A SINGLE SHARD by Linda Sue Park

Bibliography

Park, Linda Sue. 2001. A SINGLE SHARD. New York: Random House. ISBN: 0-440-41851-8

Plot Summary

Around the 12^th century an orphan boy named Tree-ear lives in a Korean potter’s village that is renowned for their clear-green glazed pots. After accidentally breaking a clay box made by Master potter Min, Tree-ear beings working off his debt by helping Min. The work is hard, but Tree-ear does it willingly with the hope of one day creating his own pot out of clay. When a royal ambassador come looking for a new royal potter, Min sends Tree-ear on a journey that will change his life and those around him.

Critical Analysis

-          Authenticity

In the back notes, Park tells that every piece of pottery that is mentioned in the novel is real and can be seen in museums and other collections. Also, in the back notes, Park gives a brief outline of what life would be like in 12^th century Korea, from how the potters worked together to how unusual it would be for Tree-ear and Crane-man to live under a bridge.

-          Characters

Tree-ear is an orphan, but he is honorable and trustworthy. He does not steal because “work gives a man dignity, stealing takes it away” (pp. 6). He tries his best to do the right thing and works hard at the tasks given to him. He also feels disappointment and anger, he just chooses to do the right thing. Children can identify with Tree-ear and they can see by his example what doing the right thing can result in.

-          Plot

This story has heart break and disappointment that is not sugar-coated. For example, Tree-ear’s dream is almost impossible in that most apprentices are sons of potters. Tree-ear is an orphan and merely working off a debt. Normally he would not be able to work for Min. Min even tells Tree-ear that he will not teach Tree-ear the pottery trade because he is not his son. This breaks Tree-ear’s heart and hope. Through this disappointment, Tree-ear still volunteers his services to Min and Min’s wife. This shows the strength of will and sense of honor Tree-ear possesses.

-          Setting

The setting is 12^th century Korea. There are dirt roads and push carts. People did not travel very far. Crane-man tells Tree-ear that he should take the opportunity to see the world because he won’t have many opportunities in his life time. The setting is also among the poor. Although Tree-ear and Crane-man live under a bridge and struggle to survive, they are not bitter with their lot in life. They are happy and they take care of each other.

-          Theme

The theme of this novel is about realizing your dreams. Tree-ear’s dream is to use the pottery wheel to create a pot of his own. Min’s life-long goal is to earn a royal commission that will take care of his family. The theme is to never give up hope on your dreams. Reaching them may be difficult, but not impossible.

-          Style

Park’s style is true to the Korean culture. Tree-ear demonstrates the importance of respect and honor. Even when he is being yelled at, Tree-ear shows restraint and clear thinking. For example, Min yells at Tree-ear because he did not complete the task of chopping the firewood and putting it away. Tree-ear feels both ashamed and angry because he had done as Min had requested, but he felt as if he should have known to put the chopped wood away too. He does not yell back or argue this point with Min. He just bows his head in agreement. Tree-ear’s voice is unique due to the time and place of the setting of 12^th century Korea.

Review Excerpts

*2002 Newbery Medal for most distinguished American children’s book

Connections

As a connection, the librarian can show pictures and videos of the pottery mentioned in the book. Also, there could be photos of Korea in the 12^th century.

Another connection could be a pottery lesson. Little clumps of clay could be molded while the story is being read. Children would also be interested in trying the pottery wheel for themselves.