I offer up a streamlined directory of twenty-five of my personal favorite short fictions by the master of miracles. So the short answer of where to begin with Bradbury? This list, right here. But in today’s tech-addled, attention-achallenged world, reading 200 stories between two door-stop volumes is, for many, an unrealistic goal.

His wife of fifty-six years, Marguerite, agreed with me. Bradbury is an absolute magician with the short story. It is, in my estimation, his strongest creative form (he wrote novels, poetry, essays, screenplays, teleplays, stage plays hell, he even created architectural designs). (Bradbury dedicated this last book, in part to me, a truly stirring gift.) Certainly, you cannot go wrong by reading either of these spectacular volumes. Along with this, there is the equally voluminous Bradbury Stories, published in 2003, containing yet another 100 more short fictional gems. So, the long answer on where to start? In 2010, Everyman's Library republished The Stories of Ray Bradbury, containing a staggering 100 of Bradbury's best short stories. As the old maxim states: “All passes, art alone endures.” The man left us with such a towering legacy. And there is so much Bradbury out there to read. I passionately believe this, and, as a teacher and writer who has spoken at schools around the world, I know this to be true.

He has the power to ignite young readers for life. And for young, often reluctant readers, there really is no better bridge author from YA over to heavier, more daunting literature. Bradbury has something to appeal to everyone, so individual instruction is vital when possible. Often times, particularly with young readers, I like to tailor a reading list that is specific to them and their interests. As Ray Bradbury’s biographer-having worked with the man for twelve years on four award-winning books and a graphic novel-people often ask, “Where should I begin when reading Ray Bradbury?”

The Bradbury Chronicles by Sam Weller