A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park

Genre: Historical Fiction/Novel
Age Range: 10
Summary: From the very beginning of A Single Shard, the protagonist, Tree-ear, is completely and totally honest. The story is about a young, disadvantaged, orphan boy who is trying to become a skilled potter. One day, he sneaks into the famous potter Min's workshop simply to admire the potter's work. He's mulling around studying a box when he drops the box and the master potter sneaks up behind him. Tree-ear assures Min that he is not a thief and Min believes he is sincere. Tree-ear insists on paying Min back with his time. For the next nine days, Tree-ear chops wood and does everything Min asks him to in order to be held in high esteem by the master potter. But his hard work is to no avail. Min still will not teach him how to turn pots. After the nine day trial period, Tree-ear asks to work for Min for free. However, it is not really for free because Min's wife makes Tree-ear lunch everyday. And she makes more than enough so that Tree-ear can take food home to his buddy and father figure, Crane-man. Among the many things Min's wife did for Tree-ear, she also provided him and Crane-man with clothes when it turned cold. In return, Tree-ear did many little chores around Min's house. When it is heard that a pottery official from the embassy is coming to check out the pottery in Tree-ear's hometown. Min's is among the best but the rival potter-Kang's-is rather innovated. Kang thought of a new idea of inlaying designs into the clay. Tree-ear knew about this idea but could not share it because he felt that that would be stealing an idea. Once the idea is out the world, however, Tree-ear feels free to share it with Min. Min masters this and is chosen to send much of his work to the embassy. Tree-ear offers to go on the long journey to take the pottery the long distance. Tree-ear has a smooth hike there until he runs into a few robbers. They think he is carrying rice. They are disappointed when all they find is pottery. So disappointed that they smash the pottery and take off with what little Tree-ear has. Tree-ear finds a single shard of pottery left on the shore and takes it with him continuing onto the embassy. He arrives with a little less than hospitality. He is almost turned away when the ambassador agrees to see him and is impressed by the dedication and the skill put into the single shard. He gives Min the commission and Tree-ear starts on the journey home. When he arrives home, he goes to tell Min the good news but Min offers less than that when he tells Tree-ear about his friend Crane-man falling off the bridge and dying. Tree-ear is devastated. But in Crane-man, his former family, dying he gains a new family with Min and his wife. Furthermore, Min finally agrees to teach Tree-ear how to turn pots. This story is a charming one about a boy who has everything in the world against him and still remains honest and respectful.