What are some good nonfiction short stories to start with?

Also, 'Ain't I a Woman?' by Sojourner Truth is an excellent nonfiction short story. It's about the fight for women's rights and equality, especially for African - American women. Truth's strong words and her experience as a slave and then as an advocate for rights make it a very impactful read for 9th graders.

Another is 'The Story of My Life' by Helen Keller. It details her journey from a world of silence and darkness to one of knowledge and communication. It's very inspiring for 9th graders as it shows the power of determination and the human spirit.

One good example is 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It's a semi - autobiographical account that delves into the mental state of a woman. Another is 'A Brief History of Time' by Stephen Hawking. While it's mainly about science, it's written in a way that tells a story of our understanding of the universe. Also, 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot. It combines the story of Henrietta Lacks and the important medical and ethical issues related to her cells.

Some great nonfiction middle school short stories include 'Unbroken' which tells the remarkable story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who endures incredible hardships during World War II. There's also 'The Omnivore's Dilemma' which explores the food chain and where our food comes from in a very accessible way for middle schoolers. Additionally, 'Brown Girl Dreaming' by Jacqueline Woodson is a beautiful memoir in verse that gives insights into her life growing up as an African - American in the 1960s and 1970s.

One great nonfiction short story is 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It's a powerful account of a woman's descent into madness, which was based on Gilman's own experiences with the rest cure. Another is 'A Room of One's Own' by Virginia Woolf, which explores the importance of female independence and creativity through various real - life examples and observations. Also, 'Shooting an Elephant' by George Orwell is a remarkable piece that reflects on the nature of imperialism from his own experiences in Burma.

You could start with 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry. It's a classic that shows the selfless love between a young couple. Another great one is 'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant, which has a surprising ending about a woman's pursuit of social status.

I would recommend 'Penguin Book of the Modern American Short Story'. It has stories that really capture the essence of modern American life. The stories in this anthology are diverse in terms of plot, character, and writing style. Also, 'The O. Henry Prize Stories' is a great choice. Every year, it showcases some of the best short stories, and you can discover new and talented authors through it.

First, find a topic you're passionate about. It could be a personal experience, a historical event, or a social issue. Then, start with a strong opening that grabs the reader's attention, like a vivid description or an interesting anecdote. For example, if you're writing about a trip, start with the most exciting moment of the journey.

One scary nonfiction story is 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote. It tells the true story of a brutal murder in a small town, which is quite chilling. Another is 'The Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson. It weaves together the story of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the actions of a serial killer at the same time. There's also 'Helter Skelter' about the Manson Family murders, which is extremely disturbing.

Well, 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich' by Leo Tolstoy. Although it's a fictional story, it has elements of nonfiction in the way it portrays the human condition. It shows how a man faces death and his inner thoughts during his illness. 'Civil Disobedience' by Henry David Thoreau is also a good nonfiction narrative short story. It tells about Thoreau's experience of refusing to pay taxes as a form of protest against slavery and the Mexican - American War.