I've just finished reading the 2002 Newbery Award winning book, A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park. It is set in 12th Century Korea and is about an orphan boy named Tea Ear. Our main character lives under a bridge with his old friend Crane-Man in absolute poverty. However, we soon learn that he is both noble and compassionate, be it to his friend Crane-Man, or the master potter who he serves.
Tree Ear is fascinated with Min and his beauty ceramics. Tree Ear becomes his servant only to receive pay in the form of a daily meal. Min, the grumpy potter, refuses to allow Tree Ear to learn the art of pottery until one day Tree Ear must go on a long journey with a precious and beauty vase that will determine Min's future destiny.
I found this story to be glimpse into another time and place. It is a look at another culture where a person's life can be determined by "a single shard." It's a quick read and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. A definite winner! It made me want to take a pottery class!
Mr. de la O
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