Middle school is the perfect time to nurture creativity and spark a love for reading.
That’s why we’ve crafted 7 original short stories for middle school students—each one filled with adventure, humor, mystery, and heart.
These stories are not only engaging but also easy to read, making them perfect for classroom reading, after-school relaxation, or bedtime entertainment.
1. The Locker Code
Genre: Mystery | Word Count: ~280
Maya didn’t want to switch schools in the middle of the semester, but life rarely asked her opinion.
Her first day was filled with awkward introductions—until she got her locker assignment: 217.
Unlike the bright, colorful lockers around it, 217 was rusted, with an old combination stuck to the front in fading pen.
When Maya opened it, she found a dusty notebook tucked into the corner.
Inside were strange doodles, riddles, and numbers that didn’t make any sense. With the help of classmates Jamie and Luis, she started cracking the clues.
Each solved riddle led to another, until they discovered a hidden stairwell behind the school library.
There, Maya learned the truth—locker 217 had once belonged to a student who vanished decades ago, leaving only this journal behind.
It turned out the student had simply run away due to bullying, and the school had covered it up.
Maya and her friends shared the story, helping to create new anti-bullying programs—and giving the forgotten student a voice again.
This thrilling tale is just one of many short stories for middle school that blend suspense and empathy.
2. The Homework Switch
Genre: Comedy | Word Count: ~260
Max and Jordan were the prank kings of their class. They had a rule: no prank was too big, and no dare was too bold.
So, when Max dared Jordan to switch their homework before turning it in, Jordan didn’t hesitate.
What neither of them realized was that Jordan had written a secret love letter—meant only for his crush, Emily—on the back of his math worksheet.
That’s the paper Max handed in.
The next day, their teacher read the heartfelt message aloud, thinking it was a poem about math.
The whole class erupted in laughter. Jordan turned bright red, and Max couldn’t stop apologizing.
Though embarrassing, the prank led to unexpected consequences.
Emily actually liked the note and asked Jordan if he meant what he wrote. He did.
Short stories for middle school often use humor to teach lessons about friendship, consequences, and courage—and this story nails all three.
3. The Dragon of Mill Creek
Genre: Fantasy | Word Count: ~270
Every evening, Ella wandered near Mill Creek with her sketchbook, drawing trees and birds.
One twilight, a flicker of blue shimmered under the water.
Curious, she tiptoed closer and found… a dragon. No taller than a puppy, the creature had shimmering scales and tiny wings.
Ella named it Spark. Over the next few weeks, she visited secretly, feeding Spark strawberries and learning about its magic.
But soon, someone else noticed strange sightings near the creek—someone who didn’t want to protect the creature.
When a group of scientists came with traps and cameras, Ella had to make a tough decision.
With Spark’s help, she led them on a wild chase into the forest, giving her dragon friend a chance to fly far away.
Magical short stories for middle school readers like this one show how imagination and kindness can go hand-in-hand.
4. Gamer’s Reality
Genre: Sci-Fi | Word Count: ~300
Lucas was known for two things: being quiet in class and being unbeatable in RealmQuest, the hottest online game in town.
But one day, after downloading a weird new update, Lucas found himself inside the game world.
Now wearing his avatar’s armor, he had to complete real quests, face real monsters, and survive without cheat codes.
He met a brave healer named Nova and a funny, sarcastic rogue named Dex—NPCs who acted more human than ever.
As they traveled through forests and dungeons, Lucas realized the game mirrored his real life—his fears, his loneliness, and his dreams.
By helping his new friends in the game, he found courage he didn’t know he had in the real world.
This is one of those short stories for middle school that blends gaming, reality, and self-growth into one unforgettable quest.
5. The Invisible Dare
Genre: Supernatural | Word Count: ~260
At a Halloween sleepover, Tasha was dared to read a spooky poem in front of the mirror.
She rolled her eyes but did it anyway, laughing through the words. The next morning, no one could see or hear her.
Tasha was invisible.
Panicked, she followed her friends through school, watching as they forgot about her. Only one person noticed something strange—Lucas, the quiet artist. He could sense her presence and helped her retrace the curse.
They discovered the poem was real magic, passed down through generations. With Lucas’s help, she broke the spell, but not before realizing how often she had ignored others—especially kids like Lucas.
Some short stories for middle school readers explore deeper themes, like empathy and invisibility—not just on the outside, but on the inside too.
6. The Recycled Robot
Genre: Adventure | Word Count: ~280
Ravi loved robots. He spent weekends in the junkyard with a backpack full of tools, building machines out of scrap parts. One day, he found a strange, glowing metal cube. When he added it to his newest project, the robot came to life.
“Hello,” it said. “My name is Jax.”
Jax could move, talk, and even think. Ravi was amazed—but keeping a sentient robot secret wasn’t easy. Especially when the junkyard owner discovered the glowing cube was military tech and wanted it back.
Ravi and Jax went on the run, using homemade gadgets to stay hidden. In the end, Ravi convinced the world that Jax deserved to live—not as a machine, but as a friend.
This exciting tale highlights creativity, innovation, and bravery—perfect themes for short stories for middle school students.
7. The Detention Diaries
Genre: Realistic Fiction | Word Count: ~260
Five students. One hour of detention. No talking allowed.
None of them liked each other—until a weird humming sound came from the vents, followed by a foul smell and flickering lights. At first, they blamed each other. But then the teacher fainted.
Working together, they found a broken pipe leaking gas and called for help. It turned out they had saved the school.
The next day, they weren’t just “those kids in detention.” They were heroes—and new friends.
This story proves that even in the unlikeliest of places, friendships can form. Stories like this make short stories for middle school readers more than just entertainment—they become reflections of real life.
Final Thoughts
These 7 original short stories for middle school readers cover everything from fantasy and science fiction to comedy and mystery.
They’re designed to entertain, inspire, and encourage young readers to explore their own creativity and empathy.
Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or student, these stories are a great addition to any reading list.
Looking for more short stories for middle school? Let us know, and we’ll create even more adventures just for you!
Also read: 7 Scary Campfire Stories With A Twist
Mark Richards is the creative mind behind Classica FM, a podcast platform that brings stories, knowledge, and inspiration to listeners of all ages. With a passion for storytelling and a love for diverse topics, he curates engaging content—from kids’ tales to thought-provoking discussions for young adults.
