1 . If you’ve ever needed an excuse to bury yourself in a really good book, now is the time, 2021 is filled with page-turners, must-reads and novels with beautiful sentences. That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite stories of the new year. If it’s out now, get your copy; if not, get ready to pre-order.
Outlawed
Price: $26. 00, $18. 18 (30%off)
Welcome to the new feminist (女权主义) world. Anna North’s western novel follows Ada, a 17-year-old who has to run away from her town after she’s unable to get pregnant (怀孕) a year into marriage. It features everything you have ever wanted in a read: strange cowgirls, a group of feminist outlaws and more.
The Push
Price: $26. 00, $16. 16 (38%off)
Nothing like a psychological thriller to kick off a new year that is hopefully not as psychologically disturbing as last year. In Aslhley Audrain’s fiction, a new mother begins to doubt not all is right with her baby.
The Wife Upstairs
Price: $27. 99, $19. 09 (32%off)
This modern adaptation of Jane Eyre trades in Gothic mystery for southern secrecy. In Rachel Hawkins’ latest page turner, expect the romance you love in the original tale with all the modern features.
Aftershocks
Price: $26. 00, $16. 86 (35% off)
This one is actually not a fiction book, but we couldn’t not include—it’s that good. Nadia Owusu’s powerful memoir (回忆录) tells her childhood and perhaps an even more meaningful journey, the one to self-discovery.
1. Which of the following books is the cheapest after the discount?| A．Aftershocks. | B．Outlawed. |
| C．The Push. | D．The Wife Upstairs. |
| A．Nadia Owusu. | B．Rachel Hawkins. |
| C．Anna North. | D．Ashley Audrain. |
| A．It is adapted from Jane Eyre. |
| B．It is a thriller about a mother and her baby. |
| C．It is a western novel about a feminist. |
| D．It tells a writer’s self-discovery journey. |
2 . Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden is a fantastic novel that is about seven teenagers who go on a hike for a week to a remote wilderness called Hell. When the group return home,they discover that their country has been invaded. Their families have been taken prisoner and their town is in a mess. After a series of terrifying adventures, they move back to Hell for safety reasons. While there, the group work out their choices. They decide that they will make their base in Hell but that they will not just hide. They will try to do something for their country and fight against the enemy.
The story is told from the point of view of Ellie, one of the teenagers. She has been chosen by the group as the one who should record what has happened. Ellie’s description of the story shows how seven normal teenagers can change from being innocent high school students to courageous heroes fighting for their country. Desperate and extraordinary events are described one minute and normal teenage worries and emotions the next. For example, Ellie is thinking about happy things at the same time as she is concerned about whether her parents are alive and working out ways to survive.
The main characters are Ellie, Lee, Fi, Corrie, Kevin, Robyn and Homer, and a boy named Chris who they find in hiding later on in their adventures. At the end of the book,great changes occur. The teenage characters have all grown in each other’s eyes and learned a great deal about war, about life and death, and about themselves.
Tomorrow, When the War Began is a realistic story with nervousness, excitement and fear. I found it “spellbinding” — in fact, I can’t wait to read it in one day. I think it’s worth reading for everyone.
1. What happens during the teenagers’ first stay in Hell?| A．Their country is at war. | B．They get separated. |
| C．They find prisoners there. | D．Their nation gives up their land. |
| A．It is highly praised by critics. | B．It is written in the first person. |
| C．It features the struggle of teenagers at school. | D．It encourages people to get on with each other. |
| A．The plot. | B．The setting. | C．The ending. | D．The characters. |
| A．Realistic. | B．Ridiculous. | C．Interesting. | D．Historical. |
3 . Pick Up Something You Can’t Put Down
| How to Help Yourself to Be Who You Want to Be —A Simple Guide for Those Who Are Ready to Take Charge of and Redirect Their Lives. By Pam Grewall This self-improvement book offers a simple handbook to help readers recognize their strengths and weaknesses and to understand how to take control of their own destiny. www. iuniverse. com Publication Date: 10/13/2020 Page Count: 172 Hardback │ Paperback │ E-book │ Audio $23.99 │ $13.99 │ $3.99 │ $9.99 |
| Johnny Catching Fire By Aaron Allen God gave Johnny the strength of Samson. Now he must decide whether lo use his power for good or to get even with those who bullied him. www. xlibris. com Publication Date: 10/29/2020 Page Count:56 Hardback │ Paperback │ E-book $22.99 │ $16.99 │ $3.99 |
| Quotes from the Quiver By Dante P. Galiber, MD, FACC Inspired by time, space and human interaction, this collection offers a series of original and thought-provoking ideas and quotations（引言）designed to uplift and enlighten the readers. www. authorhouse. com Publication Date: 11/17/2019 Page Count: 80 Hardback│Paperback│E-book $43.99 │ $22.99 │ $3.99 |
| Ting Ting, the Girl Who Saved. China By Ryan O’Connor The book provides insight into China’s biggest holiday. It gives a sense of its culture and shows that girls are just as strong and brave as boys are. www. xlibris. com Publication Date: 1/28/2021 Page Count: 48 Hardback│Paperback│E-book $22.99│ $16.99 │ $3.99 |
| A．It has an audio version. | B．It was published in 2020. |
| C．It is designed for children. | D．It is a novel about self-improvement. |
| A．They are both about school life. |
| B．They both have 48 pages in total. |
| C．They are both about Chinese culture. |
| D．They are available on the same website. |
| A．Johnny Catching Fire |
| B．Quotes from the Quiver |
| C．Ting Ting, the Girl Who Saved China |
| D．How to Help Yourself to Be Who You Want to Be |
1. Why do lights grow closer to the little house?
| A．The city is becoming larger. |
| B．Villagers use better lamps. |
| C．People come to visit the village. |
| A．The natural scenery. | B．The life in a big city. | C．The visitors to the village. |
| A．Having a tour. | B．Giving a lecture. | C．Selling a book. |
5 . Discover mind - blowing details and improve your knowledge with this factual selection.
Everything Under the Sun
by Molly Oldfield
( Puffin Books )
Find the answers to 366 questions asked by young people in this fun illustrated (有插图的) book. Which was the biggest dinosaur? How much bamboo can a giant panda eat ? Do aliens (外星人) exist ? Experts including famous, award-winning chefs and staff at the Natural History Museum provide the information.
On This Day : A History of the World in 366 Days
( Dorling Kindersley )
This book takes you on a journey through history, one day at a time. You’ll learn about events that took place on each day of the year --- whether they were important historical moments or strange happenings --- and discover which historical characters share your birthday.
Stuff
by Maddie Moate
Illustrated by Paul Boston
( Puffin Books )
Explore the hidden stories behind everyday objects with Maddie Moate, presenter of CBBC’s Do You Know. Learn about ink made from soot（烟灰）, shoes made from old tyres（轮胎）, and paper made from elephant poo --- as well as many other ways people throughout history have used and reused things around them.
A History of the World in 25 Cities
by Tracey Turner and Andrew Donkin
Illustrated by Libby VanderPloeg
( Nosy Crow )
Visit wonder-filled cities around the world and throughout history with this beautiful book of illustrated maps, put together by experts from the British Museum. Explore Athens in ancient Greece, China ’ s long-lost city of Xianyang and modern-day Tokyo --- one of the world ' s most densely（密集地）populated cities.
1. Which book provides answers to 366 questions?| A．Stuff. |
| B．Everything Under the Sun. |
| C．A History of the World in 25 Cities. |
| D．On This Day : A History of the World in 366 Days. |
| A．Molly Oldfield’ s. | B．Maddie Moate’ s. |
| C．Libby VanderPloeg’s. | D．Tracey Turner and Andrew Donkin’ s. |
| A．They are full of facts. | B．They are history-related. |
| C．They are award-winning books. | D．They are produced by Puffin Books. |
6 . Every year, Barnes & Noble picks the 10 best books of the year, covering all genres and age groups. If you’re looking for an amazing book to grab before the end of 2021, here are some of the best books of the year.
Cloud Cuckoo Land
This novel is both a historical and futuristic science fiction story that connects five characters across hundreds of years through their relationship to a book: “Cloud Cuckoo Land.” The book they find is about a shepherd named Aethon, who longs to be turned into a bird, so he can live a carefree life forever. As each character finds this book, from a l5th century kid to a young teen on a futuristic interstellar ship, their stories meet in this complex yet fascinating read.
Crying in H Mart
When Michelle Zauner was 25, her mother s cancer changed her life forever and forced her to accept her Korean American identity in a desperate attempt to stay connected to her mother. As a talented musician, Michelle had previously been divorced from her cultural roots, but quickly turned to food to keep her mother's memory alive in this powerful and heartbreaking memoir.
Pony
It is a historical, middle-grade adventure novel intended for adolescents. It talks about a 12-year-old boy named Silas who is woken in the middle of the night to see his father being taken away by three horsemen. With only his horse named Pony by his side, Silas sets off on a life-changing mission to find his father.
You Will Get Through This Night
It is a nonfiction read about mental health that offers both a personal and professional outlook on how to survive the hardest mental health days. Dividing the book into three chapters — This Night, Tomorrow, and The Days After — Daniel Howell wants readers to not just survive the hard nights but properly care for our mental health.
1. What do Cloud Cuckoo Land and Pony have in common?| A．Plot. | B．Literary form. | C．Characters. | D．Writing background. |
| A．Cloud Cuckoo Land. | B．Crying in H Mart. |
| C．Pony. | D．You Will Get Through This Night. |
| A．It is about psychological health. | B．It helps cure physical disabilities. |
| C．It is a collection of personal stories. | D．It mainly solves sleeping problems. |
7 . Do you like reading? What would you like to read? Here are four recommendations from trusted critics.
| A Greenglass House Story Kate Milford, illustrated by Nicole Wong  | Twelve guests, trapped at the Blue Vein Tavern by rising floodwaters, tell stories to pass the time. With tales that cross over between storytelling and reality, what starts as a series of unrelated tales weaves(编织）together into something smart and tight.A puzzle book that adults may enjoy just as much as its intended child audience. (For ages 4 to 8) |
| Someone Builds the Dream Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Loren Long  | Someone Builds the Dream is a celebration of the cooperative spirit and a proof to what we can achieve if we work together.And after having the curtain pulled back like this, children (and probably many grown-ups) will look at the world around them with fresh eyes. (For ages 5 to 8) |
| The Boy and the Sea Camille Andros, illustrated by Amy Bates  | Following a young boy over a lifetime,Camille Andros' story flows back with a comforting rhythm while Amy Bates' timeless artwork washes over you. As the boy grows older, he returns regularly to the sea looking for answers but discovers something more valuable: visual angle. (For ages 4 to 8) |
| Magic Candies Heena Baek, translated by Sophie Bowman  | When Tong Tong purchases a bag of strange, round candies, he discovers that each one allows him to hear the hidden speech of someone, or something. Honestly, who wouldn't want to hear what the leaves have to say? You'll also be sure to treat your chair with greater kindness after a single read.(For ages 4 to 8) |
| A．They are both puzzle books. |
| B．They may attract adult readers. |
| C．They both focus on cooperation. |
| D．They are for children aged 4 to 8. |
| A．A Greenglass House Story. |
| B．Someone Builds the Dream. |
| C．Magic Candies. |
| D．The Boy and the Sea. |
| A．In a history book. |
| B．In a travel brochure. |
| C．In a science fiction. |
| D．In a literature magazine. |
8 . It's the most wonderful time of the year! The winter holidays are the perfect chance to get comfortable with a good book, and luckily we have some best sellers right now. We're sure you'll find what you're looking for.
Sunday Funday by Katherine Hallgan
Hardback, $20 (10 percent off with membership)
A great book full of seasonal activities that families and friends can enjoy together. From gardening projects to creative hand-made things and warming winter recipes (食谱), there's something for everyone, whatever the weather.
The History of the World in 100 Animals by Simon Barnes
Hardback, $16.99
This beautifully pictured book explores the good relationship between humans and animals, from bees to chimpanzees (黑猩猩) who share more than 90% of our DNA. If you are crazy about animals, this is the book for you.
Accidentally Famous by David Baddiel
Paperback, $12.99
Nothing amazing ever happens to Billy Smith but when TV workers visit his school he becomes popular, but as everyone knows, being famous comes with a price. David Baddiel's laugh-out-loud book asks what life would be like if everyone suddenly knew your name.
Eddie Albert and the Animal Gang by Paul O'Grady
Paperback, $15
This action-filled adventure from TV favourite Paul O'Grady follows a young boy with a very special gift—he can talk to animals! On a trip to Amsterdam, Eddie meets a monkey in danger and rescues the young creature with the help of his animal friends.
1. What is the member price for Sunday Funday?| A．$20. | B．$19. | C．$18. | D．$10. |
| A．Sunday Funday. | B．Eddie Albert and the Animal Cang. |
| C．Accidentally Famous. | D．The History of the World in 100 Animals. |
| A．They are published in hardback. | B．They stress harmony with animals. |
| C．They are full of beautiful pictures. | D．They speak of famous TV persons. |
9 . Are you a book lover? Here are some of the hottest books of the season.
The One Thing You’d Save
The One Thing You’d Save is about a homework assignment. Ms. Chang has students choose what they’d save if their home was on fire. Some choose baseball cards or animal toys. One picks a sweater that was passed down for generations. Another chooses a box of memories about a sister who died. This book helps readers learn to figure out what matters most in life.
War and Millie McGonigle
It’s 1941. Millie McGonigle, a 12-year-old girl, was supposed to be living a carefree life. However, she lives in the shadow of World War Ⅱ. War and Millie McGonigle is an inspiring story that tackles the topic of life and death. The story line is driven by vivid characters and their relationships. The interaction between Millie and her little sister, Lily, mirrors the real-life sibling (兄妹) relationships in many families.
Simon B. Rhymin’
Simon is starting fifth grade and hopes to become a famous singer. But he’s shy about using his voice to express his ideas and thoughts. When a teacher asks the class to give an oral presentation, Simon must find the strength to change and overcome his fears. Simon B. Rhymin’ is a book that gives confidence to readers who are going through similar struggles.
Rez Dogs
Rez Dog is a book about an eighth grader named Malian. She’s visiting her grandparents on a Wabanaki reservation when COVID-19 hits. To stay safe, Malian has to stay away from school” and her friends. Many kids will understand this tough situation. During the lockdown, Malian learns to think about what other people have gone through and how they are feeling during the pandemic (疫情).
1. How can The One Thing You’d Save influence us?| A．It gets us to preserve sweet family memories. |
| B．We may find it essential to ensure home safety. |
| C．We will try our best to improve our academic performance. |
| D．It reminds us to discover what we should treasure most in life. |
| A．They are both inspirational stories. |
| B．They are both set in cruel war times. |
| C．They both reflect character weaknesses. |
| D．They both involve principles of survival. |
| A．The One Thing You’d Save. | B．War and Millie McGonigle. |
| C．Simon B. Rhymin’. | D．Rez Dogs. |
10 . The Middler
by Kirsty Applebaum
Eleven-year-old Maggie lives in Fennis Wick, enclosed and protected from the outside world. Her brother Jed is the eldest, a hero. Her younger brother is Trig—everyone loves Trig. But Maggie's just a middler； she is left behind. In this book, we experience the sadness of being the forgotten middle child, the child with no voice, even in her own family.
Dennis in Jurassic Bark
by Nigel Auchterlounie
Beanotown is in trouble again, and this time the danger is Jurassic! Dennis， latest adventure is filled with fun, including Vikings, Victorians and soon, along with puzzles for you to finish. Can you help Dennis save Beanotown from the prehistoric invasion?
Little Book for Big Changes
by Karen Ng and Kirsten Liepmann
Including more than 100 activities, try-outs, games, puzzles and tips, Little Book for Big Changes offers fun and creative ways to bring people together to help change the world. Understand more about big problems in the world such as inequality and climate change, and be empowered to help make the world a better place.
The Saga of Erik the Viking
by Terry Jones
In this illustrated story, Erik the Viking sets out with his trusty team of men in search of the land where the Sun goes at night. On his journey, he will meet adventures that will put his courage to the test.
1. Who told a story about an unseen child in a family?| A．Terry Jones. | B．Kirsty Applebaum. |
| C．Nigel Auchterlounie. | D．Karen Ng and Kirsten Liepmann. |
| A．The Middler. | B．Little Book for Big Changes. |
| C．Dennis in Jurassic Bark. | D．The Saga of Erik the Viking. |
| A．It is about two people. | B．It is an adventure book. |
| C．It has pictures inside to help kids read. | D．It teaches kids to care for the world. |
