A Single Shard

Author: Linda Sue Park

Publishing:  Yearling

Number of Pages: Paperback—148 pages

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Reading Level:  Ages 9-12

Summary: This book is about a homeless boy named Tree-Ear who lives under a bridge with a crippled old man named Crane-man.  Tree-ear is always trying to find food but Crane-man taught him to never steal from anyone—a lot of days the two of them go hungry.  One day, Tree-ear spies on the amazing potter of the town: Min.  Soon Tree-ear gets extra curious and goes into Min’s shop while he is gone.  He looks at a pot and drops it when Min gets mad at him for being there.  After he breaks the box he makes a deal with Min to work for him for 9 days to repay him for the box.  During this time Tree-ear collects wood for kiln.  When the days are up, Tree-ear offers to continue working for him in exchange for food.  He also hopes that Min will teach him how to make a pot.  Tree-ear’s dream is crushed when he learns of the tradition of a potter teaching his son, and Min’s son is dead so he said he will not teach him.  One day the imperial emissary comes to the village, they are looking for someone to be awarded with a royal commission.  Tree-ear faces an ethical dilemma and chooses the best choice.  Then, when Min has his work all done to present to the emissary, he asks Tree-ear to take it to them because he cannot complete the journey.  Tree-ear is nervous about the journey but goes anyway, on his way he is attacked by robbers and all the pots are smashed.  This leaves him with only a single shard to present to the emissary—luckily, the emissary are still able to see the great skill and he is awarded with the commission.  After Tree-ear returns home he learns of Crane-man’s death.  Min and his wife adopt Tree-ear, so he has a new home, family, and he is finally able to be taught the art of pottery.

My Reaction to the Book:  I really liked this book.  I thought that it was going to be really boring at first but I ended up really liking it.  It’s a great story of perseverance and love.  It has some great lessons for children to learn too.   

Potential Problems: At one point in the book, robbers attack Tree-Ear.  Also Crane-man dies.

Recommendations:  I think I would definitely recommend this book to anyone—it is a great story with great lessons, but it also teaches a little about some of the Korean ways and the art of celadon pottery.