Don't have the time or attention span to read an entire novel? Try a short story! Short stories still have a beginning, middle and end, but their length makes them appealing to a wide audience. They also make great read aloud choices because you can finish the story in one sitting. No cliffhangers!
This list of short story anthologies for middle grade readers (ages 8-13) includes a variety of genres, such as realism, funny stories, sports, science fiction, even graphic novels. Often, each anthology contains representations of different narrative formats so kids get to sample a lot of different writing styles and voices.
Most of the short story collections on this list, but not all, include works by multiple authors. That means, if a readers loves one author's story they can head to the library shelves to find more works by them. Win-Win.
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Table of contents
Short Story Anthologies
The Chronicles of Harris Burdick: 14 Amazing Authors Tell the Tales, edited by Chris Van Allsburg
In 1984 Chris Van Allsburg published his picture book, The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, a series of 14 drawings that left readers puzzled over the enigmatic Burdick. Now, 14 tales by prominent children's authors like Kate DiCamillo, Lois Lowry, Jon Scieszka, and Linda Sue Park attempt to answer the question, "Who is Harris Burdick?" If that sounds confusing to you, don't worry! Fans of folktales and quirky set-ups will love this anthology. Each story is preceded by one of the illustrations so you don't need the original picture book, but it's fun to have on hand so kids can look at the corresponding illustration while you read the short story aloud. Highly recommended!
Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever. edited by Betsy Bird
These short stories by female authors are hilarious. For. Real. Readers will recognize many of the authors' names: Lisa Graff, Raina Telgemeier, Cece Bell, Libby Bray–to name just a few. The topics range from grandmothers to puberty. And, guess what, boys can read these funny stories about girls, too.
MORE: Funny Middle Grade Books (ages 8-13)
Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Ancestor Approved is a collection of short stories by Native American authors. The book is structured around an intertribal powwow in which the authors tell their stories. Tales range from funny and silly to serious. Topics cover an incredible range of issues making this not just a book in which Native kids can see their lives reflected, but a must-read anthology for non-Natives that will promote a deeper understanding of Native life.
MORE: Middle Grade Books by Indigenous Authors
Flying Lessons & Other Stories, edited by Ellen Oh
Tween readers who prefer short stories to novels will enjoy this collection of inclusive stories. There's a story about pirate capture, a wheelchair basketball team, a Star Wars geek. There are first crushes, super powers, friendships, embarrassing parents–all of which middle grade readers will find instantly recognizable.
Guys Read: The Sports Pages, edited by Jon Scieszka
This is a fun collection of 10 sports themed short stories by stellar children's authors. Guys Read is a series aimed at encouraging boys to read, but girls will love the books, too. Authors include Anne Ursu, Jacqueline Woodson, Joseph Joseph Bruchac and Dan Gutman. A variety of sports are represented. I highly recommend the whole Guys Read series.
MORE: Sports-Themed Middle Grade (ages 8-13) Books
Guys Read: Other Worlds ed. by Jon Scieszka. My only quibble with the Guys Read series is the "Guys" label. I get the idea, but of course gals will really enjoy these exciting stories, too. A stellar line up of authors, including Shannon Hale, Tom Angleberger and Rebecca Stead are included in this collection of science fiction short stories. It even includes a new Percy Jackson tale.
MORE: Out of this World Science Fiction Novels for Kids
You Are Here: Connecting Flights, edited by Ellen Oh
This compelling middle grade novel is a collection of interwoven stories detailing the experiences of several Southeast Asian and East Asian American families at a Chicago airport. The stories are written by twelve different authors and explore identity, friendship, and family relationships. Some of the interactions of the characters cause ripple effects throughout the airport, and the protagonists of the stories learn how to speak up for themselves. I found it hard to put down this book, and so will young readers.
A Little Bit Super: With Small Powers Come Big Problems, edited by Leah Henderson and Gary Schmidt
Anthologies are great reading choices for kids who have short attention spans. It's easy to read just a little bit at a time. This anthology of thirteen short stories by a diverse group of talented middle grade authors are about kids who each have a unique super power (both real and imagined), like time jumping and shape-shifting. The stories are told in different formats such as comic books and verse, as well as traditional narratives.
Black Boy Joy, edited by Kwame Mbalia
Mbalia writes in the introduction, "I want you to be happy." And you will be if you read this book! Seventeen Black authors write stories about the fun and excitement of growing up and learning about the world. Mbalia's three part story creates a narrative thread but all the stories can be read independently. Truly a joy to read.
MORE: Middle Grade Books (ages 8-13) by Black Authors
Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices, ed. by S. K. Ali and Aisha Saeed
This marvelous anthology includes short stories, poems and comics featuring a wide range of diverse voices, experiences and traditions. The variety of writing styles is a delightful surprise!
MORE: Middle Grade Books with Muslim Protagonists
Zlateh the Goat and Other Stories by Isaac Bashevis Singer, illustrated by Maurice Sendak
If you are not familiar with Chelm, Singer's book of short stories is a great introduction. In Jewish folklore, Chelm came into being when an angel, tasked with distributing a sack of fools around the world, tripped and spilled them all in one place! Chelm is a village of fools and the seven Elders are the most foolish of all. There are seven stories in all, each with a little lesson to be gleaned, but read them for the light-hearted humor and a few giggles. Ages 5 and up.
Graphic Novel Anthologies
Fairy Tale Comics, edited by Chris Duffy
If what you are looking for is amusing adaptations of beloved, classic fairy tales in a graphic format, look no further. This collection includes seventeen tales, retold by familiar names to fans of graphic novels, like Raina Telgemeier and Cherise Harper. I love that the selected fairy tales are an eclectic mix of well-known stories like "Little Red Riding Hood" and Brothers Grimm's "The Twelve Dancing Princesses," as well lesser known fairy tales like the Japanese tale, "The Boy Who Drew Cats." Reders will also enjoy Fable Comics: Amazing Cartoonists Take On Classic Fables from Aesop and Beyond. Ages 6 and up.
Trickster: Native American Tales, A Graphic Collection edited by Matt Dembicki
My kids and I love trickster tales, which is why I checked this one out. I didn't get a chance to read all of the stories, but my 11-year-old did. His verdict was that they were good. I asked if he thought they were appropriate for his age and he said, "Yes, except maybe not two of them." So I'm recommending this for the upper age limit of this list. Ages 11 and up.
Comics Squad (series) by Jennifer L. Holm, etc.al.
Not quite a graphic novel, more of a "short comic story collection", each edition of Comics Squad contains several hilarious comics by well-respected authors and illustrators. I like that young readers will experience a variety of story-telling and illustrative styles. Kids will want to search out more works by the individual authors after reading the whole series! Ages 7 and up.
MORE: Funny Graphic Novel Series
Black Heroes of the Wild West by James Otis Smith
Yes, indeed, there were many Black heroes in the Wild West and they led fascinating lives, as this graphic novel will show you. Smith shares the tales of Mary Fields, aka “Stagecoach Mary,” Bass Reeves, the first black Deputy U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi, and Bob Lemmons, a talented horseman. The stories are fascinating, and Smith shares interesting historical facts and background in extensive endnotes.
Wendy Burch Jones says
Might I also suggest "Today I Am: 10 Stories of Belonging," edited by Jael Richardson. https://www2.scholastic.ca/rights/books/today-i-am-10-stories-of-belonging/
Erica says
Thank you for the recommendation!