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Title: A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park ISBN: 0-440-41851-8 Publisher: Yearling Books Pub. Date: 01 February, 2003 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $5.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.51 (55 reviews)
Rating: 3
Summary: A Single Shard
Comment: A Single Shard is the story of an orphaned boy named Tree-ear. He lives in the village of Ch'ul'po, on the west coast of Korea in the mid- to late twelfth century. Tree-ear lives under a bridge with Crane-man, who is homeless and disabled. Orphans are uncommon in Korea at this point in history. Crane-man agrees to raise Tree-ear because Crane-man is also without family.
Ch'ul'po is famous for its beautiful celadon pottery. Most of the families from which Tree-ear and Crane-man beg food are involved in pottery making. Tree-ear spends many hours watching the potters and wishes that he could learn to be a potter. However, the law states that the pottery trade can only be handed down from father to son. Tree-ear knows that none of the master potters will agree to teach him the trade. Tree-ear does find work with the master potter, Min. Tree-ear chops wood and digs for clay for Min in exchange for meals.
A royal emissary comes to town in order to award a pottery commission to one of the master potters. The commission will guarantee the potter to whom it is awarded a life-ling income. The royal emissary likes Min's work and wants to see more of it. Min begins to work on a very special piece of pottery. This piece takes Min a very long time to create. When Min is finished, Tree-ear volunteers to take the special piece to the royal court. In doing so, he sets out on the adventure of a lifetime.
This book is full many technical terms related to the making and firing of Korean celadon pottery. The culture in which this story takes place would be relatively unfamiliar to the majority of the audience for which this book is recommended. It may be difficult for young readers to completely understand this story with out additional background information that would better enable them to understand the cultural context. Additionally, much of the language used in this book would be difficult for readers to understand. However, the overall theme of perseverance this book is one to which children should be exposed.
Rating: 5
Summary: Newbery Winning Book
Comment: I first read A Single Shard last summer. When I finished, I knew this book would win the Newbery. I have never felt that way about any other book! Linda Sue Park is a beautiful writer and excellent storyteller. A Single Shard is set in 12th century Korea and tells the story of an orphan boy who becomes the apprentice to a master potter in a small village known for its fine pottery. This story is classic historical fiction that is able to take the reader to another time, another country, and another culture and still connect with the hopes and dreams of today's youth. You don't have to be Korean to identify with the characters in this story. Readers young and old will love this touching story of faith, friendship, and perseverance.
Readers will also enjoy Linda Sue Park's other books, "Seesaw Girl" and "Kite Fighters".
Rating: 3
Summary: Looking for a satisfying read?
Comment: 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.
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