A Single Shard

📘 About This Book

The Newbery Medal-winning tale of an orphan boy whose dream of becoming a master potter leads to unforeseen adventure in ancient Korea. Tree-ear is an orphan boy in a 12th-century Korean village renowned for its ceramics. When he accidentally breaks a delicate piece of pottery, he volunteers to work to pay for the damage. Putting aside his own dreams, Tree-ear resolves to serve the master potter by embarking on a difficult and dangerous journey, little knowing that it will change his life forever. "Despite the odds against him, Tree-ear becomes courageous, brave and selfless, a hero as enduring as the porcelain Park so lovingly describes." (New York Times) “Intrigues, danger, and a strong focus on doing what is right turn a simple story into a compelling read. A timeless jewel.” (Kirkus starred review) *A broken piece of pottery sets events in motion as an orphan struggles to pay off his debt to a master potter. This finely crafted novel brings 12th-century Korea and these indelible characters to life." (School Library Journal starred review) "Tree-ear's determination and bravery in pursuing his dream of becoming a potter takes readers on a literary journey that demonstrates how courage, honor and perseverance can overcome great odds and bring great happiness. Park effectively conveys 12th century Korea in this masterful piece of historical fiction." (Kathleen Odean, chair of the Newbery Award Selection Committee)

📖 Summary

Set in a twelfth-century Korean village renowned for its exquisite ceramics, A Single Shard tells the timeless story of Tree-ear, an orphan boy whose life is defined by poverty and survival. Living under a bridge with a wise, disabled surrogate father figure named Crane-man, Tree-ear spends his days scavenging for food and marveling at the artistry produced by the local potters. The village is famous for its intricate celadon pottery, and Tree-ear nurtures a secret dream of one day becoming a master potter himself, fascinated by the transformation of raw clay into breathtaking art through fire and skill. The trajectory of Tree-ear's existence shifts dramatically when he accidentally breaks a delicate piece of pottery belonging to Min, a notoriously stern and exacting master potter. Desperate to make amends and honor a debt he feels deeply responsible for, Tree-ear volunteers to work for Min to pay off the damage. Putting aside his own immediate dreams, Tree-ear resolves to serve the master potter with unwavering dedication. This labor is neither glamorous nor easy; it requires hauling heavy loads of clay and enduring harsh conditions, but Tree-ear approaches the tasks with a quiet resilience that gradually earns him the respect of the household, though Min remains notoriously difficult to please. The narrative deepens when an opportunity arises for the village potters to display their work before a royal emissary in hopes of securing prestigious palace commissions. Min creates several magnificent pieces, pouring his life and soul into the craft. When circumstances demand that someone transport these fragile, precious works on a long, arduous, and potentially dangerous journey to the capital city, Tree-ear steps forward to undertake the mission. This perilous trek transforms from a simple delivery task into a defining trial of character. Along the road, Tree-ear encounters intrigue and danger that test his physical endurance and mental fortitude. Despite the immense odds against him, he displays remarkable courage, bravery, and selflessness. The journey ultimately changes his life forever, shaping him into a true hero as enduring and refined as the porcelain Park so lovingly describes throughout the novel. Linda Sue Park crafts a compelling narrative that weaves together historical detail, cultural appreciation, and universal human themes. Through Tree-ear's eyes, readers experience the dedication required to master an art form, the importance of honor and duty, and the profound strength that can be found in unexpected places. The novel stands as a shining example of juvenile fiction that resonates with readers of all ages, celebrating integrity, perseverance, and the beauty of quiet dignity in the face of adversity.

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Linda Sue ParkView all books →

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