[.ca] A Single Shard (ISBN 0395978270)

Review from a sixth grader:
I started reading this book for a book project in language arts. I thought it was kind of boring at first, but as I kept on reading, it got more and more interesting. What I like about it, other than that, is the fact that most of us 12 to 14-year-olds can relate to it. We all have something we want to do, and we usually work hard for it. A Single Shard is on my favorite list for another reason as well. It keeps all of us entertained. It creates a picture in my mind. This just about wraps up my review. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.

Pleasant But Not Much for a Newbery Winner:
An orphan boy in 12th century Korea lives under the bridge with a crippled man. He is fascinated with the pottery made by the craftsman in the nearby pottery village. He is taken on as an apprentice and his life slowly changes. This was a good book, a nice pleasant read but I guess I expected something more from a Newbery winner. I enjoy pretty much anything written about ancient Asia and this did give a wonderful portrayal of Korean life at the time.

Looking for a satisfying read?:
Looking for a satisfying read? A Single Shard is a well-written book by Linda Sue Park. The book relates to many middle school students like myself, and has meaningful incidents. This book had many dry scenes as well as some exciting ones. My most favorite scene (the one I think is the most enthralling) was when Tree Ear (the main character) is trying to deliver pots when he comes upon two robbers. The robbers search him for his money but he has none so they smash his pots instead. Tree Ear is devastated because he has just earned his master's trust. It is very exciting because it seems that the characters are more interested in saving the objects than themselves. I would say this is the most exciting part of the book. The book showed me a lot of things. It showed me to stick with my creativity. Tree Ear tried to be like his master when he was fine with the way he did things. It also showed me that hard work pays off. That can relate to any kid and school. Hard work equals good grades. This book has some situations that you can relate to. I thought this book was well written yet rather dry and boring. The story was also a little too slow for me. The book is a good read if you like to read slower moving books.

Interesting historical novel:
This historical novel about twelfth century Korean potters tells the tale of a young homeless boy named Tree Ear and his friend Crane Man who live together under a bridge. While making restitution for an accident, Tree Ear becomes the assistant of one of the village's most esteemed potters, Min. Tree Ear wants nothing more than to become a potter himself. When an emissary from the king comes to their village to view the works of the potters, Tree Ear is constantly busy helping Min produce the best pieces possible. The king wishes to see more, so Tree Ear agrees to transport the pieces overland to the king's palace. On his way he is beset by thieves who smash the beautiful vases Tree Ear and Min worked so hard to make. Tree Ear is heartbroken until he realizes that one shard of a vase, about the size of his palm, is still intact. Although he fears that it is hopeless to do so, he carries the shard with him to the palace because he cannot bear to return and reveal his failure. Along with Tree Ear, the reader learns about the ancient and fascinating art of pottery. Park tells just enough about the creation of celadon pottery to explain it without overwhelming the reader. Details of Korean life and culture are included where appropriate, but not in a dull manner. Personally, I liked this novel very much. Tree Ear is a great kid and I couldn't help but care about what happened to him. The story may be a bit too slow moving for some readers - it's not written in the reach-out-and-grab-you style of so much Western fiction. Those readers who are willing to be patient will discover an excellent tale.

Another hit for Park:
I have read Linda Sue Park's other novel, When My Name Was Keoko, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I think she is an excellent author because she really makes the reader feel like they are part of the story. In this nover, Tree-Ear is a young boy who lives under a bridge, colleceting garbage for food. The book opens up with a story of Tree-Ear collectiong grains of rice from the dirt that have been dropped by a passoing farmer. Even though Tree-Ear lives a life of poverty, throughout the novel he continues to aspire for something greater. In the nearby village, there is a potter named Min, whom Tree-Ear idolizes. He spends his extra time watching Min. After breaking a pot, Min reluctantly allows the boy to help out around the shop to pay the debt. Tree-Ear is awarded the task of bringing two delicate pots to royalty, but the plan goes awry, and the potas are destroyed. All he has left is a single piece of the once-beautiful pots to show the royals. Like Linda Sue Park's other novel, A Single Shard doesn't fail to be entertaining yet historical. I really enjoyed the story. I feel as though I am no longer ignorant to the Korean culture and history after reading these two novels and seeing all that the nation has suffered through and all they have to be proud of. I am fascinated with Korean culture after reading these two great novels by Parlk. I recommend them both highly.