Getting A's not enough, takes a toll

SHANGHAI - A 10-year-old boy takes English and math classes three nights a week and all day Saturday. An 11-year-old girl's new year holiday was consumed by classes and homework, with no time for the "nice long lie-in" she had hoped for.

This is the life of young students today in China. It's hard on them and their parents. The results? Academic success, they hope. And stomachaches.

"I like Spring Festival holiday, because it often comes with days off and wonderful gifts from parents and relatives," said the girl, whose mother didn't want her name published. But on the first day, her mother took her to Shanghai Book City and bought exercise books covering almost all subjects.