In Leo Tolstoy's The Three Questions, a king seeks wisdom to solve his deepest uncertainties. He asks, "What is the most important time to act?" "Who is the most important person to be with?" and "What is the most important thing to do?" In his quest for answers, he learns that the key to a meaningful life lies not in theoretical wisdom, but in living fully in the present and serving those around us. This simple yet profound story explores the timeless themes of selflessness, responsibility, and the power of human connection. 

Miss Moore, an older white woman living in a poor Black neighborhood takes it upon herself to educate the children in the community. She takes them on a field trip to FAO Schwarz to teach them about the economic inequities they will face in life. 

A gang of kids, led by an entrepreneurial ringleader, spend an afternoon hustling in this sweet, O. Henry-esque tale with a heartfelt twist.  (Scroll down linked page for excerpt)

In her haunting short story "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas," Ursula K. Le Guin explores the complex moral cost of happiness and prosperity. Set in the utopian city of Omelas, where joy and perfection abound, the story reveals a dark secret—one that forces each citizen to confront their own beliefs about justice, sacrifice, and the price of a perfect society. Through powerful, thought-provoking prose, Le Guin challenges readers to consider the ethical choices that shape communities and the courage it takes to walk away from comfort when it comes at too high a cost. 

James Hurst's "The Scarlet Ibis" is a moving story of love, pride, and the complex bonds between siblings. Narrated by a young boy, the story recounts his relationship with his disabled younger brother, Doodle, and his own conflicting emotions as he pushes Doodle beyond his limits. Set against the lush, symbolic backdrop of the American South, Hurst’s tale explores themes of compassion, guilt, and the fragile nature of life. With poetic language and unforgettable imagery, "The Scarlet Ibis" is a poignant reminder of the beauty and tragedy that can arise from the desire to change others—or ourselves.