A Single Shard: A Newbery Award Winner

Linda Sue Park

Apr 2001 · Sold by HarperCollins

About this ebook

The Newbery Medal-winning tale of an orphan boy whose dream of becoming a master potter leads to unforeseen adventure in ancient Korea.

Tree-ear is an orphan boy in a 12th-century Korean village renowned for its ceramics. When he accidentally breaks a delicate piece of pottery, he volunteers to work to pay for the damage. Putting aside his own dreams, Tree-ear resolves to serve the master potter by embarking on a difficult and dangerous journey, little knowing that it will change his life forever.

"Despite the odds against him, Tree-ear becomes courageous, brave and selfless, a hero as enduring as the porcelain Park so lovingly describes." (New York Times)

“Intrigues, danger, and a strong focus on doing what is right turn a simple story into a compelling read. A timeless jewel.” (Kirkus starred review)

*A broken piece of pottery sets events in motion as an orphan struggles to pay off his debt to a master potter. This finely crafted novel brings 12th-century Korea and these indelible characters to life." (School Library Journal starred review)

"Tree-ear's determination and bravery in pursuing his dream of becoming a potter takes readers on a literary journey that demonstrates how courage, honor and perseverance can overcome great odds and bring great happiness. Park effectively conveys 12th century Korea in this masterful piece of historical fiction." (Kathleen Odean, chair of the Newbery Award Selection Committee)

Ratings and reviews

A book for all ages! 10 + to 100 years old will love it. It is not corny it's just the right length, either reading or listening. It's avilable on CD & great on a road trip! No surprise vulgarity, or inappropriate actions. A orphen boy lives with a wise old man who has a disability. It has truth & love for a better life, yet accepting circumstances until the boy finds a secret love for a selective trade he yearns to learn. The trade is only passed down from father to son. The culture has strict rules yet the boy offers a trade master, who has no son or worker to help him and work for a low wage. The master is reluctant to pass on any knowledge as he regards the boy as only a worker. The trade master has a kind wife who sees the potential and knows it would help each of them. Then the Imperial Palace has need for a new master of the trade. It could change his master's life which in turn, change his and the disabled old man's.

This is a great story of an orphan going on a journey of a life time and meets some challenges on his way but in the end comes through and earns a commission for his master. Definitely a great book for all ages, as Roberta Wathen said

This is one of the many favorites of books that I have ever read. It starts off very slow, but the adventure grows as you read along. My opinion of this book is easily 5 stars. I really hope Linda Sue Park makes a sequel to this book so the adventure continues!

About the author

Linda Sue Park, Newbery Medal winner for A Single Shard and #1 New York Times bestseller for A Long Walk to Water, is the renowned author of picture books and novels for young readers. She lives in Western New York. Learn more at lindasuepark.com.