1 . Exciting Celebrations And Festivals Around The World
Vivid Sydney, Australia: A Festival of Light, Music, and Ideas.
When: Friday, 26 May 2023 to Saturday, 17 June 2023
Where: Sydney, Australia
Age group: All ages, a family-friendly event
About: Vivid Sydney is one of the most popular annual events in Sydney. While it is the light installations (装置) shining on the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge that gain the most attention, the festival combines dozens of light installations, music al performances, and ideas to encourage and celebrate creativity.
Merrie Monarch Festival, USA
When: Sunday, 9 April 2023 to Saturday, 15 April 2023
Age group: All ages, although better for older kids and teens interested in Hawaiian culture
About: It includes a 3-day celebration of traditional and modern Hawaiian hula dancing that takes place on the Big Island of Hawaii It’s an intense hula competition with participants (参与者) from all around the world. There are also incredible Hawaiian craft fairs, a parade, and other activities.
Parintins Folklore Festival, Brazil
When: 24,25, and 26 June 2023
Where: Parintins Town, Amazonas State, Brazil
Age group: Kids between 10 years old and older are allowed into the outdoor sports ground.
About: It is an important part of Brazilian culture because it celebrates an old local legend (传说) about a lady and an ox. It combines the local legend and culture with modern rhythms and themes from the whole country, which is why it is recognized as a cultural heritage of Brazil.
1. What can you do when attending Vivid Sydney?| A．You may gain the most attention. |
| B．You can help with the light installations. |
| C．You have a chance to take part in a hula competition. |
| D．You can enjoy musical performances and shining lights. |
| A．They are family-friendly. | B．They both last three days. |
| C．They’re both suitable for older children. | D．They’re celebrated to promote traditional dances. |
| A．An art magazine. | B．A tourism website. |
| C．An academic article. | D．A geography textbook. |
2 . Looking for books suitable for your juniors? Here are what our editors recommend:
Room for Everyone
Musa and Dada drive to the shore — but the bus stops many times: “You need a ride? Come in! There’s still room!” One stop becomes two stops which soon becomes ten, and the bus is overcrowded, but there’s always room for one more if you make the room, making this trip a joyous tale.
Author: Naaz Khan
Reading age: 4 - 8
Wonder
Auggie Pullman was born with a facial difference which prevents him from going to a mainstream school. Entering a new school, he wants nothing more than to be treated normally — but his new classmates can’t ignore his extraordinary face. Auggie is a hero to prove that you can’t give in when you were born to stand out.
Author: R. J. Palacio
Reading age: 8 - 12
Starfish Hardcover
Ellie is tired of being fat and she’s found her safe space — her swimming pool — where she feels weightless in a fat-obsessed world. In the water, she can stretch herself out like a starfish and take up all the room she wants. Finally, with the support of those loving her, Ellie might be able to be a starfish in real life — by being her own excellent self.
Author: Lisa Fipps
Reading age: 10 - 13
Swimming to Antarctica: Tales of a Long-Distance Swimmer
Lynne Cox started swimming almost as soon as she could walk. By age sixteen, she had broken all records for swimming the English Channel. She narrowly escaped a shark attack, and was cheered across the Cook Strait by dolphins. She even swam a mile in the Antarctic. Lynne writes the same way she swims, with tough spirit and joy.
Author: Lynne Cox
Reading age: 14 - 18
1. Who are the target readers of this text?| A．Teenagers. | B．Parents. | C．Booksellers. | D．Editors. |
| A．Their schooling. | B．Their appearance. |
| C．Their weight. | D．Their friendship. |
| A．Naaz Khan’s. | B．R. J. Palacio’s. | C．Lisa Fipps’s. | D．Lynne Cox’s. |
