Earlier this month, the United States Library of Congress named Katherine Paterson the national ambassador for young people’s literature.
She is only the second person to hold the position. She replaces writer Jon Scieszka,who had served since two thousand eight.
The librarian of Congress, James Billington, said Miz Paterson “represents the finest in literature for young people”. He spoke of the importance of reading in the lives of America’s young people.Miz Paterson has written more than thirty books. She is among only five writers to have won two Newbery Medals. These are among the most important children’s book awards in the United States.
“Bridge to Terabithia” won a Newbery Medal in nineteen seventy-seven. Her book “Jacob Have I
Loved” won the award in nineteen eighty-one.
Katherine Paterson’s books for children are often quite complex. “Bridge to Terabithia” includes
adult themes like depression and death. The book has caused debate because of its place on school
library bookshelves. Some parents think it is too adult for young children. Miz Paterson says the idea
for the book came from a real life experience. Her son’s best friend died in nineteen seventy-four
when she was struck by lightening.
Katherine Paterson is seventy-seven. She began writing as a young mother with three children. But
she says her interest in writing came as a surprise. As a child she had thought about becoming a
Christian religious worker in foreign countries like her parents were.
Katherine Paterson spoke to a gathering of children when she was named ambassador on January
fifth in Washington. She said: “Read for your life. Read for your life as a member of a family, as a part
of a community, as a citizen of this country and a citizen of the world.
1. The Newbery medal is designed for ______.
A. writers with best books for grown-ups      B. children with best books on adult themes
C. writers with best books for children        D. children with best books on nature
2. Which of the following is NOT true about the book Bridge to Terabithia?
A. Its topics include depression and death.     B. It won a Newbery Medal in the 1980s.
C. Some people think it’s for adults only.      D. The idea for it came directly from real life.
3. As a child, Katherine_______.
A. had bad relations with her parents       B. showed great interest in writing books
C. hoped to take part in religious activities     D. began writing books with serious themes
4. The national ambassador for young people’s literature as a position started in_____.
A. 1977           B. 1981            C. 2008         D. 2009