The book blog
Keeping it short!
Books with a selection of short stories offer something for everyone. A reader might not enjoy all of the stories in a
collection but there will hopefully be at least one story that sparks their interest. Books which have short chapters
or sections can also be useful when looking to increase the confidence of a reader.
Short story collections
Short by Kevin Crossley-Holland
A selection of incredibly well written short stories which pack a punch in only one or two pages. Short is one of a
range of books of short stories by Kevin Crossley-Holland including Short and Scary and Short Too.
Heroes by Paul Dowswell
This collection of thirteen short stories celebrates some truly amazing, and amazingly true, heroic acts. You can read
about animals, astronauts and spies.
Tales of Wisdom and Wonder retold by Hugh Lupton illustrated Niamh Sharkey
A beautifully retold collection of traditional tales, gathered from around the world. The fairy tale language makes
these stories easy to read and the magic in them makes them easy to enjoy.
Pizza cake by Morris Gleitzman
Teachers being traded like football stars and suspected vampires. A collection of funny and engaging stories from a
children’s writer who looks at the world from a unique view point.
Books with short sections
Non-Fiction
The Wimp-O-Meter’s Guide to Jungle Survival by Tracey Turner illustrated by Dave Smith
If you want to find out if you’re a wimp or not then this is the book for you. You will also get the opportunity to learn
about dangerous animals. There are other ‘Wimp’s Guides’ all written with short chapters and which use comical
picture to illustrate facts.
OPERATION OUCH! By Chris van Tulleken and Xand van Tulleken
The chatty style of these doctor twins makes this an appealing read for all ages. Cartoon versions of the two doctors
are used to add meaning to written information.
Fiction
The Unforgotten Coat by Frank Cottrell-Boyce
Polaroid style photographs are used to enhance this story of two Mongolian refugees who are determined to fit in
with their Liverpool classmates.
Ninja Death Touch by Chris Bradford
Taka the Ninja is needed to help defend his village from an army of Samurai. This is second book in this exciting
Ninja trilogy.
Ghost Stadium by Tom Palmer
Irfan, Jack and Lucas decide to celebrate the end of the summer term by camping overnight in a deserted football
stadium. When things start to go bump in the night they begin to think that they may have made the wrong
decision!
Cloud Busting by Malorie Blackman
Sam can’t stand the new boy Davey when he first arrives but they are thrown together and develop an unexpected
friendship. This story from the current Children’s Laureate is told in short chapters using different poetic techniques.
You might think that writing a story becomes easier if you use fewer words – not necessarily! Try it for yourself or
even better encourage your students to have a go. Set yourselves a word limit (100 words, 200 words, 365 words
etc) and see what you can create.