Middle School Short Stories Guided Reading Books

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 also available as part of an eight story ebook, "Young Voices: Eight Short Stories of Courage & Resilience."

Amid the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, young girls Mykhala and Daniela, refugees, bond over a shared vision of a peaceful Donbas. Inspired by Mykhala's love for birds and Daniela's artistry, they create a bird sanctuary, drawing in various species, notably the Hoopoe, a symbol of peace. Their sanctuary becomes a beacon of hope amidst war, earning local admiration and global recognition. Despite success, they remain committed to their homeland, furthering their education to serve their community. Their enduring friendship and their shared dream leaves a lasting legacy - the thriving Hoopoe Haven of Donbas, a testament to resilience and hope.

There are thought provoking questions (and possible answers) at the end of the story.

Learning Objectives:

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.