until he was an adult, but reading Scary Stories for the first time huddled around a campfire alone in the woods gave him the chills. He gathered fellow authors to create a spooky and weird tribute of more than 30 stories to creep out readers. Kids (and adults) who enjoyed Schwartz's collections will devour these! 

Flying Lessons & Other Stories. Edited by Ellen Oh. Grades 4-6. 

 From basketball dreams and family fiascoes to first crushes and new neighborhoods, this collection of ten short stories, written by award-winning children's authors, celebrates the uniqueness and universality in all of us.

Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices. Edited by S.K. Ali and Aisha Saeed. Grades 3-7. Also available on Hoopla.

This collection of short stories showcases the most brilliant Muslim voices writing today, all about the most joyful holiday of the year: Eid! Eid: The short, single-syllable word conjures up a variety of feelings and memories for Muslims. Maybe it's waking up to the sound of frying samosas and simmering pistachio kheer, maybe it's the pleasure of putting on a new outfit for Eid prayers, or maybe it's the gift giving and holiday parties to come that day. Whatever it may be, for those who cherish this day of celebration, the emotional responses may be summed up in another short and sweet word: joy.