阅读理解。
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 2008.
The librarian of Congress, James Billington, said Ms Paterson "represents the finest in literature
for young people". He spoke of the importance of reading in the lives of American young people.
Ms 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 1977. Her book Jacob Have I Loved won
the award in 1981.
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. Ms Paterson says the idea
for the book came from a real life experience. Her son's best friend died in 1974 when she was struck
by lightning.
Katherine Paterson is seventyseven. 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 children
B．children with best books on adult themes
C．writers with best books for grownups
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．2009
D．2008
