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Summary: REMARKABLE READING OF AN AWARD WINNING TALE
Review: Broadway and television veteran Graeme Malcolm brings to vivid life a poignant story that reminds us of what is good and true. His name, Tree-ear, was given to him because it was the name of a mushroom that grew without a parent seed. It is an appropriate name as Tree-ear is a young orphan in 12th century Korea. He lives with Crane-man, an elderly poor but kindly man. Their village is known for the beautiful celadon pottery created there. In the beginning ceramics are of no interest to Tree-ear as his time is spent scavenging for food. Then one day he sees Min, a potter, at work. The boy becomes so fascinated that he later returns to inspect the pottery more closely. Unfortunately, one of the pots breaks and Tree-ear must apprentice himself to Min in order to compensate for the damage he has done. Tree-ear works hard and Min allows him to continue to work in trade for food. Choices are made, decisions faces as the boy labors and grows. Eventually, Tree-ear's ability is recognized by a high authority, a representative of the palace. Historical detail enriches this remarkable tale which will be enjoyed by all ages. - Gail Cooke
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Summary: A Twist on Familiar Orphan Story
Review: As a Korean person, I'm quite familiar with the orphan story tradition that exists in Korean culture and literature. When I was a kid, my parents told me they picked me up under a bridge when they wanted to chide me for some mischief, and I used to cry. It may sound strange to westerners, but the 'orphan under a bridge' is a familiar archetypal story that's been passed on through generations through oral storytelling as well as narrative ones. Korea is a country that's been through countless attacks and subjugations by other countries and empires, and the possibility that a child could suffer the plight of being an 'orphan under the bridge' strikes a particular chord of fear and pity for the Koreans. Linda Sue Park does a fabulous job of taking this traditional Korean story module as a catalyst for a well-developed tale of triumph of a boy who shouldn't have overcome the odds but did. Placing the protagonist boy in 12th century Korea was a shrewd move, as it was the era when Korean art was deemed to be in its apex, especially its pottery. As we follow Tree Ear, the hero of the book, trying to overcome many obstacles to become the master potter, we also become aware of the rich culture and tradition of an exotic land. It's a tribute to Ms. Park that she does this without sentimentalizing and 'orientalising' the world that she depicts. (Although I question the translation of the boy's name into 'Tree Ear', a la Amy Tan) We only get a deeply moving tale, a bildungsroman of a boy who came into his own despite the odds. It's a common story structure, but it works unfailingly through Ms. Park's convincing and inspired narrative and the previously uncharted terrain of 12th century Korea. Very well done. Get this book for your kids but steal it away from them at night when they're sleeping and read it yourself.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting
Review: I have no interest in Korean Pottery, but this book was really good. I learned about the different patterns used in pottery, the ways of molding clasy, and how special each piece of artwork was to its artist.
I didn't mind that this book won the Newbery Medal of 2002, but there were better books out this year that I liked more.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful and compelling.
Review: After reading one of Park's previous novels, The Kite Fighter, I was excited to get A Single Shard. Any writer who can present a half-starved orphan boy without lapsing into sentimentality is truly a master. I found the book fascinating and the ending is so satisfying. Even though you can see the logical ending coming, it still feels fresh and surprising when you reach it. Truly wonderful.
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Summary: Love the characters, and what a cool sense of time and place
Review: For anyone who hasn't yet read it, SHARD is a FABULOUS book -- gives you such a perfect sense of time and place, and is a terrific story too! I could literally "taste" the scenes as I read it...and it especially makes me want to go down to the river and cut those long slabs of clay off the bank...so much fun! (and you'll love the names too, like Tree Ear).
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Summary: A Single Shard of Success
Review: This story of devotion and perseverance is set in 12th century Korea among the famous potters of cheladon. An orphan by the name of Tree-ear lives under a bridge with Crane-man a lame straw weaver. They live day by day by scavenging for food. When Tree-ear accidentally breaks one of the potters vases his life changes as he works to pay him back. Tree-ear stays on after his debt is paid because he longs to learn the trade of pottery. Tree-ear's character is genuinely portrayed when he continues on his journey to the royal court after robbers break Min's vase and only a single shard is left.
The detailed portrayal of the lives of the Korean people at this time period is amazing but what truly stands out are the characters. Park does a wonderful job bringing out Min's perfectionist qualities while his wife is kind and gives Tree-ear extra food to feed him and Crane-man. Tree-ear's determination and intelligence bring him good fortune and lift him out of his poverty. This book not only gives readers an insight into an unfamiliar time and place it is a heartwarming story.
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Summary: Tree-ear and 12th Century Korea
Review: A Single Shard is a story written by Linda Sue. The central figure of the novel is a young orphan named Tree-ear who is from 12th century Korea. One day during his walks in the wood, he finds master Min and his potter wheel. Tree-ear secretly watches potter Min on the wheel, then he decides to presents himself to potter Min to become his apprentice. Potter Min rejects his offer at first, but after more consideration he allows himself to be persuaded. Potter Min puts Tree-ear to work demanding hard labor and long working days. In return, Tree-ear is given food and lessons in ceramics.
Towards the end of the novel, Tree-ear is given the task to deliver a royal commission from Potter Min to the royal court. Unlucky, Tree-ear breaks the commissioned piece. The novel ends with lessons in friendship.
The novel gives the reader a view of life in Korea during the 12th century. For folks who dabble in ceramics, the novel is a reminder to be generous and attentive especially to budding ceramicists.
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