The Best American Short Stories for High School Students: A Guide

As a high school student, one of the best ways to improve your reading and writing skills is by reading short stories. Short stories are compact, easy to read, and often pack a powerful punch. They can be insightful, thought-provoking, and even life-changing.

If you are looking to explore the world of short stories, then the Best American Short Stories series is an excellent place to start. Each year, a new collection of stories is published, and they are chosen by a different editor. These collections contain works by some of the best and most promising writers in America.

Here are some of the best American short story collections for high school students:

1. The Best American Short Stories 2019 (Edited by Anthony Doerr)

This collection includes twenty of the best and most diverse stories published in American magazines and journals in 2018. The stories cover a wide range of topics, from love and loss to race and identity. Some of the standout stories in this collection include “How We Eat” by Mark Bibbins, and “Aquarium” by Kathy Oltion.

2. The Best American Short Stories 2018 (Edited by Roxane Gay)

Roxane Gay, the editor of this collection, is a renowned writer and social commentator. In her introduction, she says that the stories she selected are “unapologetically complex”. They deal with difficult topics such as race, gender, and power dynamics. Some of the standout stories in this collection include “Bone Density” by Aja Gabel, and “Underfed” by Kirstin Valdez Quade.

3. The Best American Short Stories 2017 (Edited by Meg Wolitzer)

Meg Wolitzer, the editor of this collection, is best known for her novel “The Interestings”. In this collection, she chose stories that are “intimate, surprising, and humane”. These stories explore the complexities of human relationships and feelings. Some of the standout stories in this collection include “Negative Space” by Lily Tuck, and “The World to Come” by Jim Shepard.

4. The Best American Short Stories 2016 (Edited by Junot Diaz)

Junot Diaz is a Pulitzer Prize winner and a celebrated writer. In this collection, he chose stories that are both “poignant and playful”. These stories address important issues such as race, immigration, and violence. Some of the standout stories in this collection include “Vampires in the Lemon Grove” by Karen Russell, and “The Weirdest Story I Ever Heard” by Jeffrey Eugenides.

5. The Best American Short Stories 2015 (Edited by T.C. Boyle)

T.C. Boyle is a professor of creative writing and a prolific writer himself. In this collection, he chose stories that he felt were “daring, sharp, and deeply rooted in life”. These stories are thought-provoking and cover a wide range of topics. Some of the standout stories in this collection include “The Flicker of Old Dreams” by Susan Henderson, and “The Relive Box” by T.C. Boyle himself.

In conclusion, reading short stories can be an excellent way to improve your reading and writing skills. The Best American Short Stories series is an excellent place to start, as it contains some of the best and most diverse stories published in America each year. By exploring these collections, you can discover new writers, explore different genres, and expand your horizons. Happy reading!