Stories are a deeply meaningful way that we learn about the world, and they can build empathy and understanding of ourselves and others. Through stories we can connect with a character and share another viewpoint about the world. But importantly, stories emphasize that we are not alone in our emotions and experiences.
This collection is primarily from Learning for Justice magazine’s Story Corner department. These short stories are intended for growing readers and for reading aloud to young children.
Connecting With Literature
As you read stories together, this short resource offers important points, learning activities and questions for reflecting on and discussing stories through the lens of literature as “mirrors, windows and sliding glass doors.”
Growing Together: Story Corner
Fireflies
When 10-year-old Kaden wonders whether he’s gay, he turns to his older brother, who offers the love and acceptance all caring adults should give to a child.
The Shoebox Lunch
Inside a precious metal box are remnants of history that reveal a family’s story of resistance, resilience and love.
Two Pairs of Shoes
When Maggie receives two pairs of shoes for her birthday, she must learn to walk between two cultures.
The Night Before the Dream
Bea’s family has traveled from far and wide to hear Dr. King—and plan how they’ll make his dream a reality.
The Day I Swam Into a New World
Frances dreams of swimming with her classmates, but will everyone be welcome at her new community pool?
Min Jee's Lunch
When a classmate says Min Jee’s Korean lunch is “how everyone got sick,” will her friends speak up?
Yaki's Mural
Yaki struggles to feel at home in her new country and her new school, but her creativity and Mayan culture help to ease the transition.
The New Kid in Class
Mia can't understand why the new kid, Amena, seems sad. But she learns that a little empathy goes a long way.
Songs of Zion
Mary loves Sunday mornings and the spirituals that give her, Mama and other enslaved people hope.
Tomorrow Night
After planning for a long time, an enslaved family risks everything to live together and be free.
Joseph's Castle in the Sky
A trip to Haiti gives Joseph a new perspective on his identity and his adoption.
Gloria and Rosa Make Beautiful Music
Gloria and Rosa use their love of music to make a change in their school district—together.
Robin Can Fly
Janelle's friend Robin is ready to un-secret something important. Is Janelle ready to listen?
Washed Away
Max just wants to keep everyone safe. So why is everyone upset with him?
Having the Talk
Jeremiah and Noelle's teacher wants them to talk to their families about voting. What they learn from those conversations takes everyone by surprise.
The America Project
When Carmen asks her mom what it means to be Puerto Rican and American, she learns a valuable lesson about identity and culture.
Z and Vielpunkt
Two male penguins finally get the egg they’ve been hoping for—based on a true story!
A Painter Named Kennedy
Meet Kennedy, of Mombasa, Kenya. His wheelchair doesn’t stop him from making the world a more beautiful place.
Papalotzin and the Monarchs: A Bilingual Tale of Breaking Down Walls
The day finally arrived when the Great North built a Great Wall to separate itself from the Great South. But would they live to regret it?
The Fighting Mynahs
A story from Hawaii about how it’s better to share and cooperate than to squabble and fight.
Beyond the Barbed Wire
Helen Tsuchiya, born a U.S. citizen, tells what it was like to move from her home to an internment camp surrounded by barbed wire after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Connected to Everything
This story is adapted from a traditional tale of the Bitterroot Salish, a Native American tribe in Montana.
Healing Touch
Susie King Taylor's illegal education as an enslaved child turned her into a teenage teacher and nurse during the Civil War.