Drawing the Line Reading Worksheet
Middle School Fiction Reading Level: Grades 5–6
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Date:
The Line at Locker 14
A story about friendship, expectations, and the power of speaking up
The cafeteria roared with the Friday lunch rush, but Jordan barely noticed the clatter of trays. He was hunched over his sketchbook, carefully shading the armor of a hero he had spent two weeks creating. His pencil glided along the page, adding subtle shadows that made the figure leap to life. Suddenly, Tyler slammed his chocolate milk onto the table, his eyes bright with excitement.
"Listen up, everybody!" Tyler announced, waving his hands so the entire table turned. "You know how the graphic novel club contest entries are due Monday? Jordan just agreed to illustrate my entire ten-page comic script! Full color, action panels, the works. We’re taking first place for sure!"
Jordan froze. A tight, heavy knot formed at the bottom of his stomach. He hadn't agreed to anything—Tyler hadn't even asked. Yet around the table, four classmates looked at Jordan with awe. "Whoa, ten pages by Monday?" whispered Marcus. "You’re the fastest artist in sixth grade, Jordan."
Jordan gave a weak, strained smile and stared at his tray. In the past, this was where he always caved in. He hated arguments, and Tyler had a habit of making anyone who disagreed feel guilty. But Jordan's weekend was already overflowing: soccer playoffs on Saturday, a science exam to study for on Sunday, and chores at home. Drawing ten detailed pages would mean staying up until two in the morning both nights.
As he toyed with his fork, a lesson from Ms. Rivera's advisory class surfaced in his mind: A boundary isn’t an insult or a wall to push friends away; it’s a clear fence that protects your time and energy. Jordan realized that saying "yes" to keep Tyler happy really meant saying "no" to his own health and sleep.
When the warning bell rang, Jordan caught up to Tyler near locker 14 before gym class. "Tyler, wait up. Can we talk for a minute?"
"What’s up, partner?" Tyler grinned, adjusting his backpack. "Hyped about the comic?"
Jordan took a slow, steady breath. His palms were cold, but he kept his voice calm and firm. "Tyler, I appreciate that you believe in my art, but I can't illustrate your comic this weekend. I have soccer playoffs and a science test, and I need to stick to my own schedule."
Tyler’s grin vanished into an irritated scowl. "Are you serious? It would take you like three hours! Aren't we best friends? You're leaving me hanging right before the deadline!"
Jordan felt the urge to apologize and take it back, but he planted his feet. "We are friends, Tyler, but good friends don't volunteer each other without asking first. I won't draw the comic. But if you want, I can sit with you for twenty minutes during study hall tomorrow to help you sketch out the panel layouts so you can draw them yourself."
Tyler crossed his arms and glared at the gray metal lockers. For ten quiet seconds, neither boy spoke. Finally, Tyler let out a long sigh, his scowl relaxing into a reluctant half-smile. "Twenty minutes? And you’ll show me how to draw that action kick?"
"Deal," Jordan replied, offering a fist bump. Tyler tapped it back. Walking to science class, Jordan felt his shoulders loosen. Setting that boundary hadn't wrecked their friendship—it had finally made it honest.
Word to Know: Boundary (noun) — A healthy limit a person sets to communicate how they wish to be treated and what they are able or willing to give, protecting their time, feelings, and well-being.
Comprehension & Reflection
Respond to each question based on details and themes from "The Line at Locker 14."
Score: _____ / 8
Part 1: Multiple Choice Questions
1. What is Jordan's primary conflict when Tyler announces the comic project at lunch?
A) He forgot to enter his own comic into the contest.
B) He wants to help, but feels pressured into giving up his weekend.
C) He does not know how to draw full-color action panels.
D) He wants to quit the graphic novel club to play soccer.
2. What does Jordan realize when thinking about Ms. Rivera's advice in paragraph 5?
A) Boundaries are designed to permanently end difficult friendships.
B) Agreeing to Tyler's demands means neglecting his own needs.
C) Good friends should always say yes to avoid arguments.
D) Drawing comic panels takes far less time than studying for tests.
3. Which action best demonstrates that Jordan set his boundary in a mature, respectful way?
A) He shouted back at Tyler in front of everyone in the cafeteria.
B) He ignored Tyler's messages all weekend until the contest ended.
C) He spoke privately by the lockers and offered a fair compromise.
D) He asked Ms. Rivera to tell Tyler that he could not draw the comic.
4. What is the central message or theme of the story?
A) True friendships grow stronger when people express honest limits.
B) Group projects in middle school almost always lead to arguments.
C) It is impossible to balance competitive sports and creative hobbies.
D) Friends should only share ideas, never work together on assignments.
Part 2: Short Response Questions
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What physical or emotional cues told Jordan that his boundary was being crossed in the cafeteria?
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Why did Tyler react with anger at first, and what helped him calm down and accept Jordan's answer?
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Jordan chose not to draw the 10 pages, but offered 20 minutes of coaching. Why is offering an alternative a helpful boundary strategy?
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Write one clear, respectful boundary statement a student could use if a friend asks to copy their homework.
Drawing the Line • Middle School SEL & Reading Comprehension Page 2 of 2
