1 . The World-Famous Nine
By Ben Guterson, illustrated by Kristina Kister
Zander’s grandmother owns the most incredible department store in the world. When a string of mysterious accidents start happening at the store, Zander’s grandmother tells him that a monster called Darkbloom may have returned. The monster, which can control people, wants a magical object that disappeared from the store decades ago. Zander notices that walls on many floors contain mysterious symbols and takes them down in his notebook. Will the 11-year-old boy be able to solve the puzzle and secure the object before Darkbloom does? Packed with suspense, fascination, and a family drama, this mystery may remind you of a cross between Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Ask the Author
The Week: What inspired this book?
Ben Guterson: When I was growing up, Seattle had two big department stores. Something about these big buildings held many possibilities for mystery and discovery to me.
The Week: Why is Zander close to his grandmother?
Ben Guterson: I didn’t want Zander to be alone, so he’s got his loving grandmother there to give him some guidance and keep him safe.
The Week: Do you enjoy mysteries?
Ben Guterson: Yes, I like stories with a mysterious feel to them. I don’t think I have ever been drawn to straightforward realism.
1. What can we learn about Zander?| A．He grows up in Seattle. | B．He lives alone at a store. |
| C．He wishes to be a magician. | D．He wants to defeat Darkbloom. |
| A．A kid loving true-life stories. | B．A kid enjoying fictional works. |
| C．A kid interested in grandma’s dishes. | D．A kid drawn to online store shopping. |
| A．A writer’s profile. | B．An interview outline. |
| C．A children’s story. | D．A book recommendation. |
2 . Do you know that singing along to your favorite song can lift your mood and make you happy? Why do you think they play songs at the gym while you're working out?
Music strengthens attention and focus
In early childhood, many parents find that keeping the focus and attention of their child is impossible. Their brain still has much learning and calming to do, so it can make reading a challenge. Musical training helps them focus, as it requires much attention. You may play some songs while they are cleaning and doing other chores.
Music enhances memory
Kids can remember anything except when you tell them to clean their room. Experts have discovered that melodies(旋律) are a great way to help link emotion and memory. For your child to develop comprehension skills, they need their mind to be sharp.
Music expands the vocabulary
Early childhood requires your kid to learn new words. These words are based on their experiences. When you expose your child to certain melodies, it has a powerful effect on their little mind.
When your child learned to walk , they fell more than they took steps. They had to practice before they ever developed the ability. In early childhood, good practice habits are essential for reading and many other things. Your child can enhance their learning abilities by engaging in music. Music can inspire your children and push them to practice more. Finally, they will learn the fact that practice makes perfect.
| A．Music teaches the truth of life. |
| B．Music helps with listening ability. |
| C．Listening to lines of the song is the best way. |
| D．When music is involved, your child's memory can improve. |
| E．It's a fun game to play in early childhood as it helps recall. |
| F．It helps them to be more interested in the activities rather than get bored. |
| G．They know you will enjoy your routine better as you're motivated by them. |
3 . Grand Opening of the Book Nook
10 am to 10 pm, Saturday, March 4
You will not want to miss this celebration for the opening of your new neighborhood bookstore! Conveniently located at 2289 Main Street, The Book Nook is within walking distance of schools and many homes and businesses. Come check out The Book Nook on Saturday! Festivities（庆祝活动）will include:
★Free refreshments（茶点）
★Live music by local musicians
★One Book-of-the-Month Club membership giveaway
Wide Selection
The Book Nook has three floors with books of all kinds-any kind you could want. If we do not have the book you are looking for, we can specially order it for you. You will have it in your hands in two days!
Reading Nooks
We are proud of our children's reading area（located behind the Poetry Section on the first floor, as well as our teenagers' nook on the second floor. Come for the festivities and stay awhile! Settle in one of these reading areas; curl up（蜷缩）with a good book and a free cup of hot chocolate. You will discover the perfect way to spend a few hours.
Book Events
The Book Nook will be featuring monthly book signings by different authors, giving you a chance to meet and speak with well-known writers. Do not miss the unforgettable experience of hearing distinguished authors read aloud from their own books!
We also have summer reading programs for children of all ages. These programs are a great way to meet other children and share ideas about your favorite books.
The Book-of-the-Month Club
Our Book-of-the-Month Club will feature 12 books each year. As a member, you will select one newly released title each month from the category of your choice. The membership fee is S120.00. That is a great price for 12 books per year!
So please join us on Saturday and learn about all that The Book Nook has to offer. You can come anytime between 10 am and 10 pm—the celebration lasts all day long!
1. The Book Nook will specially order a book for a customer if_________.| A．he joins its book club |
| B．he is a regular customer of the store |
| C．the book is unavailable in the store |
| D．the store is beyond walking distance from his home |
| A．The Book-of-the-Month Club. | B．The summer reading programs. |
| C．The Grand Opening celebration. | D．The live music by local musicians. |
| A．To introduce upcoming events. | B．To share the store's items. |
| C．To encourage people to visit the store. | D．To show appreciation for the customers |
4 . Must-read New Fiction Books
We all have a few tried-and-true fiction favorites, but there’s something special about a brand-new, hot-off-the-press novel. Whether it’s your favorite author’s new release or a new writer’s first work, great fiction books make the perfect escape from ordinary life. That’s why we’ve rounded up a list of the best new books released in February.
Age of Gold by Jerry Lapoor
Jerry Lapoor’s latest action-packed novel unfolds like a crazy movie. This thriller begins when a wealthy man’s car gets out of control. But when the dust settles, the rich man is nowhere to be found. How and to where does he disappear? With an exciting plot that will carry you from old-money houses to small agricultural villages, Age of Cold will take you on an unforgettable ride across a vast land.
City Under One Sky by Rachel Young
In the book, Young presents a crime story set in a small town. Detective Sara Kennedy has been sent to investigate a case. But soon after arrival, Sara gets snowed in with the 205 townsfolk living in the same apartment building. Who is hiding the key to the crime? And is there anyone she can truly trust? The appealing story, strange but distinctive characters and unexpected plot are just a few of the reasons why City Under One Sky gains its popularity.
Lady by Jess George
Lady is an irresistible fiction from Jess George. The story of Mary’s fresh start at adulthood is shot through with themes of family, race and discrimination, womanhood and the immigrant reality of feeling torn between cultures. Though struggling with life in London as an African, Mary jumps at every chance to stand on her own feet.
1. What will impress the readers in Age of Gold?| A．The thrilling plot. | B．Traditional cultures. |
| C．The family conflict. | D．Crazy characters. |
| A．She is trapped in the snow. | B．She is to investigate a case abroad. |
| C．She hides the key evidence. | D．She has trouble discovering the truth. |
| A．Self-reliance. | B．Gender equality. |
| C．Domestic violence. | D．Cross-cultural communication. |
5 . Saving Us: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World is one of the most important books about climate change to have been written. Hayhoe is a gifted public speaker and Saving Us is a follow-up to her awesome TED talk in 2018, “The most important thing you can do to fight climate change: talk about it. ”
One of the many refreshing aspects of this book is that Hayhoe recounts both her successes and her failures to communicate, through which she has gathered evidence about what works and what does not. Much of the book's advice is common sense, all backed up not just by Hayhoe's experience but also with convincing research by psychologists and social scientists.
Hayhoe advises against trying to engage with a small minority, the “Dismissives”, who “angrily reject the idea that human-caused climate change is a threat; they are most receptive (易接受的) to misinformation and conspiracy theories (阴谋论)”. There is a warning that offering up more facts about climate change can actually increase polarisation(两极化) among them.
The book includes amusing examples of her encounters with the “Dismissives” , almost entirely older men — including an engineer who was unconvinced about the evidence but with whom she was able to establish mutual (相互的) respect through a shared passion for knitting (打毛线衣) — and is packed with inspiring accounts of how she has won over even the most suspicious of crowds. Her motto is “bond, connect and inspire” , which represents her approach of always looking for points of commonality.
She also tells of a man who approached her after an event in London in 2019. He had been so inspired by her TED talk that he had started to speak to everybody he could in his neighborhood of Wandsworth. He showed her details of 12,000 conversations that had taken place as a result, claiming that they had helped to convince the government to declare a climate emergency and to switch investments from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
And so, while it may feel difficult to influence the outcome of the COP26, Hayhoe’s uplifting book makes a persuasive case that we can all do our bit to bring about success just by talking about the issue.
1. What does the book mainly focus on?| A．Promoting people's insight into climate change. |
| B．Introducing presentation skills with TED talks. |
| C．Sharing communication tips on climate change. |
| D．Developing critical thinking through literature. |
| A．Humorous but one-sided. | B．Novel and interesting. |
| C．Serious and hard to follow. | D．Well-based and workable. |
| A．She changed their political identity. |
| B．She sought common ground by bonding. |
| C．She challenged their fundamental beliefs. |
| D．She provided more facts about climate change. |
| A．Talks can affect climate decision-making. |
| B．The shift to renewable energy is unstoppable. |
| C．Policymakers turn a blind eye to climate change. |
| D．We need to call on people to prepare for the climate crisis. |
6 . You may or may not be aware of this, but reading fiction is highly beneficial, and there are scientific studies to back this up.
Your imagination can be significantly improved and developed when reading fiction. Imagination allows you to be more creative.
Empathy (共鸣) is all about standing in someone else’s shoes and seeing things from their point of view. So developing a relationship with the characters and becoming interested in the journey they are going through can help you do that after you’ve closed the book.
Reading fiction improves people’s mood considerably and brings it to a pleasurable state. It even provides health benefits and relaxation. Regular readers have lower stress levels, lower rates of depression.
| A．It can also help you with your problem—solving skills. |
| B．Reading fiction can help you master multiple languages at the same time. |
| C．Reading fiction also helps you build your language skills and vocabulary. |
| D．The relationship with the characters makes you think more about others. |
| E．A recent study showed that reading fiction can enrich one’s world view. |
| F．Have you ever wondered what happens in your brain when you read fiction? |
| G．Why does reading fiction have such an effect on improving one’s imagination? |
7 . “Adolescent Health and Physical Activity” isn’t just another health guide; it’s a comprehensive road-map to understanding the vita connection between physical activity and the well-being of our youth. Penned by the respected Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences, this book is a source of intelligence in an era where adolescent health is of leading concern.
Rather than drowning readers in professional expressions and statistics, this book serves up its insights with clarity and practicality. It’s not just about praising the benefits of exercise; it’ s about showing us how to make those benefits accessible to every adolescent, regardless background or circumstance.
Dive into its pages, and you’ll discover a treasure trove (宝库) of strategies for developing healthy habits in schools, communities, and homes. From transforming physical education programs to empowering parents to be active role models, every chapter is packed with actionable advice grounded in real-world experience.
But it’s not all about the how; this book explores deep into the why. It explores the complex interaction between physical activity and mental health, shining a light on how exercise can be a powerful solution to the stresses and strains of adolescence. And let’s not forget about the elephant in the room: sports injuries. With expert guidance on injury prevention and management, this book ensures that every adolescent can obtain there wards of physical activity without fear of harm.
Basically, “Adolescent Heath and Physical Activity” isn’t just a book; it’s a call to action. It challenges us to rethink our approach to adolescent health and empowers us with the knowledge and tools we need to make a difference. So, whether you’re a parent, educator. healthcare professional, or simply someone who cares about the well-being of our youth, this book is essential reading.
1. What is the primary focus of the book?| A．Investigating adult fitness programs. |
| B．Advocating developing healthy habits. |
| C．Exploring the link between exercise and well-being of youth. |
| D．Analyzing adolescent sports trends and sports injury prevention |
| A．Through abstract theories. | B．With practical and clear insights. |
| C．Through historical narratives. | D．With complex statistical analysis. |
| A．How to benefit from exercise. | B．Advantages of physical activities. |
| C．How to win a match without injuries. | D．Approaches to forming healthy habits. |
| A．To review a book. | B．To show respect to the institute. |
| C．To introduce the research findings of IOM. | D．To stimulate people to concern for adolescent well-being |
8 . Starting a new book can feel like a bit of a commitment (承诺), but it doesn’t have to be! Here are four books you can read in a single day.
The House on Mango Street
Released in 1984 and written by Mexican-American author Sandra Cisneros, The House on Mango Street is only 103 pages long. It’s a rapid read for those looking to dip their toes into the water, but it still deals with complex themes and important subject matters, including language, race, ageing, and troubles.
The Midnight Library
The Midnight Library from the English author Matt Haig was released in 2020. It has 288 pages, which makes it a little more challenging but still absolutely doable (可做的) in a single day. The novel is all about storytelling, with Nora Seed exploring the “what ifs” of her life.
The Perilous Life of Jade Yeo
Released in 2012 and written by the fantastic Malaysian-English author Zen Cho, the page count is an extremely manageable 76 pages, which makes this another effective first read in one day. The novel is set in London in the 1920s and follows the life of another writer, Jade Yeo. There is even enough time for readers to appreciate a film adaptation of the book after reading it.
Stardust
The 1999 novel by English author Neil Gaiman is a perfect presentation of the writer’s fantasy styles at their best. Stardust, which became a major motion picture, sits at 256 pages, It’s epic (史诗般的) in its scale, but the reader can fit the novel into a single day, giving them a true sense of absolute escapism to the fantasyland of Stormhold.
1. Which book can make you feel like escaping from reality and being in a kind of dreamland?| A．The Perilous Life of Jade Yeo. | B．The Midnight: Library. |
| C．The House on Mango Street. | D．Stardust. |
| A．It’s supposed to be made into a film soon. |
| B．The book tells the life of its author, Zen Cho. |
| C．Its background is in London about a century ago. |
| D．It is a bit more challenging to finish reading it in two days. |
| A．It is a perfect presentation of the writer’s own experiences. |
| B．It involves complex themes and important subject matters. |
| C．It was written by a well-known Malaysian-English author. |
| D．It is all about storytelling, with Nora Seed exploring the“what ifs”of her life； |
9 . Reading can be a social activity. Think of the people who belong to book groups. They choose books to read and then meet to discuss them. Now, the website Book Crossing.com turns the page on the traditional idea of a book group.
Members go on the site and register (登记) the books they own and would like to share. Book Crossing provides an identification number (识别码) to stick inside the book. Then the person leaves it in a public place, hoping that the book will have an adventure, traveling far and wide with each new reader who finds it.
Bruce Pederson, the managing director of Book Crossing, says, “The two things that change your life are the people you meet and books you read. Book Crossing combines both.”
Members leave books on park benches and buses, in train stations and coffee shops. Whoever finds their book will go to the site and record where they found it.
People who find a book can also leave a journal entry describing what they thought of it. E-mails are then sent to the BookCrossers to keep them updated about where their books have been found. Bruce Pederson says the idea is for people not to be selfish by keeping a book to gather dust on a shelf at home.
Book Crossing is part of a trend (趋势) among people who want to get back to the “real” and not the virtual (虚拟).The site now has more than one million members in more than one hundred thirty—five countries.
1. Why does the author mention book groups in the first paragraph?| A．To explain what they are. | B．To introduce Book Crossing. |
| C．To stress the importance of reading. | D．To encourage readers to share their ideas. |
| A．An adventure. | B．A public place. | C．The book. | D．The identification number. |
| A．Keep it safe in his bookcase. | B．Mail it back to its owner. |
| C．Meet other readers to discuss it. | D．Pass it on to another reader. |
| A．Negative. | B．Indifferent. | C．Doubtful. | D．Favorable. |
10 . The best science books inspire a sense of wonder and make you amazed at the incredible world we live in. Here are four of them to feed your imagination.
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
How did it all begin? And how did we get here? Combining history and science, the book offers a comprehensive yet entertaining answer to these questions. Bill Bryson takes the reader on an impressive journey through the greatest cientific discoveries in history. It explains scientific topics in a vivid way, but it's quite a long read.
Thing Explainer by Randall Munroe
How do helicopters work? Or cells? Randall Munroe explains how things work using illustrations and only the most common 1,000 words in English. It will shift your approach to explanation. So, next time explain how something works rather than merely call it by its name. However, additionally providing more technical terms might have enhanced the understanding and learning experience.
Ask an Astronaut by Tim Peake
What does it feel like to fly into space? How do you prepare for it? Astronaut Tim Peake answers all the questions you never knew about going into space. The book gives insights into the cutting-edge science, as well as the day-to-day life on board of the International Space Station. Its question and answer format makes it easy to quickly find answers, but it can become less appealing due to the lack of descriptive language.
Deep Time by Riley Black
Want to know the story of our planet? Riley Black takes us on a journey, in the order of time, through the geological(地质的)events that have shaped our planet. The fascinating high-quality images are supported by easily digestible explanations of key historical moments. It also expands on key concepts in geology, astronomy and biology. Yet, measuring the size of some objects on the photos is difficult due to the lack of a scale bar (比例尺).
1. What's a shortcoming of Thing Explainer?| A．It is too long. | B．It lacks technical terms. |
| C．It is written in plain language. | D．It fails to include clear images. |
| A．A Short History of Nearly Everything. | B．Thing Explainer. |
| C．Ask an Astronaut. | D．Deep Time. |
| A．They entertain readers of all ages. | B．They feature vivid illustrations. |
| C．They introduce astronauts' daily life. | D．They combine science and history. |
