Not all stories need to be lengthy to pack a punch. Some of the shortest books can leave lasting impressions on your students long after you’ve finished the unit.
Whether you’re looking for a quick story to teach or want to squeeze in one last novel before the semester ends, consider one of these 10 books, all of which are less than 100 pages.
10. Oedipus Rex
With all of the conventional elements of a Greek tragedy, the brief tale of Oedipus Rex serves as a great introduction to the genre. Sophocles’ complex play, most appropriate for older students, will make readers question whether or not fate truly plays a hand in shaping one’s life.
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9. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous novella epitomizes 19th-century life while serving as an allegory for the duality of human nature. Despite the vast changes in social and cultural norms since the book’s original publication, students can still identify with many of its themes, specifically those related to the influence of societal expectations on a person’s individuality.
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8. A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol endures as one of Charles Dickens’s most beloved stories because of its timeless lessons on social responsibility and empathy. Over the course of a single night, the seemingly irredeemable Ebenezer Scrooge transforms from an old miser to a generous soul, thanks to the help of three spirits who show him the error of his ways. Easy to read, this novella will appeal to students of all ages.
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7. The Metamorphosis
Franz Kafka’s 1915 absurdist novella is one story your students won’t forget. After awakening one morning to find himself mysteriously transformed into a giant insect, Gregor Samsa quickly spirals into isolation and despair. Packed with symbolism, The Metamorphosis is the perfect shorter text for in-depth literary analysis.
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6. The Pearl
In this parable based on a Mexican folktale, John Steinbeck warns of the danger of greed. After finding a rare pearl, a diver named Kino believes he gained a means for his family to escape poverty. But his dreams of prosperity are dashed when friends and family turn against him for the sake of wealth. Masterfully told through Steinbeck’s realistic writing style, The Pearl is a relatively easy book to teach.
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5. Heart of Darkness
Heart of Darkness follows one man's journey into the heart of Africa along the Congo River. While reading this prime example of a frame story, students will see how exterior plot events parallel emotional and psychological movements within the main character. Because of its troubling content and difficult themes, this novella is best suited for high school classes.
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4. The Importance of Being Earnest
Full of lies, deception, and plot twists, The Importance of Being Earnest perfectly encapsulates Oscar Wilde’s signature wit. From the eccentric cast of characters to Wilde’s smart social commentary on Victorian life, this play has endured the test of time, earning its place as a literary classic.
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3. Twelve Angry Men
Based on an Emmy Award-winning television movie, this short play is regarded as one of the greatest courtroom dramas of all time. As 12 jurors argue over the fate of a young man accused of murder, tensions rise as each juror brings his own biases into the mix. If you’re looking to explore themes related to democracy and the rule of law, Twelve Angry Men makes an excellent choice.
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2. A Doll's House
This short play is one of Henrik Ibsen’s classic works. After its premiere in 1879, A Doll’s House sparked a heated debate over women’s rights in European society, due to Ibsen’s nuanced critique of traditional gender roles. Today, the play’s core themes of independence, loyalty, and sacrifice still resonate with readers.
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1. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
In his own words, Frederick Douglass reflects on his turbulent journey from mistreated slave to one of history’s most famous abolitionists. Though it contains challenging vocabulary and language considered insensitive today, Douglass’s account offers an unflinching look into a period of American history that should not be forgotten.
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Which short books speak to you? Let us know in the comments below!