A Single Shard

A Single Shard By Linda Sue Park Publisher/Date:Yearling 2001 # of Pages: 152 Reading Level: 6.2 Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary:

This is the story of an orphan boy named Tree-ear living in Korea. Tree-ear lives with his friend, Crane-man, under a bridge. Tree-ear and Crane-man do all they can to get food for themselves being homeless and jobless. however, they both believe in being honest, so they don't steal or beg. Tree-ear has an interest in the art of pottery making, so he often goes to watch the masters at work. one day, he is admiring the work of the pottery maker, Min. Tree-ear accidentally breaks the pot he is admiring, and Min agrees to let him work to pay the debt. Tree-ear is excited about this opportunity, and he also gets a midday meal for working for Min. He always saves some of his food for Crane-man, and Min's wife secretly adds food to his bowl while he is working. She is very kind to Tree-ear while Min is not as patient. He's a slow worker, but his work is of the highest quality. when Tree-ear has paid off his debt, he asks if he can continue to work. Min agrees, but can not pay him. This is alright with Tree-ear because he wants to eventually be trained in the art of pottery making. then it is announced that a man from the palace is coming to their town to find the best pottery maker to commission. Min works very hard, but when the time comes, he doesn't have his best work to show. his colleague has discovered a new technique, and he gets the commission. however, the man tells Min that if he can send his work to the capital, he can get the commission because he has higher quality work. Tree-ear volunteers to take the pottery to the city when the time comes. Min makes 2 vases that he must take on the journey. He does not want to leave Crane-man by himself, but Min's wife asks him to help her out in exchange for food. tree-ear also gives Crane-man a small clay monkey that he has created. He then sets out on the long journey traveling from village to village to the palace. In one city he encounters robbers who mug him and throw his pottery off a cliff. When they leave, Tree-ear goes to where they have shattered. he is so sad, but decides to take a single shard to the palace anyway. He arrives at the palace, shows the shard to the man, and he finds the piece to be of great quality. Min gets the commission. Tree-ear goes back to his town to find that Crane-man has died which makes him really sad. However, Min finally decides to make Tree-ear an apprentice, and Min and his wife take him into their home.

Who benefits from reading this book?

This book is very informational about Korean culture at that certain time period. anybody who wants to learn more about that. It's also a good example of a story of an unlikely hero. Tree-ear has to overcome different circumstances, and in the end he is able to achieve his goal. i think this is a good book that can inspire anyone who reads it.

What problems could this book create?

In my opinion, this book doesn't have anything that could be a problem. it's actually a surprisingly positive book. it teaches lessons about honesty, pride, and perseverance. i would feel comfortable letting children of all ages read this book.

My Reaction:

To be honest, this wasn't my favorite book. i thought it was too slow and boring. I couldn't care less about pottery making, and for some reason I don't have any interest in Korea either. I thought it was good in that it taught some good lessons, but i can't say that i enjoyed reading this book. i think it's hard to read about something that doesn't interest me. i can't say that i'd recommend it.