1 . It was a quiet morning in the library, and we librarians were enjoying a rather loud chat. Suddenly, a patron (常客) marched up to us, gave us an annoyed “Shush!” and went back to her seat. How strange for a group of librarians to be shushed by a patron! Shouldn’t it be the other way around?
Well, it’s complicated. If you’re like me, a middle-aged woman, you probably remember libraries as places of silent reading. These days, however, libraries are more like active community centers.
In the past, most libraries didn’t focus much on programs for kids whose age made it impossible for them to be quiet on demand. But growing knowledge about the importance of kids and teens learning through hands-on experiences has since caused a sea change in how libraries connect with young readers. Now libraries begin offering interactive programs for kids, including crafts, board games, and story times. These types of programs certainly aren’t designed to be silent.
Along with more programs for ever-younger children, technology today has played a part in the transformation of libraries into places where both kids and adults can use computers, make something on a 3D printer and more. In addition, many libraries now offer programs for adults, who can participate in in book discussion, learn calligraphy, and even take college classes.
Of course, libraries still need peaceful phones. These days, many libraries have glassed-off study rooms or quiet areas. They are also less noisy in the early afternoons, after morning children’s programs and before the after-school kid crowd arrive.
It’s clear to me now that on the day my colleagues and I were shushed by a patron, we should have been using our “library voices” as we talked. Still, it’s unlikely that libraries will ever return to the days when they were places of silence. There’s just too much fun and learning happening.
1. How did the author respond to the patron’s behavior?| A．She approved of it. | B．She was disappointed at it. |
| C．She hesitated about it. | D．She was astonished at it. |
| A．The past and the present of libraries. | B．The reason for the change of libraries. |
| C．The activities for young children in libraries. | D．The connection between libraries and readers. |
| A．They heavily depend on technology. | B．They offer online programs for adults. |
| C．They still provide silent reading places. | D．They care much about time arrangement. |
| A．Libraries Should be Loud | B．Reading Can be Fun in Libraries |
| C．Libraries Make Learning Happen | D．Library Programs Target Children |
2 . In honor of World Animal Day, celebrated annually on October 4, here are three picture books to stir up affection, appreciation, and empathy for our non-human friends. Find more related books and articles from Hbook.com here; or click the Animals and Pets subject tags in the Horn Book Guide/Reviews Database.
Gianferrari, Maria To Dogs, With Love: A Love Letter to the Dogs Who Help Us
40 pp. | Roaring Brook| December, 2023 | Trade ISBN 978-1-250-24494-9 $18.99
Illustrated by Ishaa Lobo. With a refrain of “thank you for,” this wholehearted shout-out to our canine companions (the narrator addresses them directly) lists their physical attributes to celebrate what makes them so harmonious with humans. A grief therapy dog, a courtroom support dog, and a future assistance dog are among the sung heroes featured in the artwork.
O’Watch, Heather Auntie’s Rez Surprise
24 pp.| Second Story | September, 2023 | Trade ISBN 978-1-77260-344-6 $21.95
Illustrated by Ellie Arscott. Cree, a young Nehiyaw girl, never fails to marvel at the neat stuff her kind aunt collects from garage sales. But this time, Auntie has brought a surprise. Unable to guess what it is, Cree is delighted when Auntie reveals a “puppy.” Nehiyaw people consider dogs their relatives, Auntie explains, and describes the integral role they have historically played in Nehiyaw communities — providing protection, furnishing warmth, and transporting goods. Cree learns the importance of caring for bowwows with heart and hands. Arscott’s sunny hand-drawn illustrations incorporate comic-book elements.
Ruddock, Nicholas This Is a Tiny Fragile Snake
40 pp.| Groundwood | February, 2024 | Trade ISBN 978-1-77306-784-1 $19.99
Illustrated by Ashley Barron. A raccoon (浣熊) is panic-stricken after taking a spill down a chimney. During a nighttime car ride, a family is startled when a moose (麋鹿) sallies out onto the road. A chipmunk (花栗鼠) is brought to bay in a rainspout by its feline predator. In the fifteen short narrative poems in this picture book, racially diverse children and their caregivers unexpectedly come face to face with undomesticated creatures, some imperiled, and choose to show them kindness and respect. A closing poem observes each animal’s whereabouts following their human encounters. Readers will warm to the wisdom of giving wildlife their space.
1. What can we know from Auntie’s Rez Surprise?| A．The author of it is Ashley Barron. |
| B．Nehiyaw people think highly of dogs. |
| C．Stuff collected from garage sales is useless. |
| D．Cree can always guess what Auntie brings for her. |
| A．They are all about dogs. |
| B．They are all about animal abuse. |
| C．They all include poems and pictures. |
| D．They all show harmony between animals and humans. |
| A．A website | B．A journal | C．A history book | D．A guidebook |
3 . I arrived home from work, my mind racing. I was scheduled to perform an experiment using a pricey piece of equipment, but I had spent the whole day worrying about the experiment which was on the top of my agenda (日程), and I amazingly longed to shut off my anxious thoughts. So after dinner, I made a cup of hot chocolate, stretched myself on my sofa, and opened a page. Almost instantly, my mind left behind the details of experimental design and stepped into a land of monsters, magic dust, and man-like bears comprising a wonderful world distinct (不同的) from my daily life. It was exactly what I needed.
Growing up, I was virtually never a big fan of novels. My classmates would be crazy about the latest Harry Potter book, while my copy sat collecting dust on a shelf. Instead, I would choose to read through the reference books related to my academic fields for better grades. After I started graduate school, extracurricular reading didn’t appeal to me at all but I spent most of my time on campus digesting research papers and textbooks and my mind couldn’t handle processing fact-filled nonfiction books at home, too. So I knew that I needed to find a way to enjoy reading again.
To help me stick with it, I made a New Year’s resolution: I would read two fiction books per month for the entire year. The result was an almost instant appreciation of fiction, along with many unexpected results including ones that have benefited my schoolwork.
What surprised me the most was how much I learned. Some of the best books I read were historical fictional stories happening in a realistic historical setting. I learned about life in different countries, as well as struggles people there faced during difficult periods in their histories. The books have helped me build sympathy and understanding, with an unexpected benefit: I’ve started to think more deeply about the diversity of issues in the scientific community and could serve it, heart and soul.
1. What did the author do to wipe out the anxiety?| A．He drowned it in chocolate. | B．He conducted an experiment. |
| C．He slept on the sofa leisurely. | D．He escaped into a fantasy world. |
| A．Reading novels was a waste of time. |
| B．Reading a good book was time well spent. |
| C．He was too busy to take good care of his books. |
| D．The Harry Potter book wasn’t as good as expected. |
| A．More sympathy went out to him. |
| B．His moral values were strengthened. |
| C．He learned much about religious diversity. |
| D．He gained new insight into his academic fields. |
| A．Reading: A Lifelong Hobby | B．The Power of Research Papers |
| C．Novels: Love at Second Sight | D．The Benefits of History Reading |
4 . Science Books for Kids of All Ages
To help you choose the perfect education al books for your child, we’ve created this handpicked list of the best science books for kids. The titles featured here spark curiosity, encourage leaning, and are lots of fun, too.
About Time: A First Look at Time and Clocks
Author: Bruce Koscielniak; Price: US $8.55
Long ago people used the sun, the moon, and the water to tell time. Soon after we began using our knowledge about the natural world to build clocks and to create calendars made up of months and years. Centuries later, we have clocks and calendars all around us. This book tells the amazing story of how it all happened!
Animalium: Welcome to the Museum
Author: Katie Scott;Price: US $8.99
This book opens the doors of the natural history museum for your child all year round! It features 200 full-color specimens accompanied by lively, informative text and more. Discover the animal kingdom inglorious detail with unique illustrations that combine science and art.
Bang!: How We Came to Be
Author: Michael Rubino; Price: US $16.00
“Bang! And that was it, the beginning of everything.” So begins this beautifully illustrated story of evolution. This book conveys not only the facts but also the excitement of the scientific explanation of our world, from the origin of the universe to the present reality of our planet.
Bedtime Math: The Truth Comes Out
Author: Laura Overdeck; Price: US $10.99
This book makes learning about math as fun as dessert after dinner! It combines math and cool facts for one fun and wild adventure. Now kids can discover the science behind all their favorite things: marshmallows, soda, ice cream, and more. With over 100 math problems on a variety of topics, kids will find math isn’t just fun — it can be found everywhere!
1. What can kids learn in the book About Time?| A．The tough life of ancestors. | B．The origin of the sun and the moon. |
| C．The old ways to measure time. | D．The wildlife in the natural world. |
| A．They are children’s novels. | B．They are popular for cheap price. |
| C．They are collected in the museum. | D．They are illustrated stories for kids. |
| A．Bang. | B．Bedtime Math. | C．Animalium. | D．About Time. |
1. 写信目的；
2. 加入英语阅读社的原因；
3. 希望获准。
注意：
1.写作词数应为80个左右；
2.请按照以下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Dear Sir/ Madam,
My name is Li Hua, a freshman in our school.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Yours,
Li Hua
6 . Programs from the Pierson Library Dinoman Visits Today: The Shelburne Town Gym will be filled by huge dinosaurs at 1:00 pm. Learn about these animals that once walked on the earth during a visit by Dinoman on Thursday, July 5.
Book Discussion: The book group for men meets at La Villa at 7:30 pm on July 5 to discuss Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan. Join Andrew Everett for reading and discussing the book as well as enjoying cookies and drinks.
Family Free Help: Volunteer John Kelley is in the library on Wednesday afternoons. Have John help you learn how to find out your family trees using the library.
Summer Study Programme: Kids need to keep a reading record to keep track of the number of pages read through August 16 at 8:00 pm. The student with the highest page count will take home a $50 gift card for the Flying Pig Bookstore.
Musical Story Time: Get ready for a guitar concert at 10:30 am on July 7. Music teacher Sue Rule leads a morning of music and stories with the guitar concert. For ages 3 and up. Guitars are provided.
Special Programmes: Some special programmes include Field Days at 1: 00 pm on August 12and the Teddy Bear Picnic at 10: 30 am on August 14. The library is also preparing for its move to the Shelburne Field House on Athletic Drive on August 16 ahead of the library rebuilding project. The library will be closed during the move.
1. What can visitors do in Dinoman Visits Today?| A．Watch animals on the earth. | B．Find out their family trees. |
| C．Learn about dinosaurs. | D．Visit a writer named Jennifer Egan. |
| A．They include a guitar concert. | B．They will take place in August. |
| C．They include a course on buildings. | D．They will take place after the library rebuilding project. |
| A．Family Tree Help and Musical Story Time. |
| B．Dinoman Visits Today and Book Discussion. |
| C．Book Discussion and Summer Study Programme. |
| D．Summer Study Programme and Musical Story Time. |
7 . Reading is vital but how can one choose the right books to read and where can one find them? A few famous people may give you some helpful tips.
● Read books from past eras.
●
Reading too wide a variety in too short a time would keep the teachings from leaving a lasting impression on you. Seneca the Younger, a first-century Roman philosopher, suggested that “you must linger (持续看) among a limited number of master thinkers, and understand their works, if you would obtain ideas which shall win firm hold in your mind.
● Shop at secondhand bookstores.
Virginia Woolf believed the works in secondhand bookstores have an attraction which the usual volumes of the library lack. Browsing through these books gives you the chance to run into something that wouldn’t have risen to the attention of librarians and booksellers.
● Check out authors’ reading lists.
In his 1940 guide How to Read a Book, American educator Mortimer J. Adler talked about how to choose books. He attached importance to those that oilier authors consider worth reading.
● Make the final decision by yourself.
| A．Great authors are great readers. |
| B．Participate in a reading challenge. |
| C．Leave some room for older works. |
| D．Don’t jump too quickly from book to book. |
| E．Analyze your options with Amazon Best Seller Rankings. |
| F．There’s no “best books” list that everyone should follow. |
| G．Usually they are much more selective in organizing their collections. |
1．简述书的内容;
2．最喜欢它的理由。
注意：1．词数80左右;
2．可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
The book I like best
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1. 活动时间、地点；
2. 活动安排（交流读书体会、互换书籍等）。
注意：
1. 写作词数应为80左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Notice
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
English Corner
10 . Here are the books that often appear on high-school reading lists for 12th-grade students, and are often discussed in greater depth in college literature courses. The books on this list are important introductions to world literature.
The Seagull
By Anton Chekhov
Price:$40.4
The book is a scene-of-life read set in the Russian countryside at the end of the 19th century. All characters are dissatisfied with their lives. Some want love. Some want success.No one, however, ever seems to get happiness. Some people view The Seagull as a tragic (悲剧的) play about always unhappy people. Others see it as a humorous and bitter book,making fun of humans’ foolishness.
Candide
By Voltaire
Price:$48.6
Voltaire offers his view of society in Candide. The book was published in 1759, and it is often considered the author’s most important work. A simple-minded young man, Candide is sure his world is the best of all worlds, but a trip around the world opens his eyes about what he believes to be true.
Jane Eyre
By Charlotte Bronte
Price:$128.6
Charlotte Bronte’s heroine was one of the first in English literature to serve as first-person narrator(讲述者) of her own life story. Jane falls in love with a rich man, Rochester,but on her own terms, and only after he has proven himself worthy of her.
The Bluest Eye
By Toni Morrison
Price:$28.6
It tells a story of Pecola Breedlove, a young African American girl who dreams of having blue eyes-a sign of acceptance in a world ruled by white conceptions of beauty.
1. What is special about The Seagull?| A．People have different ideas about it. |
| B．Characters in it are happy with their life. |
| C．All characters make their dreams true finally. |
| D．It tells the life in America at the end of the 19th century. |
| A．The bad luck he met in life. | B．A book he read accidentally. |
| C．A journey around the world. | D．A dream he had at night. |
| A．The Seagull. | B．Candide. |
| C．Jane Eyre. | D．The Bluest Eye. |
