A Single Shard

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)

Author: Linda Sue Park
Publisher: Clarion Books
Published: 04/23/2001
Pages: 160
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.65lbs
Size: 8.40h x 5.70w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9780395978276
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 6.6
Point Value: 6
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 49768 / Single Shard


Award: Newbery Medal - Winner
Award: Massachusetts Children's Book Award - Nominee
Award: Sequoyah Book Awards - Nominee
Award: Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award - Nominee
Award: Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award - Nominee
Award: Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award - Nominee
Award: Young Reader's Choice Award - Winner


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Review - Children 01/15/2001 pg. 114
Publishers Weekly 03/05/2001 pg. 80
Booklist 04/01/2001 pg. 1483
School Library Journal 05/01/2001 pg. 158
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2001 pg. 313 - Below Average, With Minor Flaw
Multicultural Review 12/01/2001 pg. 102
New York Times 02/10/2002 pg. 21
Booklist Ed Choice Adu Bk YA's 01/01/2002 pg. 767
ALA Notable Children's Books 03/15/2002 pg. 1235
Voice of Youth Advocates 04/01/2002 pg. 45
Booklist 05/15/2002 pg. 1608
Christian Home & School 10/09/2002 pg. 28
Booklist 05/15/2003 pg. 1664
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2001 pg. 313 - Below Average, With Minor Flaw

About the Author

Linda Sue Park is the author of the Newbery Medal book A Single Shard, many other novels, several picture books, and most recently a book of poetry: Tap Dancing on the Roof: Sijo (Poems). She lives in Rochester, New York, with her family, and is now a devoted fan of the New York Mets. For more infromation visit www.lspark.com.