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I'm looking for recommendations for short stories that are appropriate for 6th grade students.  Their reading levels are 4th to 5th grade. 

Some favorites might be the story by Bill Cosby - Tarzan Man? Not sure of title. Any Ann Schraff Books, Lois Lowry are a few favorite authors. The Devil's Arithmetic, The Egypt Game, Number the Stars are good too.

I'd start with a 4th or 5th grade reading textbook. For instance, the Scott Foresman 4th grade text has the stories "Rikki-tikki-tavi," "The Cricket in Times Square," and others. You can read the full table of contents at their web site: sfreading.com.

You could use children's books, such as anything by Dr. Seuss. No matter what the age, everyone enjoys these.

Thanks for the idea of using the Scott Foresman series. That is a good idea. We don't have those at the middle school, so I didn't even think of it. I'm interested to know if anyone else had ideas for short stories like:

Charles by Shirley Jackson or The Most Dangerous Game-High School Short Story

But I need short stories not more difficult than about a 6th grade level. I don't know many good ones, just some good high school ones.

Alice Walker, The Flowers

O. Henry, The Gift of the Magi

Washington Irving, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Rip Van Winkle

Also, check out the list at edhelper.com

http://edhelper.com/short_stories/short_stories.htm

I have experienced a great deal of success when I taught sixth grade reading/ writing with the following novels:

1)  Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

2)  The House of Dies Drear by Virginia Hamilton

3)  The Dreadful Future of Blossom Culp by Richard Peck

4)  Deathwatch by Robb White

5)  The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen or Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

6)  Wringer by Jerry Spinelli or Maniac Magee, also by Spinelli

These are great novels for middle school students, or emerging middle school students that challenge the adolescent reader.

Most of the suggestions you have been given are shorter novels, not short stories.  O Henry is far too difficult for sixth grade. Short stories I teach include The Scarlet Ibis, All Summer in a Day by Ray Bradbury, and Thank You Ma'm by Langston Hughes.  These all go down well with the kids and are within their grasp.  Can teach most literary elements through these.