A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park

Summary:

A Single Shard presents the story of an orphan boy named Tree-ear, who has lived with his friend, Crane-man, under a bridge for many years. After admiring and then accidently breaking a potter’s work, Tree-ear works for Min to repay his debt for the mishap. Tree-ear continues to apprentice for Min after he repays the debt. Although the boy wanted to learn how to create pottery, Min simply requires Tree-ear to chop wood and collect materials. Min’s wife shows a bit more affection, providing meals for Tree-ear. Tree-ear, in turn, saves half of his food for Crane-man.

Min’s lifelong desire is to receive a commission to create pottery for the emperor. When the emperor’s representative visits the village to view potters’ work, another local potter receives a commission for his new technique. Min, although a more talented and detailed potter, only receives a second chance. He is given the opportunity to use the new technique and bring it to the emperor’s royal palace. While Min is too old and weak to make the trip, Tree-ear volunteers to make the treacherous trek. Min warns Tree-ear of the dangers including the bandits.

Will Tree-ear succeed in reaching his destination? Will Min earn a commission? What will the future hold for Tree-ear and Crane-man? Find out in A Single Shard!

Review:
A Single Shard is an interesting story that students may not be interested in picking up simply based on the cover and title. Some students may begin reading the book and find the story a bit slow. However, I believe in the end, A Single Shard is a story they won’t be able to put down. The “set up” in the beginning of the book made the ending one that I anxiously anticipated and “couldn’t wait to find out what happened.”

Awards:
2002 Newbery Medal Book
2002 ALA Best Book for Young Adults
2002 ALA Notable Book for Children
2001 Booklist Editor's Choice
2001 Capitol Choices Selection
2001 School Library Journal, Best Books of the Year
2001 New York Public Library, 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
2004 Sequoyah Book Award (OK)
2006 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award Master List (IL)

Links:
Learn more about the author, Linda Sue Park, at http://www.lindasuepark.com/awards.html.

Learn more about Celadon Pottery at http://www.korean-arts.com/about_korean_celadon.htm

Read another review of A Single Shard: http://www.carolhurst.com/titles/singleshard.html