Lesser-Known Short Stories Your Students Will Love

As literature teachers, we’re always looking for fresh and engaging short stories to captivate our students. While classics like “The Lottery” or “The Most Dangerous Game” remain staples, there’s a wealth of lesser-known short fiction that can spark deep discussions, critical thinking, and a love for storytelling.

Here’s a curated list of incredible short stories that your students will love, along with tips on how to use them in your classroom.

Stories That Spark Moral and Ethical Debates

• The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas (Ursula K. Le Guin) – A powerful allegory about happiness and sacrifice that will leave students questioning societal ethics.

• Button, Button (Richard Matheson) – A thought-provoking tale that pairs well with the Twilight Zone adaptation. Ask students: Would you press the button?

• The Lady, or the Tiger? (Frank R. Stockton) – A timeless classic with an open-ended question: Which door did the lover choose?

Psychological Thrillers & Horror for Discussion

• Survivor Type (Stephen King) – A chilling and gruesome survival story that pushes the limits of human endurance. *Caution! This one might be a bit much for some student populations-- per Stephen King's particular style.* 

• The Landlady (Roald Dahl) – A masterful slow-burn horror story with eerie foreshadowing.

• Paranoia (Shirley Jackson) – A suspenseful tale about fear, control, and unseen forces.

Sci-Fi & Dystopian Gems

• Speech Sounds (Octavia Butler) – A gripping dystopian tale about communication and survival.

• Marionettes, Inc. (Ray Bradbury) – A darkly humorous look at technology and human relationships.

• They’re Made Out of Meat (Terry Bisson) – A mind-bending short piece that flips human perspective on its head.

Stories with Unforgettable Twists

• A Perfect Day for Bananafish (J.D. Salinger) – A deceptive yet profound narrative that keeps students engaged.

• The Enormous Radio (John Cheever) – A fascinating look at secrets and voyeurism through an unusual radio.

• An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge (Ambrose Bierce) – A classic with a twist ending that surprises first-time readers.

Stories That Inspire Empathy & Reflection

• Fish Cheeks (Amy Tan) – A poignant personal narrative about culture and self-acceptance.

• The Flowers (Alice Walker) – A short but emotionally powerful story about innocence and history.

• A Private Experience (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie) – A moving exploration of identity and connection.

Supernatural & Fantasy Favorites

• The Very Old Man with Enormous Wings (Gabriel García Márquez) – A surreal and symbolic story about human nature.

• The Sandkings (George R.R. Martin) – A dark sci-fi horror story about power and cruelty.

• The Witch (Shirley Jackson) – A deceptively simple yet deeply unsettling tale.

Perfect for Thematic Pairings

• “Repent, Harlequin!” Said the Ticktockman (Harlan Ellison) + 1984 – A look at time, control, and rebellion.

• The Test + The Lottery – Both stories explore societal norms and blind obedience.

• Tomorrow is Too Far (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie) + Of Mice and Men – A powerful discussion on loss and memory

These stories may not be as well-known as “Harrison Bergeron” or “The Cask of Amontillado,” but they offer just as much depth and engagement. Try incorporating a few into your curriculum—you might just discover your students’ new favorite story!

Which of these have you used in your classroom? Share your favorites in the comments!