A Single Shard

Written by Linda Sue Park

Sometimes dreams can seem as fragile as a delicate vase...

In a Nutshell

Overall rating: 4.5(out of 5)

Age at first reading: 10

Scariness: A bit

Funniness: None

Love stuff: None

Andrea's Take

When an orphan Tree-ear breaks a pottery piece, he works for the gruff potter Min to repay the debt. Tree-ear himself has always wanted to make beautiful pots someday, and is crushed to learn that while orphans can perform backbreaking labour, they cannot have their own wheel.

Tree-ear still stays with Min, helping him achieve his dream of a royal commision. And when Tree-ear needs to undertake a long, perilous journey, he discovers his own dreams may be just as enduring as a single shard of perfect pottery.

While this book may sound boring, it is a touching story indeed, especially the last part when ____________. The author also has a lot of fun facts about pottery and 12th century Korea in it. This book is great for book discussions as well. (I would know, I did one on this book.) So, try this book!

Do you like pottery?

• Yep!
• No..
• I'm not sure...
• After reading this book, yes.