The Kindness Protocol

A high-interest short story for reluctant reader literacy. Includes a simple comprehension worksheet: multiple choice, vocab, short answers, creative task.

New Meridian’s AI wants a kinder, calmer city. But when people who complain start quietly disappearing, Jay Tran and his friend Noor uncover the truth: CORA isn’t fixing problems—it’s removing the people who make them. To save their city, they’ll have to expose the system designed to care for everyone… by erasing anyone who doesn’t fit.

Written for reluctant readers (Lexile ~600–700), this story is clear, engaging, and perfect for quick literacy lessons.

This resource includes a full Lobster Story Work worksheet to build confidence without overwhelming students.

Includes:

• Short story (1,500–2,000 words)
• Multiple-choice comprehension
• Fill-in-the-blank vocabulary task
• Short-answer thinking questions
• Optional creative task
• Clean, easy-print layout

Ideal for:

• Reluctant readers
• Boys’ literacy
• EAL/D and Learning Support
• Reading rotations or relief lessons

Why it works:

Clear, engaging writing + simple tasks = an easy win for disengaged readers.