A Single Shard

I was first introduced to Linda Sue Park from reading her picture book to my son, "The Firekeepers Son". It was a great story, and meaningful. Later, we listened to her books in the 39 Clues series ("Trust No One", and "Storm Warning"). Her books are kind, and have a lot of vivid imagination. She wove in Korean culture, folk tales, art, and history in a way that made it all come alive. This book is well-researched and I love how it ties in real historical locations and objects. The characters in the book also demonstrate good values, such as friendship, caring, courage, taking responsibility. I also found one or two precious little tips how to deal with life. I suggested this book to my nine-year-old for his book report, and was pleasantly surprised that he enjoyed it so much he practically finished it in three sittings.

It seems to me that Park's books are written much like fables, with each chapter, each episode drawn with poignant but concise brush strokes. Sometimes, as with "Long Walk to Water," this doesn't work too well; there just isn't enough in whole to support full-blooded characters. Here, this writing style serves her - and all of us - excellently. As elsewhere, she dips in, she dips out. But here, with each emersion, she beautifully captures the essence of the time (so long ago!), the place (so mysterious and yet intimate), the story (plenty captivating) and most of all, the characters, especially Tree-ear. In about a hundred and fifty pages, she brings them all so fully alive and compelling. This is only one young man from a remote village on the other side of the earth, some 900 years ago. In a world where we might easily wonder if anything we ever do has any impact at all, we can see through this brief but powerful story that even in the smallest niche in time, the courage and perseverance and faith of a single person - without magic or histrionics - can truly make a difference. The story truly advances the Eastern philosophy that there are consequences to each and every act (each shard?) of man. I love this story at every level.

I bought this because my fifth grade grand son had to read it for school and he was telling me about the story. I'm a potter—we decided to share the story. This is well written with decent character development and a clear story arc. The factual information about pottery and the making of pottery is accurate and worked gracefully into the story line. The plot involves a young boy in ancient times who is trying to find his way through life as an orphan. He stumbles upon a community of master potters and becomes interested in their processes. The boy gets hired to do chores for one of the best potters, and finds a way to help his master vie for a place on the emperor's potting commission. It's an adventure, a story about building your self esteem and your skills, and a great story about commitment to others. I recommend this YA story for any age.

Historical fiction, written for children, and set in 12th century Korea. This is a beautiful story about the potters in one of the villages where the amazingly beautiful inlaid celadon glazed pottery was made - the secret glaze that was the color of jade and water that was called one of the wonders of the world by the ancient Chinese. This story is sweet and compelling. My children have enjoyed it, and so did I.

This book was great I don't even have words for it. You should read it then end was sad for me.. I am happy that my Mom told me to read it

I borrowed it from the library on a whim and liked it so much I came back and bought it for a friend. Appropriate for about ages 7 and up all the way to adult. Values of hard work, honesty, and commitment. Also learned a bit about Korean culture.

I highly recommend this book! Not only is it very well written, but the storyline is engaging and charming. You can't help but like young Tree-ear and his friend and parent-figure Crane-man. There are no agonizing conflicts or cruelty, though there is a bit of violence in a later chapter. I can see why this won the Newbery award!

I enjoyed reading this book. It is a super find for middle school children.

One of my favorites.

みなしごTree Earが陶芸家になることを志し、試練に耐えて栄光への第一歩を歩み始めるー。 その影に親友との篤い友情と別れがーという内容で、なんとなく昔のスポ魂ものを思い出させます。 アメリカの児童文学を見渡して面白いなーと思う事は、さすが移民の国だけあって、いろんな国や文化の物語をとりあげた作品が多いと言うことです。 もっとも、はたしてそこに描かれた外国の風物がどれだけ実際の雰囲気に近いのかーというのは難しい問題ですが。 そんな中でこの本には、ディテールはともかくとして、まさにアジア的読後感というものが濃厚にありました。 アジア的なるものーを簡単に定義することなどできないのですが、この作品のように生命のはかなさーというものをさりげなく入れて、胸がしめつけられるような共感と愛惜の念を謳うーということも挙げるられるのではないでしょうか。 これはやはり“永遠なるもの”を信じる西洋と、“無常”を信じる東洋の宗教観の違いが影響していると思うのですが、長年アメリカに住んでいながら、私が好きなのはやっぱり万事めでたしめでたしのハッピーエンドではなく、独特の“あわれ”の余韻が残るこういう終わり方です。 こればかりは自分の体に深く根付いたもので変え様がありません。 驚かされたのは韓国系とはいえ、アメリカ生まれでアメリカ育ちのパク女史がそういった感覚を濃厚に持っているということです。 そして、そういった感覚を理解できるアメリカ人も最近では増えてきているようです。 考えてみると、私が心底友達になれるアメリカ人というのも、そういう人達です。 文章はなかなか硬質で、ボキャブラリーも決して難しくはありませんが、レベルが高いです。 英検準１級以上の方は是非挑戦してみてください。 すばらしい読後感が味わえますよ。

I had to read this book for school and I fell in love with it. It has good messages for kids and a great ending! And as always I am impressed with amazons amazing service and delivery!

It is so good a story that I wonder how the author must have worked in bringing such simple characters to life.

Bought a a gift for someone