Homeschool Short Stories Literature Circles (by date, oldest first)

Embark on a journey of friendship, loyalty, and personal growth with this captivating collection of eight short stories, perfect for teaching social-emotional learning and character education in the classroom.

"Friendship and Loyalty: Stories about the Challenges and Rewards of Maintaining Strong Friendships" is a powerful tool for educators seeking to foster meaningful discussions and lessons on the importance of building and maintaining healthy relationships. Each story in this collection highlights different aspects of friendship, such as trust, empathy, communication, and standing up for what's right, making it an invaluable resource for teaching essential life skills.

As students follow the journeys of Emma and Olivia, Jack and Liam, Maya and Zoe, and other memorable characters, they will learn valuable lessons about the power of unexpected connections, the importance of reconciliation, and the strength that comes from supporting one another through difficult times. These stories also tackle important topics such as peer pressure, standing up for oneself and others, and the consequences of one's actions on friendships.

Each story comes with a vocab list (word, part of speech, definition), a selection of potential assignments, a breakdown of the story structure, and applicable Common Core and National Health Education standards. All stories are also available individually from the DEEPbyDESIGN store.

Friendship and Loyalty: Stories about the Challenges and Rewards of Maintaining Strong Friendship

1. "The Unbreakable Bond": Two best friends, Emma and Olivia, find their friendship tested when they are assigned to compete against each other in a school science fair. As the competition intensifies, they must navigate the challenges of remaining loyal to each other while pursuing their individual goals.
2. "The Long-Distance Friendship": When Jack's best friend, Liam, moves to another country, they promise to stay in touch. Despite the time differences and the challenges of maintaining a long-distance friendship, the boys find creative ways to keep their bond strong.
3. "The Unexpected Friendship": Maya, a shy bookworm, and Zoe, a popular athlete, are paired together for a school project. As they work together, they discover that despite their differences, they have more in common than they thought and form an unlikely but powerful friendship.
4. "The Friendship Fallout": Aiden and Ethan have been best friends since kindergarten, but when a misunderstanding leads to a falling out, they must find a way to reconcile and repair their friendship.
5. "The Loyal Sidekick": When Sophia, the school's drama star, loses her voice before the big play, her best friend and understudy, Lily, steps in to help. Lily must balance her loyalty to Sophia with her own dreams of being in the spotlight.
6. "The Secret Keeper": When Nate confides in his best friend, Luke, about a family secret, Luke must decide whether to keep the secret or risk their friendship by telling an adult who can help.
7. "The Friendship Game": Four best friends, Ava, Bella, Chloe, and Daisy, create a game to test their friendship. As the challenges become more intense, they must decide what's more important: winning the game or maintaining their bond.
8. "The Friendship Rescue": When Mia's best friend, Sophie, starts hanging out with a new group of friends who engage in risky behavior, Mia must find the courage to stand up for what's right and help Sophie see the value of their true friendship.

Young Voices: Stories of Courage & Resilience in Conflict & Adversity

64 pages

Grade 5 to 8

All stories also available individually

Discover the resilience and hope of youth with our collection of eight short stories for grades 5 to 8, each set against the backdrop of global conflict and adversity. These narratives, ranging from a diary in the ruins of Gaza to unexpected friendships in Kashmir, offer a window into the impact of war on young lives. They capture the essence of innocence and the unyielding human spirit, providing a poignant exploration of loss, tradition, and the strength found in family and friendship bonds amidst turmoil.

Our carefully curated anthology spans from the streets of Sarajevo to the tense borders of East Ukraine and beyond, bringing to light the often-overlooked experiences of children in war-torn environments. These authentic tales not only confront the harsh realities of violence but also weave threads of hope, suggesting paths toward healing and peace. This collection is a profound reminder of our shared humanity and the vital importance of nurturing and listening to the world's youth, who carry the promise of a brighter, more united future.

Each story comes with a set of probing and thought-provoking questions.

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Stories

Iqbal & Yasmin: A Kashmiri Story

● A Kashmiri boy starts a cricket league to bring together youth from opposing

sides and provide hope in the midst of conflict.

Mykhala & Daniela: Slava Ukraini

● Two girls driven from their homes in Ukraine find friendship and purpose in

creating a bird sanctuary, becoming symbols of resilience and peace.

Kiribati: Rising Tides, Resilient Hearts

● Two girls from the island nation of Kiribati find strength in their bond as their

community is forced to leave their sinking homeland.

Irene’s Steps: A Story from the Troubles in Northern Ireland

● An unlikely friendship between a Catholic girl and a Protestant boy in Northern

Ireland during the Troubles helps bridge divides through their school project

sharing personal stories.

Beyond the Horizon: A Mexican Tale

● Four friends from Mexico undertake the perilous journey across the border,

driven by hopes for a better future.

Echoes of Hope: The Children of Sarajevo

● Children create an oasis of hope and resistance through education and art during the Siege of Sarajevo.

Gaza Diary: Shadows of Hope

● A young girl in Gaza chronicles her family's daily struggles for survival and

glimpses of hope amidst the cycles of war devastating her community.

The Day the World Changed: 9/11

● Two NYC teenagers find purpose helping their community cope with the

aftermath of 9/11, gaining resilience amidst tragedy.

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General Learning Objectives for Deep by Design Stories

Understanding Conflict: The material offers insights into the dynamics of territorial conflicts and their ramifications for those caught in the crossfire.

Effects of War or Conflict on Youth: The content underlines the deep-seated impact of hostilities on the mental and physical health of children and adolescents.

Resilience and Hope: Through character experiences, the narrative highlights the

human capacity for endurance and the quest for collective healing amidst adversity.

Cultural Insight: The text provides a window into the complexities of a region's culture and the intense obstacles its inhabitants endure.

Human Rights: The narrative serves as a primer for dialogues concerning the

safeguarding of civilians and the enforcement of human rights in times of strife.

Peacebuilding: The book promotes an investigation into the adoption of nonviolent strategies for mitigating disputes and fostering reconciliation at the community level.

This story is one of eight featured in the ebook, "Friendship and Loyalty: Eight Short Stories Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8."

"The Unbreakable Bond" is a captivating short story that explores the power of friendship, resilience, and the challenges of competition. This comprehensive literature guide is designed to help teachers engage their students in grades 5-8 as they delve into the story's themes, characters, and life lessons.

The package includes the complete short story, and a variety of assignments and projects that align with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts. These resources will help your students develop critical thinking, writing, and discussion skills while fostering a deeper understanding of the text.

Key features of this literature guide:

• A The full text of "The Unbreakable Bond" short story (1500 words)
• 10 engaging assignments and projects covering Language Arts, Health and Career, and Relationships
• A comprehensive vocabulary list with definitions to expand students' word knowledge
• Alignment with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for grades 5-8

The assignments and projects cover a wide range of topics and skills, including:

• Character analysis and development
• Theme exploration and essay writing
• Alternate endings and point-of-view exercises
• Stress management and collaboration skills
• Conflict resolution and friendship reflections

By using this literature guide, your students will not only strengthen their language arts skills but also gain valuable insights into the importance of friendship, perseverance, and teamwork. "The Unbreakable Bond" is a relatable and inspiring story that will capture your students' imagination and spark meaningful discussions in your classroom.

*This is one story taken from a book eight, which can be found here.

The Online Trap - A Comprehensive Cyberbullying Unit for Grades 5-8

Engage your students in a meaningful exploration of cyberbullying and digital citizenship with "The Online Trap," a comprehensive unit designed for grades 5-8. This powerful resource centers around an original, thought-provoking story that follows the journey of Samantha, a creative and kind-hearted student who faces the challenges of cyberbullying. As students dive into the story, they will develop a deeper understanding of the impact of online harassment, the importance of self-advocacy, and the power of resilience and empathy.

The unit includes:

• An analysis of themes.
• The complete story, "The Online Trap," in a printable format for easy distribution to students.
• A set of 10 discussion questions that encourage critical thinking and reflective conversations about the story's themes, including empathy, bystander intervention, digital footprint, and more.
• Five unique writing prompts that allow students to explore various perspectives and experiences related to cyberbullying, from personal narratives to persuasive essays.
• A collection of 10 engaging projects and assignments that extend the learning beyond the story. These include developing a digital citizenship campaign, creating a podcast series, conducting research on cyberbullying, and organizing a kindness challenge.
• A 20-word vocabulary table that supports language development and enhances comprehension of the story and related concepts.

By integrating "The Online Trap" into your curriculum, you will be providing your students with a safe and structured space to explore the complex issues surrounding cyberbullying. The unit's thought-provoking discussions, writing exercises, and projects will help students develop crucial social-emotional skills, such as empathy, resilience, and responsible decision-making, while fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment.

This comprehensive unit is designed to be flexible and adaptable to your classroom's unique needs. Whether you choose to use the entire unit or select specific components to complement your existing curriculum, "The Online Trap" offers a valuable opportunity to engage your students in meaningful conversations and activities that promote digital citizenship and social-emotional learning.

*This is one story taken from a book eight, which can be found here.

Empower your middle school students to recognize, address, and prevent bullying with this comprehensive novel study centered around "The Teacher's Influence." This compelling story follows Ms. Nguyen, a dedicated teacher who takes a proactive stance against bullying when she sees a student targeted for her unique personality.

This ready-to-use resource equips you with everything needed to guide your students through a meaningful exploration of the story and its themes:

Chapter-by-chapter summaries and analysis: Facilitate deeper understanding and encourage critical thinking about the narrative.

• Thought-provoking discussion questions: Spark insightful conversations about bullying, empathy, the role of bystanders, and the importance of inclusivity.
• Engaging writing prompts: Inspire creative expression and encourage students to connect with the story on a personal level.
• Dynamic project-based learning activities: Deepen learning through hands-on projects like designing kindness campaigns, creating PSAs, and conducting inclusion audits.
• Vocabulary building exercises: Expand students' vocabulary with key terms related to bullying prevention, social justice, and positive school culture.

"The Teacher's Influence" novel study unit is perfect for:

• Language Arts and Reading classes
• Advisory or Homeroom periods
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum
• Character Education programs
• Bullying prevention initiatives

This resource is designed to:

• Enhance reading comprehension and analytical skills.
• Facilitate meaningful conversations about bullying, empathy, and inclusivity.
• Empower students to be upstanders and advocates for positive change.
• Provide a framework for creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Equip students with the tools and knowledge to combat bullying in their own communities.

This story is one of eight featured in the ebook, "Friendship and Loyalty: Eight Short Stories Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8."

Engage your students with "The Friendship Rescue," a compelling story that explores the themes of friendship, peer pressure, and personal growth. This comprehensive Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) unit is designed for students in grades 5-8 and aligns with both Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and National Health Education Standards (NHES).

The unit includes:

• The complete story, "The Friendship Rescue" (2000 words)
• Ten thoughtful assignments that explore character education, emotions, dealing with issues, and knowing when enough is enough
• A 20-word vocabulary list tailored to grades 6-9, including definitions and parts of speech
• Alignment with CCSS ELA standards for reading, writing, and speaking & listening
• Alignment with NHES standards for health promotion, analyzing influences, interpersonal communication, decision-making, and practicing health-enhancing behaviors

Through engaging with this unit, your students will:

• Analyze the story's themes and characters, citing textual evidence to support their ideas
• Write reflective essays, narratives, and arguments related to the story's themes
• Engage in collaborative discussions and role-playing activities to explore SEL concepts
• Develop a deeper understanding of loyalty, empathy, courage, and resilience
• Learn strategies for dealing with peer pressure and making healthy decisions
• Expand their vocabulary and improve their language skills

The assignments in this unit are designed to be flexible and adaptable to your classroom's needs. They can be used for whole-class instruction, small-group work, or individual student reflection. The variety of activities, including writing tasks, role-playing, creating posters and brochures, and class discussions, will keep your students engaged and motivated.

This story is one of eight featured in the ebook, "Friendship and Loyalty: Eight Short Stories Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8."

"The Secret Keeper" is a powerful short story that delves into the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and the challenges of navigating difficult life situations. This comprehensive literature guide is designed to engage students in grades 6-9 as they explore the story's themes, characters, and important life lessons.

The package includes the complete short story and a range of assignments and projects that align with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts and National Health Education Standards. These resources will help your students develop critical thinking, writing, and communication skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the text and its relevance to their lives.

Key features of this literature guide:

• The full text of "The Secret Keeper" short story (approximately 1,300 words)
• 10 thought-provoking assignments and projects covering character analysis, mental health awareness, healthy coping mechanisms, and more
• A comprehensive vocabulary list with definitions to expand students' word knowledge
• Alignment with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for grades 6-9 and National Health Education Standards

The assignments and projects cover a wide range of topics and skills, including:

• Analyzing character development and motivation
• Exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and personal growth
• Discussing the importance of seeking help and support during difficult times
• Creating mental health awareness posters and community resource guides
• Developing effective communication and problem-solving skills

By using this literature guide, your students will not only strengthen their language arts skills but also gain valuable insights into the significance of mental health, the power of friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit. "The Secret Keeper" is a relatable and emotionally resonant story that will captivate your students and inspire meaningful discussions in your classroom.

*This is one story taken from a book eight, which can be found here.

Unite Your Classroom Against Bullying with "The United Front"

Empower your middle schoolers to combat bullying and embrace diversity with this engaging short story and comprehensive activity pack!

"The United Front" tells the heartwarming story of Olivia, a shy artist targeted by bullies, and the diverse group of classmates who overcome their hesitation to stand up for her. This relatable narrative provides a springboard for meaningful discussions about acceptance, empathy, and the power of unity.

This resource is packed with:

• A captivating short story: With relatable characters and realistic situations, "The United Front" will resonate with your students and spark important conversations.
• Dynamic discussion questions: Deepen comprehension and encourage critical thinking about bullying, diversity, empathy, and the role of bystanders.
• Creative writing prompts: Inspire your students to explore themes of unity, acceptance, and courage through various writing activities.
• Engaging projects and assignments: From anti-bullying campaigns to diversity quilts and upstander interviews, these hands-on activities will bring the story's themes to life.
• A comprehensive vocabulary list: Enhance students' understanding of key terms related to bullying, diversity, and social responsibility.

"The United Front" will help you:

• Create a safe and inclusive classroom environment where students feel valued and respected.
• Facilitate meaningful discussions about bullying, diversity, empathy, and social responsibility.
• Develop students' critical thinking skills as they analyze characters' motivations and actions.
• Enhance students' writing skills through engaging prompts and creative writing activities.
• Empower students to become upstanders who stand up for themselves and others.

This story is one of eight featured in the ebook, "Friendship and Loyalty: Eight Short Stories Vocab / SEL / ELA Activities 5-8."

"The Unexpected Friendship" is a beautifully crafted short story that explores the power of friendship and the importance of looking beyond surface-level differences. This comprehensive literature guide is designed to help teachers engage their students in grades 5-8 as they delve into the story's themes, characters, and valuable life lessons.

The package includes the complete short story, which follows the journey of Maya, a shy bookworm, and Zoe, a popular athlete, as they are paired together for a school project. Despite their initial reluctance, the two girls discover a shared passion and form an unlikely but powerful bond. Through their friendship, they confront personal challenges, overcome social barriers, and learn to support one another in the face of adversity.

In addition to the full text, this guide provides a variety of assignments and projects that align with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts. These resources will help your students develop critical thinking, writing, and discussion skills while fostering a deeper understanding of the text.

Key features of this literature guide:

• The full text of "The Unexpected Friendship" short story (approximately 1,400 words)
• 10 engaging assignments and projects covering Language Arts, Health and Career, and Relationships
• A comprehensive vocabulary list with definitions to expand students' word knowledge
• Alignment with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for grades 6-9

The assignments and projects cover a wide range of topics and skills, including:

• Analyzing character development and motivation
• Exploring themes of acceptance, personal growth, and the value of diverse friendships
• Developing communication and conflict resolution skills
• Discussing the impact of stereotypes and social expectations on relationships
• Creating friendship guides and career exploration activities related to the story's themes

By using this literature guide, your students will not only strengthen their language arts skills but also gain valuable insights into the importance of empathy, open-mindedness, and the power of unexpected connections. "The Unexpected Friendship" is a relatable and heartwarming story that will captivate your students and inspire meaningful discussions in your classroom.

*This is one story taken from a book eight, which can be found here.

Empower your middle schoolers to understand and combat bullying with this comprehensive novel study centered around "The Bully in the Mirror." This engaging story follows Jayden, a student who uses bullying to mask his own insecurities, as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learns the power of empathy and change.

This ready-to-use resource provides everything you need to guide your students through a meaningful exploration of the story's themes, including:

• Chapter-by-chapter summaries and analysis: Deepen comprehension and encourage critical thinking.
• Engaging discussion questions: Spark thoughtful conversations about bullying, empathy, personal growth, and the importance of support systems.
• Varied writing prompts: Inspire creative writing and encourage students to connect with the story on a personal level.
• Project-based learning activities: Foster deeper understanding through hands-on projects like designing anti-bullying campaigns, creating soundtracks, and conducting interviews.
• Vocabulary building exercises: Expand students' vocabulary with key terms related to the story's themes.

"The Bully in the Mirror" novel study unit is perfect for:

• Language Arts and Reading classes
• Advisory or Homeroom periods
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum
• Bullying prevention initiatives

This resource is designed to:

• Enhance reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.
• Spark meaningful discussions about bullying and its impact.
• Cultivate empathy and understanding among students.
• Encourage self-reflection and personal growth.
• Provide a framework for creating a more positive and supportive classroom environment.

Give your students the tools they need to recognize, understand, and combat bullying with this impactful and engaging novel study unit. Download "The Bully in the Mirror" today!