Teachers, looking for a short story that can evolve into a two or three day lesson? Take a look at “Tender” by Cherline Bazile, which appears in The Best American Short Stories, 2023. Bazile’s story tells of two Black immigrant students who become friends in their predominantly white high school. The story details the girls’ interactions with each of their families and how one wishes for the kind of family the other one has. It is about friendship and family, and also about identity and kindness. Students would relate to the characters and would appreciate a modern short story.
