19th Century American Authors Short Story Literature Bundle (10 Titles)

This bundle delivers strong, classroom-ready value by giving you 10 complete differentiated classic short story study guides built for mixed reading levels—featuring many of the most taught 19th-century American authors and staple ELA texts. Each title includes three aligned tracks—the complete Original Text plus two adapted options (Accessible/HILO and Leveled)—so you can teach one coherent unit without splitting your class into separate plans.

Try Before You Buy (Free Sample)

Start with the free title to test the full format (texts, questions, quizzes, and teacher materials) before purchasing the bundle:

• The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (FREE DOWNLOAD)

Problem: Many classic short-story units fall apart in real classrooms because the original text can be challenging, and students often read at different levels—so teachers end up reteaching constantly or simplifying until the story loses its power.

Solution: This Differentiated Classic Short Stories Bundle solves that problem by giving you three text options for every title:

• Original Text for extension reading, quoting, and close-reading excerpts
• Leveled Text that keeps the core plot and author voice while simplifying syntax and clarifying references
• Accessible Text (HILO) written in very clear language to reduce cognitive load and support comprehension

Every discussion prompt, exit quiz item, and short-answer question is designed to be answerable from the Accessible (HILO), Leveled, or Original Text while still mapping cleanly to the original story for extension reading and text-evidence practice.

Perfect For: Grades 6–8 and 9–12 ELA, mixed reading levels, inclusion/SPED, ELL/ML learners, intervention groups, sub plans, fast-prep lesson days, and assessment days with aligned materials.

Quick Guide for Teachers (Flexible Schedule)

• Reading: Students read Accessible (HILO), Leveled, or Original based on what supports comprehension today.
• Whole-class discussion: Bring everyone together for shared Discussion Questions (works across all text versions).
• Assessment: Use the cross-version Multiple Choice Exit Quiz (printable + self-graded option).
• Finishers/homework: Use Vocabulary, Short Answer Questions, and Challenge Questions as time allows.

What’s Included (Per Title)

• Three text versions (aligned): Original Text + Leveled Text + Accessible Text (HILO)
• Student materials:
  • 10 Vocabulary Words
  • 10 Short Answer Recall/Comprehension
  • 5 Challenge Questions (analysis, themes, craft)
  • Multiple Choice Exit Quiz (cross-version aligned; some titles include Part 1 + Part 2 quizzes)
• Teacher materials:
  • Teacher’s Guide + Answer Key
  • Discussion Questions (and Part 1/Part 2 sets when applicable)
  • Self-graded quiz version(s)
  • Answer keys for Vocabulary, Short Answer, and Challenge Questions

Suggested Implementation Options

• Option A: Single-Story Mini-Unit (1 Day)
  • Read one version (Accessible/Leveled/Original)
  • Run Discussion Questions
  • Close with the Exit Quiz
  • Assign Vocabulary/Short Answer/Challenge Questions as time allows
• Option B: Two-Day Story (2-Part Titles)
  • Day 1: Read Part 1 + Discussion Questions + optional quick wrap-up
  • Day 2: Read Part 2 + Discussion Questions + Exit Quiz
• Option C: Differentiated Whole-Class (Mixed Readers)
  • Assign Accessible (HILO) to supported readers, Leveled to on-grade readers, and Original to advanced readers
  • Everyone completes the same questions and quiz so pacing and discussion stay unified

Included Titles (10) — Click Any Title to View

1. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving (1820) [FREE DOWNLOAD]
2. Bartleby, the Scrivener by Herman Melville (1853)
3. Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving (1819)
4. The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County by Mark Twain (1865)
5. The Devil and Tom Walker by Washington Irving (1824)
6. The Outcasts of Poker Flat by Bret Harte (1869)
7. Young Goodman Brown by Nathaniel Hawthorne (1835)
8. An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce (1890)
9. A White Heron by Sarah Orne Jewett (1886)
10. A New England Nun by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman (1891)

What’s the Tradeoff of Using the Adapted Versions?

Pros

• Supports mixed reading levels while keeping the same storyline and core themes
• Makes classic texts teachable within normal pacing constraints
• Keeps whole-class discussion routines consistent across versions

Cons

• Some original diction, longer descriptive passages, and side details are reduced for clarity and pacing
• The adapted versions are not designed for line-by-line stylistic analysis of every original sentence