Historical Fiction-A SINGLE SHARD

Bibliography
Park, Linda Sue. 2001. A SINGLE SHARD. Clarion Books. New York, New York. ISBN 0395978270

Plot Summary
An orphan named Tree Ear is fascinated by a local potter, Min. After an unfortunate accident with Min’s pottery Tree Ear gets the opportunity to work for Min. Once his debt is repaid he continues to work for Min with the hope that as Tree Ear states to Min “you would one day be teaching me to make a pot.” Tree ear is able to help Min get a royal commission by taking a piece of pottery to an Emissary.

Critical Analysis
The characterization in this book is outstanding. Linda Sue Park has done a marvelous job of bringing her characters to life. Tree Ear’s determination, Crane-Man’s unconditional friendship and servanthood, Min’s grumpiness and perfectionism, and Min’s tenderhearted wife are so clear that the reader will feel like they know the characters and can see them. At the conclusion of the book Min’s character is still grumpy, but my heart leapt with joy at Min’s words, “How are you to help me if you do not have a wheel of your own? And how is the wheel to be made if do not fetch logs of considerable size? Go!” The end of the book evokes such emotion - among the sadness is such great joy and excitement for Tree Ear and the reward he gets for his humble servanthood.

Review Excerpt(s)
From School Library Journal “This quiet story is rich in the details of life in Korea during this period. In addition it gives a full picture of the painstaking process needed to produce celadon pottery. However, what truly stands out are the characters: the grumpy perfectionist, Min; his kind wife; wise Crane-man; and most of all, Tree-ear, whose determination and lively intelligence result in good fortune.”
From Publishers Weekly
“She charts Tree Ear's transformation from apprentice to artist and portrays his selflessness during a pilgrimage to Songdo to show Min's work to the royal court he faithfully continues even after robbers shatter the work and he has only a single shard to show. Readers will not soon forget these characters or their sacrifices.”

Connections
*This book could be used to help teach about the art of pottery.
*This book is great to show a character overcoming obstacles and making the best of unfortunate circumstances.
*This book would relate well to readers that have lost parents and have to live with someone different whether it is a family member or foster care.
*This book would also be good to use to talk about homelessness.
Gibbons, Gail. THE POTTERY PLACE. ISBN 0152632654
Potter, Tony. POTTERY. ISBN 08811023195