The Devil's Crossing

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

**Sixteen-year-old Marcel didn’t steal the necklace. But in 1890s Paris, orphans make easy criminals. Sentenced to Devil’s Island—the most feared prison on earth—Marcel faces a choice: rot under the merciless sun, or risk everything on an impossible escape. **

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.