In 'best ya short stories', there might be a story about a young person's adventure in a strange land. This would be exciting as it takes the reader on a journey of discovery. There could also be a story about a family secret that gets revealed, causing chaos and self - discovery for the young characters. And perhaps a story about a teen who has to stand up against injustice in their small town, which can be inspiring for young readers.
Well, 'The Lottery' could be one. It's a really thought - provoking short story that shows how blindly following traditions can lead to horror. Another might be 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' which is full of complex characters and moral ambiguity. And 'The Yellow Wallpaper' is also great as it delves into the mental state of a woman in a very interesting and disturbing way.
They often have relatable characters. For example, in 'The Gift of the Magi', the young couple is in a situation that many can understand - being poor but deeply in love. Also, they usually have a clear theme. Like in 'The Lottery', the theme of blindly following tradition is very distinct. And they tend to be concise yet impactful, getting the message across in a short space like 'A Sound of Thunder' does with its warning about messing with nature.
One of the great short stories could be 'The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas' which is often considered a classic in Tor short stories. It presents a thought - provoking scenario about a utopian society with a dark secret.
Well, some might include stories that deal with complex human emotions. For example, there could be stories about love and loss. But without actually reading through the collection in detail, it's hard to name specific ones.
One of the well - known ones is 'The Call of Cthulhu'. It's a classic that introduces the terrifying Cthulhu entity and its cult. The story builds a sense of dread through its descriptions of strange happenings and the discovery of ancient, otherworldly knowledge.
There could also be stories that are more about the adventure aspect. Picture a fisherman setting out on a remote lake or sea, facing unexpected challenges like a sudden storm. The story would detail how they deal with these difficulties while still trying to catch fish. It might talk about their survival skills and the beauty of the natural world around them during such trying times.
Some of the well-known editors for YA fiction short stories include those who have a proven track record in understanding the nuances of young adult literature and the art of concise storytelling.
One great coming of age short story is 'The Most Dangerous Game' by Richard Connell. It shows a young man's growth in the face of extreme danger. Another is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson, which makes the young protagonist and readers question the traditions they've grown up with. Also, 'A&P' by John Updike is good. It tells about a young store clerk's moment of realization about society and his own place in it.
Well, 'The Most Dangerous Game' is a classic YA short story. It's full of adventure and suspense as a hunter becomes the hunted. 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant is also a must - read. It shows the power of pride and how it can lead to a downfall. Then there's 'The Cask of Amontillado' by Edgar Allan Poe, which is a dark and thrilling story of revenge.
One great short fantasy story is 'The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas' by Ursula K. Le Guin. It presents a seemingly utopian society with a dark underbelly. Another is 'The Emperor's New Clothes' which, while often seen as a children's story, has strong fantasy elements as it deals with the absurdity of a society that refuses to see the truth. Also, 'The Sandman' by E.T.A. Hoffmann is a classic short fantasy. It's about a man who falls in love with a beautiful but ultimately unobtainable woman created by a magician.
Well, 'The Little Match Girl' by Hans Christian Andersen can be considered a great short fantasy short story. It's a poignant tale where the girl has these visions while freezing in the cold. 'The Sandman' is also a classic in the short fantasy realm. It has an eerie and dream - like quality. Oh, and don't forget 'The Fisherman and His Soul' which is full of rich fantasy elements like mermaids and souls being separated.