The big movie preview: The Giver

Out: October 29

Director: Phillip Noyce

Stars: Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Taylor Swift, Brenton Thwaites

The buzz: Based on another teenage dystopian novel, but one written 20 years before The Hunger Games and which is now required reading in many British and US schools. It concerns a future in which society is happy, but only because most people are kept in a state of ignorance. Jonas (Breton Thwaites) is one of a chosen few who guard the knowledge kept secret from others. It's not the most obviously filmable of novels, but with Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep on board it's got serious acting talent.

22 April: EARTH DAY

Earth Day celebrates its 45^th anniversary this year. It's an international event to protect the planet, but how can you help? Well, you can donate some money to an environmental project of decide to reduce your energy consumption. Or, simply plant a tree. In the past three years, more than 1.5million trees have been planted in 18 countries. Each small gesture counts!

Plans for a visit

Hi Enya,

I'm just writing to check that everything's OK for your visit.

I think you'll like Banyoles. On Saturday morning, we're doing a tour around city. I really want to show you the city! We'll be free in the afternoon, so we can do whatever you want. If you want we can meet some of my friends in the café or go to a museum. It's up to you.

On Sunday, we could get a bus to Girona. There are some shops, cinemas, restaurants and bowlings. There is much to do in it and it's cheap. I'll get some photos and you can have a look.

We're going to meet you at the ariport tomorrow, so can you remind me what time your fly gets in?

Looking forward to seeing you.

Laia.

A postcard

Hi Irma!

We're having a great holiday here in Llançà. We're staying in our apartament next to the beach. There weren't a lof of thing to do. The people are very cheerful and I have a lot of new friends.

Yesterday I went to the market with my mum. It was quite big and there were a lof of tourists. I bough two earrings.

Are you having a good holiday at Costa Rica?

See you soon,

Laia

An invitation to a party

Hi Xènia!

I'm having a birhday party next Saturday at my grandmother's house. Would you like to come? We are going to spend a great time! Lots of people from rowing and school are coming. Can you bring some sandwiches?

Hope you can come,

Laia

Letter to a new friend

Hi Susan,

My name’s Laia and I’m fifteen. I live in Banyoles, Catalunya. I live with my mum Teia, my dad Jordi and my brother Adrià. I’ve got a good relationship with my brother and I think that’s OK.

I love rowing and I practice it every day. I like photography, meeting my friends and going to the cinema too. I hate being bored!

I go to Escola Casa Nostra. The school is next to the lake so I go there by bike with my classmates. The teachers are very clever and strict. My favourite subjects are Science and Biology. Someday I’d be a great dentist.

See you soon,

Laia

Letter to your English auntie about your new friend

Hi auntie,

How are you? I hope your're well. I'm writing to tell you about my new friend.

His name is Nil and he's gorgeous! He's one year older than me and he's very handsome. He's got green eyes and short black hair. He's taller than me. He enjoys playing basketball and he plays really well. He hates Justin Bieber, but he has got a lovely dog called Cendra. I hope you'll meet him soon.

Lots of love,

Laia