Doctor Seuss was born in 1904. By the middle 1950s, he had become one of the best-loved and most successful children's book writers in the world. His books are very popular with young readers. They enjoy the invented words and the pictures of unusual funny animals and plants.

    In 1954, life magazine published a report about school children who could not read. The report said many children's books were not interesting. Doctor Seuss strongly hoped to help children and decided to write books that were interesting and easy to read. He used words with the same ending sound, like fish and wish. He did not receive training in art. Yet, he drew the pictures for most of his books.

    In 1957, Dr. Seuss wrote The Cat in the Hat. He used less than 230 words to write the book and even a six-year-old should be able to read it. It was a fun story and easy to read. Children loved it. Their parents loved it, too. Today it is still one of the stories they like best. The success of The Cat in the Hat made him want to write more books for children. In 1960, he wrote a book using less than fifty words. The book is called Green Eggs and Ham.

    In 1984, Doctor Seuss won a Pulitzer Prize (普利策奖). He was honored for the education and enjoyment his books provided American children and their parents.

    He died at the age of 87, but his influence remains. Millions of his books have been sold worldwide. People say his books helped change the way American children learned to read. Yet, his books are loved by people of all ages. Doctor Seuss once said, “I do not write for children. I write for people.”

    One day, when I was a new student in high school, I saw a boy from my class walking home from school. His name was Kyle. He was carrying all his books. I thought to myself: "Why would anyone bring home all his books on Friday? He must really be a bookworm. "As I was walking, I saw some kids running toward him. They knocked all his books out of his arms and pushed him to the ground.

    His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw tears in his eyes. I felt sad and I went directly to him.

    As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are fools." He looked at me and said, "Thanks!" There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. Then I invited him to play football on Saturday with me and my friends. He agreed. We played together and had fun on that weekend. The more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him. Over the next three years, Kyle and I became best friends.

    When we were seniors, we began to think about college. We would go to different schools, but I knew we would always be friends.

    As a top student, Kyle was invited to give a speech for graduation. He was nervous when he was about to speak on the stage. So I said, "Hey, you'll be great!" He looked at me and smiled.

    Being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. "he said in his speech. He talked about meeting me and being best friends with me in the last four years. When he finished the story, he looked at me and gave me a little smile.

    I saw his mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same thankful smile. Not until that moment did I realize its depth.

    Never underestimate(低估)the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person s life, for better or for worse.

   The cold wind blew strongly outside. Amaya was warm in her house, thinking about an article she'd read at school. The article was about kids who helped out their communities, and she thought it would be really cool to help her own town, Harvard.

   The only problem was that she wasn't sure how to help. In the article, the kids had grown food for people who needed food, but it was winter. She couldn't start a garden. Amaya was deep in thought when her mom said it was time to go shopping.

   As they drove along the road, Amaya saw a family walking on the sidewalk(人行道), wearing only light jackets. How could they must be! That gave her an idea! She could collect winter coats, hats and gloves for people who needed them.

   She shared her idea with her mom, who thought it was great. But how would they spread the idea to get plenty of winter clothing? Amaya decided to talk to her teacher, because then she could share her idea with her classmates at least.

   Ms. Monroe agreed when Amaya talked about her idea. They decided to call the project Hats in Harvard. Then they wrote a letter explaining the project. Ms. Monroe even said she could help Amaya talk to the headmaster aboutit, so they could get the whole school to join in it. They met with the headmaster during lunch time. He was excited about the idea, and said he would make sure copies(复印件) of the letter went home with all the students.

   They collected enough winter clothing in only one week. Then they left the clothes around two parks, so families who needed clothes could get them there. Three days later, Amaya and her mom went shopping again. She saw the same family that had given her the idea for Hats in Harvard. This time, though, the family looked nice and warm in some new coats, hats and gloves. Amaya felt warm in her heart, and was very glad she could help others.

难度系数：★★★

"Cindy…Soloist (独唱者)." I couldn't believe it—on the cover of the program was my name rather than Renee's! 

Renee and I had been classmates since kindergarten. She was always 1 I was and she was always ahead of me. The school plays? Renee would have the 2 . Softball? She played first base (垒) while I watched her from my 3 in the outfield. 

Trying out for the choir (合唱团) concert was a 4 process for me. As we were waiting for Ms. Jenkins's call into the choir room. my heart 5 . My whole body began shaking when my name was called. Then I saw Renee's smile and her 6 relaxed me. 

A week later, Ms. Jenkins announced the result. I was certain that Renee's name would be on the 7 while mine wouldn't. But finally, Ms. Jenkins looked at me and said, "Cindy, you will have to start practicing with me. The solos need more8 ."

"Solo? I got the solo?" I 9 this. But Renee just gave me the thumbs up sign. 

The big day came. The choir walked onto the stage (舞台) and I was front and center. The spotlight 10 me in its bright light, but I froze right there. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't think. I couldn't sing. The note started up and then 11 in my throat. 

"You can do it, Cindy!" Renee whispered behind. I took a deep breath and sang out. All that came out was an unpleasant 12 But in that same moment, came the pure tone of the right note. My voice 13 and matched Renee's. When the next note came, it was all me. 

The rest of the solo went 14 . And when the concert was over, there came a burst of loud applause (掌声). Renee was the first to 15 me. 

"Thanks, Renee!"

Renee smiled, "That's what friends are for!"

"Friends?" I smiled, beginning to love the feeling of being her friend.