1 . Four Seasonal Best-Sellers Online
Are you among the parents who are seeking books for your children during the coming winter vacation? The following seasonal best-sellers may be on your list of choices.
Salt
Salt, in which Helen Frost tells a story about friendship between Anikwa and James, was set in a time of war. Anikwa and James spent their happy days together in the forests of the Indiana Territory until facing the cruel war. As a children’s literature, it was once considered as a Kirkus Reviews Best Book in 2013.
Now
Now was set in the present day. This is the final book in Morris Gleitzman’s series that began with Once, continued with Then and Now. In the novel, Felix, a successful man with painful memories of his childhood recalls his time with his granddaughter Zelda. It has been popular with teenagers since it came out. Now is one of Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Books of 2012.
Green
Die-cut (模切的) pages bring surprise after surprise in this magical new book. How many kinds of green are there in the world? Laura Vaccaro Seeger shapes a respect to a single color that will delight and quite possibly shock you. Green was considered as Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Book of 2012 and a 2013 Caldecott Honor Book.
Holes
In this wonderfully creative novel, Louis Sachar makes up a puzzle about Stanley Yelnats, a boy who was sent to juvenile detention center (少年管教中心) Camp Green Lake, and forced to dig a hole a day, five feet across in the hard earth of the dried-up lake bed. It is a darkly humorous tale. The book wins the Winner of the National Book Award and was one of the best sellers among children.
1. Who is the author of the book Salt?| A．Helen Frost. | B．Anikwa. |
| C．Stanley Yelnats. | D．Louis Sachar. |
| A．It tells a serious but funny story. |
| B．It describes different kinds of one color. |
| C．It talks about friendship in the period of war. |
| D．It is one of the series by Laura Vaccaro Seeger. |
| A．They are set in modern times. |
| B．They share the same honor as each other. |
| C．They don’t sell as well as first published. |
| D．Their readers are mostly children. |
2 . If you want to find a book for your sons or daughters, here are some books that you can choose from.
Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation
by Stuart Gibbs
The CIA is on a task to find an equation (方程式), which could destroy the world if the bad people get it. For help, they turn to Charlie, a 12-year-old girl who is as smart as Albert Einstein. Children who like exciting mysteries will enjoy reading this book.
AstroNuts
by Jon Scieszka and Steven Weinberg
In AstroNuts, the Earth has been destroyed by humans for thousands of years. Four animals set out from Mount Rushmoret the main office of NASA. Their task is to find a new planet fit for human life. Finally, they discover one: Plant Planet. The story s topic is simple: Don’t harm the planet. Readers who love science fiction (科幻小说) enjoy AstroNuts.
Stargazing
by Jen Wang
Christine hears that Moon, who is new in town, is the kind of kid who beats people up for fun. But Moon and her mum come to live with Christine’s family, and the two kids become best friends. Moon even shares a big secret with Christine. Stargazing is based on Jen Wang’s experiences as a child. The story is about the power of friendship.
Roll with It
by Jamie Sumner
Roll with It is a story about a 12-year-old girl named Ellie. She has difficulty walking on her own and uses a wheelchair. When Ellie and her mum move to another state to take care of Ellie’s grandpa, she must learn to deal with a new school and new friendships. This book is a must-read for everyone. It's a heartwarming story that really shows the value of family.
1. Whose book tells exciting mysteries?| A．Stuart Gibbs. | B．Jon Scieszka. | C．Jen Wang. | D．Jamie Sumner. |
| A．Stargazing. | B．AstroNuts. |
| C．Roll with It. | D．Charlie Thome and the Last Equation. |
| A．It mainly discusses animals’ stories. |
| B．It includes much scientific knowledge. |
| C．It is mainly about how to make friends. |
| D．It is connected with the author’s own experiences. |
| A．She has to solve problems faced in a new place. |
| B．She has trouble communicating with others. |
| C．She is carefully looked after by her grandpa. |
| D．She doesn’t want to go to another slate. |
| A．Salesgirls. | B．Teachers. | C．Parents. | D．Waiters. |
3 . Here in Britain we have a long tradition of camping out, so we’ve rounded up the four campsites in the UK.
Trwyn Yr Wyjfa, Snowdonia
In the shadow of Conwy Mountain, this campsite is all about the views. Wide views including Anglesey, the Great Orme, and the peaks of Snowdonia. are guaranteed. The site's location means there is no shortage of outstanding walks if you want to head for the hills, while the sea beach is only minutes away. At the site itself, plentiful facilities, including wifi and a separate field for ball games, ensure fun for all.
Price per night: £5 per adult, £2.50 per child
Deepdale Farm, Norfolk
This friendly, well-proportioned（匀称的)site discovers the riches of North Norfolk's coastline. Easy access to the North Norfolk coastal path and on-site bike enable easy exploration of nearby villages. Deepdale is also at the heart of England s best birding area, with the RSPB Reserve just down the road.
Price per night：£3 per person
Eigg Organics. Cleadale. Isle of Eigg
J.R.R. Tolkien, a great English writer, used to holiday on Eigg, admiring Cleadale's beautiful views over the ocean towards the Isle of Rum and Outer Hebrides from the campsite. This impressive campsite is everything that’s good about traditional camping: remote wilderness and golden sunsets.
Price per night: £6 per adult, children are free
Piel Island, Cumbria
On a fifty-acre island alongside a ruined castle» it just might be accessible via a small ferry(渡口)from Roa Island, where you might be lucky enough to spot some seals，and camping on Piel Island is low-key but high-spirited. Days can be spent wandering the unspoilt coastline, on fishing trips.
Price per night：£4 per adult, £2 per child
1. What can you do in Trwyn Yr Wylfa?| A．Visit a ruined castle. | B．Climb the hills. |
| C．Cycle to nearby villages. | D．Enjoy the views of Cleadale. |
| A．Piel Island. | B．Eigg Organics. |
| C．Deepdale Farm. | D．Trwyn Yr Wylfa. |
| A．Eigg Organics. | B．Deepdale Farm. |
| C．Piel Island. | D．Trwyn Yr Wylfa. |
| A．He was born in Eigg. |
| B．He enjoyed the scenery of Cleadale. |
| C．His works were about Eigg. |
| D．His hobby was camping. |
| A．There is a field for ball games. |
| B．There are on-site bikes. |
| C．There is a birding area. |
| D．There is a ruined castle. |
4 . Visiting Washington, D.C. is not a waste of your time and money. There are many destinations in Washington, D.C. that you can include in your journey, which make your travel to this great city worth your time and money. Here are some notable attractions that the city can offer.
Smithsonian Institution
It is the image of 19th sandstone called Castle. This is an institution that has got more than nine museums. A one-day tour is not enough to cover it all. The best places to visit are Air and Space Museum and Museum of Natural History.
Jefferson Memorial
This place houses the 19-foot statue of America’s third president. In addition, there are some writings in the wall like Declaration of Independence and some Jefferson’s writings.
Michel Richard Citronelle
This famous chef got a restaurant at the heart of Washington, D.C. He prepares wonderful dishes to dignitaries who frequent this place. It is not only about attractive menu, but the service is professional. The multi-course is accompanied with wine. The restaurant’s wine cellar houses thousands of bottles.
Mandarin Oriental
This is a taste of Asia in the district. The hotel amenities (设施) are world class with pool and spas. The restaurant shows the city’s view on a flat screen TV and the rooms have Internet access.
The White house
It should not be missed. It is one of the most significant buildings in the city. Its architecture is grand and suits the city’s landscape. There are guided tours that you can join in.
Twins Jazz
If you want to enjoy jazz music, this is the place to be. You can hear grassroots musicians play. The food is also good.
1. What can you visit in Smithsonian Institution?| A．Castles. | B．Museums | C．Statues | D．Restaurants |
| A．Taste Asian food. | B．Cook delicious dishes. |
| C．Enjoy good food and service. | D．Swim and enjoy free Wifi. |
| A．Jefferson Memorial | B．Mandarin Oriental | C．The White House. | D．Twins Jazz |
