What are the characteristics of great middle school short stories?

The characters in these stories are often relatable. In 'The Lottery', the townspeople seem like ordinary people at first, which makes the shocking ending more impactful. And the settings are diverse. Some are set in small towns like in 'A Sound of Thunder', while others can be in a more fantastical place like Venus in 'All Summer in a Day'.

They often have a sense of mystery. For example, the settings are usually in some isolated or old - fashioned places like an abandoned house or a spooky forest. This creates an immediate atmosphere of unease. Also, they might involve some sort of supernatural element, such as ghosts or strange curses.

Most of them have a clear moral or lesson. Like in 'The Tortoise and the Hare', it teaches about the value of perseverance. Also, they usually have a relatively straightforward plot to keep the young readers engaged without getting them too confused.

One characteristic is the presence of mystery. There are often things that are not immediately clear, like a missing object or a strange event. For example, in a typical middle school inference short story, a student might find a strange note in the library and has to infer who left it and why. Another characteristic is the use of clues. The author will plant little hints throughout the story that the reader has to pick up on to solve the mystery. Also, the characters usually have to think critically. They can't just accept things at face value but have to analyze and infer what's really going on.

One characteristic is that they usually have relatively simple language. Since they are aimed at middle school students, the vocabulary and sentence structures are not overly complex. For example, in 'The Outsiders', the language is straightforward, making it easy for students to understand the story. Another characteristic is that they often deal with themes relevant to middle school students, like friendship, family, and growing up. In 'Bridge to Terabithia', the friendship between the two main characters is a central theme.

They often have relatable characters. For example, the protagonists are usually around middle - school age or deal with issues that middle school students can understand, like friendship problems or family dynamics. They also tend to be concise yet impactful, getting their message across in a short amount of time.

Online middle school fantasy short stories usually have a simple yet engaging plot. Since they are aimed at middle school students, they don't get overly complicated. They often focus on themes like friendship, courage, and self - discovery. The characters are relatable for middle schoolers, like a shy student who discovers a magical power within himself and has to use it to save his friends. The writing style is also more accessible, with shorter sentences and easier vocabulary compared to adult fantasy stories.

One characteristic is that they are usually set in a specific historical period. For example, if it's about the Middle Ages, it will have details like the clothing, the social hierarchy, and the way of life back then. Another is that they often have a young protagonist. This helps middle school students to relate to the story more easily. And they tend to simplify the historical events to some extent so that they are understandable for the target age group.

A third great middle school novel is 'Charlotte's Web' by E.B. White. It's a heartwarming story about a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte. It teaches important lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the cycle of life in a simple yet profound way.

Well, 'All Summer in a Day' by Ray Bradbury is a remarkable middle school short story. It's set on Venus where it rains all the time except for one day every seven years. It explores themes like jealousy among children. Then there's 'The Scarlet Ibis' by James Hurst. It's a poignant story about a boy and his disabled brother, with themes of pride and love. Also, 'A Sound of Thunder' by Bradbury is great, it's about time travel and how small actions can have huge consequences.