1 . Every child in Montana will have a chance to get free books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library which is in partnership with the state’s first lady, Susan Gianforte.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program to improve childhood literacy and a love for reading. The program provides free age-appropriate (与年龄相符的) books to children from birth to age five, regardless of the money their family makes. By providing free books and improving early reading ability, the program hopes to improve educational outcomes and create a foundation (基础) for a lifelong love of learning in young children.
“I’m so excited to be starting my Imagination Library widely in Montana!” said Parton. “I want to send my very special thanks to first lady Susan Gianforte for her partnership in making this amazing gift available (可获得的) to children and families across the state.”
Parton’s Imagination Library will provide a free book each month to any Montana child, ages 0 to 5 years old, who is registered with the organization.
“The ability of reading and writing helps the kids a lot with their development. When parents read to their kids or when the kids read alone, books attract them, fire their imagination, and spark their curiosity,” Gianforte said.
1. What does the underlined word “literacy” in paragraph 2 mean?| A．The idea of sharing. |
| B．The habit of listening. |
| C．The skill of solving problems |
| D．The ability of reading and writing. |
| A．By selling books statewide. |
| B．By working together with Gianforte. |
| C．By improving their early reading ability. |
| D．By organizing learning activities for their parents. |
| A．4. | B．6. | C．7. | D．8. |
| A．It’s costly. | B．It’s important. | C．It’s difficult. | D．It’s doubtful. |
2 . There’s no end to the work to do with improving diversity in children’s media, especially for storybooks. Children need to be able to see themselves in the characters of the stories they hear and read, at a stage where they’re building their understanding of the world around them.
Shachi Kaushik’s new book, Diwali in My New Home, brings the festival of lights to life for an immigrant community.
This picture book is for children aged 5 to 8. It speaks to Indian children’s experiences living abroad when they’ve experienced life in India. The story is about a girl, Priya, who loves being with family and friends to celebrate Diwali. But Priya and her parents began living in the United States this year, and no one seems to know about the holiday. Priya misses the traditions in India. As she joins the lights together and creates rangoli art(地画艺术), Priya introduces the festival of lights to her neighbors. And even though the celebration is different this year, it’s still Diwali.
Kaushik was a lawyer before she discovered the joy of telling stories to young children. Storytelling began when she volunteered in Texas, where she hosted a monthly storytime for children. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces inspired her to write children’s books.
When asked “What’s the secret to making children pay attention to stories?”, she said, “I would say the secret is to be present and not to be shy from acting, singing or dancing. Be a performer. While reading, use facial expressions and voice to add excitement to the story. Also try asking questions like ‘What do you think will happen?’. Let the little ones’ imagination flow. Lastly, try adding a finger play song and some dance moves to get those little ones into the mood.”
1. What is the function of the first paragraph?| A．To give explanation of diversity. | B．To explain the aim of the storybooks. |
| C．To show the importance of children’s media. | D．To lead in the introduction of Shachi Kaushik’s book. |
| A．A festival. | B．A country. | C．A community. | D．A character. |
| A．The joy from children listening to stories. | B．The job as a lawyer. |
| C．The experience of selling storybooks. | D．The money earned by hosting storytime. |
| A．To test if they are shy. | B．To attract their attention. |
| C．To encourage them to use facial expressions. | D．To teach them to be a performer. |
3 . Ecuadorian writer Veronica Bonilla has received the Special Book Award for 2021, the highest recognition by China for a foreign writer.
At an emotional ceremony held Monday at the Chinese embassy in Ecuador, Bonilla received a golden statuette for her outstanding contribution to promoting Chinese culture.
“I feel-happy, honored and pleased to be the first Ecuadorian to receive this award and also to be the first Latin American to receive it. It is a very important thing. It fills me with pride and happiness,” said Bonilla, visibly moved.
“I am writing about China, a country that I fell in love with when I had the opportunity to get to know it because I want the children of the world to get to know China,” Bonilla said, adding that all the work and effort she has put into her work pays off.
The China Special Book Award has been awarded since 2005 to foreign translators, writers and publishers who have made significant contribution to promoting Chinese culture in the world.
Monday’s ceremony in Quito was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Ecuador Chen Guoyou, and Acting Ecuadorian Vice Foreign Minister Augusto Saa.
Saa said that Bonilla’s work is an example of the value of culture as’ a means of union between peoples. “Our countries have managed to develop an active cultural diplomacy and a powerful soft power tool that has contributed to mutual understanding.”
In congratulation, Chinese Ambassador Chen Guoyou said that Bonilla received the well-deserved award thanks to her long-term dedication to promoting Chinese culture to Ecuadorian children.
“Recent years have witnessed the growing dynamism in the cultural exchange between the two nations through contacts in culture, science, technology, sports, education, among others,” Chen said, noting that relations between China and Ecuador are at the best moment in history.
The Ecuadorian writer has so far translated three of her 83 books into Chinese.
1. Why did Bonilla feel proud and happy?| A．Because she wrote a book about her favorite country. |
| B．Because the work and effort she put into her work paid off. |
| C．Because she wanted the children of the world to get to know China. |
| D．Because she was the first Ecuadorian to receive the Special Book Award. |
| A．A French artist. | B．A Chinese publisher. |
| C．An English translator. | D．A Chinese novelist. |
| A．Ecuadorian writers prefer translating Chinese books. |
| B．China and Ecuador have developed a friendly relation. |
| C．Many people in Ecuador have made contributions to China. |
| D．Ecuadorian children learn the Chinese culture from school. |
| A．Ecuadorian writer receives China book award |
| B．Ecuadorian writer translates books into Chinese |
| C．Cultural exchange is a useful way of communicating |
| D．A ceremony is held at the Chinese embassy in Ecuador |
4 . The sky is blue, and the sunshines on the street in Paris, where Mr. Gallais has been selling old classic books to tourists for more than 30 years.
Locals and tourists around the world would come to Mr. Gallai’s shop and 230 other open-air booksellers’ to buy book. However, because of the lockdown regulations to control the COVID-19 pandemic, the booksellers had to face the problem of losing the business and living difficulties these years.
“Sales have decreased by an average of 80 percent this year,” Mr. Gala is said, “which is throwing many booksellers into dangerous situations.” Still, some booksellers want to work. They are eager to keep the tradition that dates back to the l6th century. Many of the booksellers are retired workers living on pensions (养老金). They gather literature books and magazines. A growing number of people in their 30s and 40s have joined their ranks. They want to feel free from working outside an office in rain or shine.
Even before the pandemic, the booksellers were fighting with the cultural changes that people don’t read paper books as much as they used to. If they do read paper books, most readers will often choose Amazon.com to buy ones.
1. How long has Mr. Gallais been selling old classic books along the bank?| A．More than 16 years. | B．More than 19 years. |
| C．More than 23 years. | D．More than 30 years. |
| A．The booksellers’ competition. | B．The lockdown regulations. |
| C．The trend of a new profession. | D．The popularity of E-books. |
| A．They are not willing to accept advances. |
| B．They are eager to live a challenging life. |
| C．They want to feel free from working outside. |
| D．They can earn a large amount of money. |
| A．Mr. Gallais isn’t a bookseller. |
| B．Middle-aged people don’t join the ranks. |
| C．Retired booksellers don’t gather literature books and magazines. |
| D．Booksellers make efforts to keep the bookselling tradition. |
5 . GREAT BOOKS TO TEACH CHILDREN ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE
Here is a shortened list of books sponsored by the magazines TIME and TIME for Kids that are suitable for primary schoolers. To make the list, we considered how age-appropriate the material was, and whether the tone and story line left the reader feeling engaged and empowered rather than anxious or confused.
Experts recommend the youngest kids to read books that explore the beauty and fragility (脆弱) of nature. When developing an appreciation for the world around them, they can switch to books that show the cause and effect of how humans treat our planet, and why it’s important to respect the environment. For older primary school kids, picture books can illustrate how our use of fossil (化石) fuels contributes to global warming. Most of the books on the list also offer lessons about how children, families, schools, and communities can make a difference.
 THANK YOU, EARTH: A LOVE LETTER TO OUR PLANET By April Pulley Sayre This photography book shows to us plants, animals and landscapes in vivid colors and descriptions. From up-close images of insects to pictures of mountain ranges, the pages introduce children to the planets’ diversity in a simple but effective way. |  THE LORAX By Dr. Seuss Thanks to its rhyme, and whimsical illustration, this classic tale is suitable for young children who can grasp the scarcity of natural resources, and also older kids who can see a danger in valuing profits over long-term environmental harm. |
 WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS By Carole Lindstrom A tribute to native tribes that are protecting the planet, this book vividly shows the harms of oil pipelines. Kids will see the value of community action, while adults will recognize the story of the native tribes Standing Rock Sioux’s fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline. |  POLAR BEAR, WHY IS YOUR WORLD MELTING? By Robert E. Wells This book introduces the greenhouse effect with illustrations showing how sunlight gets trapped. It then explains fossil-fuel energy, and our reliance on it for electricity and transportation. The pages are full of science. |
| A．Confusing story line. | B．The tone of anxiety. |
| C．The books sponsorship. | D．Age-appropriate content. |
| A．They can see the value of community action. |
| B．They can know how to protect the native tribes. |
| C．They can recognize the story of the native tribes. |
| D．They can understand the importance of oil pipelines. |
| A．THE LORAX |
| B．WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS |
| C．POLAR BEAR, WHY IS YOUR WORLD MELTING? |
| D．THANK YOU, EARTH: A LOVE LETTER TO OUR PLANET |
6 . Four Good Books to Help You Relax
Most of you may sometimes feel stressful in your daily life. Therefore, it is necessary for you to relax yourself. Apart from your friends, family members, or colleagues, good books can also bring you relaxation.
There and Back: Photographs from the Edge, by Jimmy Chin
Enjoy breathtaking pictures and the stories behind them from Jimmy Chin, Oscar-winning director of Free Solo and National Geographic. The adventure photographer takes you from Tibet to Antarctica. It’s the perfect way to explore places you probably never imagined you’ll go to and meet people you’ve never had the chance to meet without ever leaving your home.
Where the Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens
Based in part on her about 20 years’ researching lion groups in Africa. Delia Owens tells the story of Kya Clark, the “Marsh Girl” of North Carolina. who comes to the remote (偏远的) wild after experiencing a difficult childhood. She has made herself at home in the natural world and grows up there. This is a shocking but beautiful story in the human and natural world.
The Dogist, by Elias Weiss Friedman
We have already known that our four-legged friends are the perfect company when we need to relax ourselves. However, sometimes it may happen that we just can’t have them near by. For those times, look through this wonderful photo book. Each photo of a sweet dog will be sure to turn around a difficult day.
Tender at the Bone, by Ruth Reichl
This heartwarming book from well-known food writer Ruth Reichl brings readers into the kitchens of her childhood, where her love for cooking and eating began. From cooking at home with her mother to eating her first soufflé (蛋奶酥), each story about delicious food will make readers laugh. Warning: Your stomach may grumble (咕哝).
1. What is Where the Crawdads Sing about?| A．A girl’s growth. | B．Travel experience. |
| C．A lovely dog. | D．Family fun. |
| A．They are set in difficult times. | B．They are photo collections. |
| C．They share the similar story. | D．Their authors live in the wild. |
| A．Jimmy Chin’s. | B．Delia Owens’. |
| C．Elias Weiss Friedman’s. | D．Ruth Reichl’s. |
7 . There are literally thousands of books about running, each with their unique stories and angles. Here are four that might interest you.
● Advanced Marathoning – 2nd Edition
by Pete Pfitzinger, Scott Douglas ($38.13)
Shave minutes off your time using the latest in science-based training for serious runners. Advanced Marathoning has all the information you need to train smarter and arrive on the start line ready to run the marathon of your life.
Including marathon-pace runs and tempo runs, Advanced Marathoning provides only the most effective methods of training. You’ll learn how to improve your running workouts with strength, core, flexibility, and form training.
● Determined to Win: The Overcoming Spirit of Jean Driscoll
by Jean Driscoll ($10.99)
Jean Driscoll was named 25th of the top 100 women athletes in the century by Sports Illustrated for Women. Born with spina bifida (脊柱裂), Jean was never supposed to walk. But because of her intense determination, she not only learned to walk but to fly – in a wheelchair across the finish line.
In her autobiography, Jean describes her flight from physical paralysis (瘫痪) to true spiritual freedom. She shows us what perseverance can achieve.
● Boston Marathon Portraits: Pictures of Inspiration
by Raymond Britt ($19.99)
Boston Marathon Portraits features dramatic images of an exceptional race: the Boston Marathon. On race day, Boston comes alive with excitement and determination. This book presents these emotions and the action of the Boston Marathon, focusing on striking scenes and photos of runners before the race, at the starting line, the finish line and when the celebration of finishing begins.
● Women Runners
by Irene Reti, Bettianne Shoney Sien ($11.18)
This selected set of literary fiction, poems, and essays by women runners captures the essence of running, and the many hopes and dreams of women.
1. Which book would be your best choice if you were looking for tips on marathon training?| A．Women Runners. |
| B．Determined to Win: The Overcoming Spirit of Jean Driscoll. |
| C．Boston Marathon Portraits: Pictures of Inspiration. |
| D．Advanced Marathoning - 2nd Edition. |
| A．Development of marathon. |
| B．Effective training methods. |
| C．Amazing photos of runners. |
| D．Essays written by runners. |
| A．A novelist. | B．An editor. |
| C．A marathon winner. | D．A photographer. |
8 . Marie Curie and Her Daughters
by Imogen Greenberg
Illustrated (插图) by Isabel Greenberg
You’ve probably heard of scientist Marie Curie and her discoveries, but how about her daughters, Irene and Eve? This beautiful illustrated book follows the adventures of the family as they save lives during wars, travel around the world, and change the history of science.
Swordswoman!
by Devika Rangachari
Discover the amazing true story of Queen Lakshmibai of Jhansi — an Indian queen who could read and write. Find out how she trained other women to fight next to her and became a symbol of resistance to British rule in India in 1857.
Queens: 3,000 Years of the Most Incredible Women in History
by Victoria Crossman
Celebrating queens from all over the world and through history, this book describes Cleopatra of Egypt, Queen Nanny of Jamaica, Catherine the Great of Russia, Empress Jingu of Japan, Boudicca in Britain and Queen Elizabeth II, among others. It’s full of illustrations and details.
The Girl with Her Head in the Clouds
by Karen McCombie
Illustrated by Anneli Bray
London, 1904. When a couple of showmen need help with a stunt, 16-year-old Dolly volunteers. Soon, she’s busy with working as a parachutist (跳伞者). This story is based on the real life of parachute performer Dolly Shepherd.
1. Which of the following books is science-related?| A．Queens: 3,000 Years of the Most Incredible Women in History. |
| B．The Girl with Her Head in the Clouds. |
| C．Marie Curie and Her Daughters. |
| D．Swordswoman! |
| A．Imogen Greenberg’s. | B．Devika Rangachari’s. |
| C．Victoria Crossman’s. | D．Karen McCombie’s. |
| A．They have the same social background. | B．They describe the influence of wars. |
| C．They are created by two people. | D．They are about women heroes. |
9 . Some libraries use unique architecture to encourage visitors to explore the racks and settle down with a new book, or use flowing libraries to bring books to hard-to-reach populations.
Kansas City Library (Kansas City, Missouri)
Along the south wall of this parking garage’s exterior, visitors are treated to what looks like a huge shelf of books. The building originally served as a bank, which is readily apparent when the library has screenings in its Vault Theater, inside an actual 1925 bank vault.
Stuttgart City Library (Stuttgart, Germany)
Opened in 2011, this nine-story public library designed by Eun Young Yi is characterized by its impressive white-on-white color scheme, its bold cubic shape and its cavernous interior. This cultural center for the city, designed to feel open and full of light, can be entered from any of its four sides, and readers can borrow artwork as well as books.
The Camel Library Service (North Eastern Province, Kenya)
To fight with low literacy rates in the desert of Kenya, the government created a roaming library composed of nine camels to bring books to villages. The library travels four days a week serving the region’s migratory people. Currently the service focuses on children, but with more funding they plan to increase their reach both in distance and the titles they carry.
Macquarie University Library (Sydney, Australia)
A stunning combination of cutting edge and sustainable, this building was made from recycled materials, features a green roof, and was designed to imitate the look of a eucalyptus tree. It is also state of the art, using robot cranes to bring requested books to the front desk.
1. What is the feature of Kansas City Library?| A．It used to be a bank. | B．It has only a book shelf. |
| C．It served as a park lot. | D．It makes use of robot cranes. |
| A．Kansas City Library. | B．Stuttgart City Library. |
| C．The Camel Library Service. | D．Macquarie University Library. |
| A．To sell the artwork in libraries. | B．To urge people to read books. |
| C．To show the art of architecture. | D．To keep people staying in the libraries. |
Recently, 16 Chinese online novels have been added to the collection of the British Library.
The library usually selects works
One of the 16 novels, Happiness in Palm tells a story about love and delicacies (美食) in ancient times. The author created a
Great Power, Heavy Industry tells of how China’s manufacturing industries
