Linda Sue Park,
A Single Shard.
Clarion Books, 2001.

A Single Shard is a refreshing, simple adolescent novel written by Linda Sue Park. Park's well-researched story of an adolescent orphan who finds purpose and comfort in assisting the town's potter in a small village in 12th century Korea is enjoyable to read. Initially I had trouble getting into this book. It was hard for me to imagine people named Tree-ear and Crane-man. But after a page or two, I was hooked by the fairytale qualities of the story. I was taken back to the stories fom my childhood, like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.

A Single Shard has all the necessary elements of a child's delight. Tree-ear is an orphan who desperately needs a distraction. His fascination with the mean potter Min becomes his answer. Tree-ear becomes Min's assistant. His task is to help Min prepare his work for the emissary. As readers, we want Tree-ear to succeed because he is so lovable and good-hearted. We read hoping for the good kid to triumph. Tree-ear's journey becomes difficult and tragic at times and we desperately want him to persevere. His success hinges on the preservation of a “single shard.”

Linda Sue Park does a wonderful job of creating the imaginary of a small village and the life of a 12th century Korean potter. Her note at the end of the book makes A Single Shard even more impressive. Park's ability to put together all of her research into this well-crafted and beautifully written novel should be praised. A Single Shard has the qualities of a true classic.

Chalida Anusasananan