Book Reports

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park

A young orphan by the name of Tree-ear had a dream. A dream that would prove challenging to achieve. Every day Tree-ear watches the master potter Min work. When Tree-ear finally gains enough courage to go into the potter’s shop, unexpected events occur and Tree-ear becomes Min’s apprentice for 9 days. Despite all of the blisters and bruises Tree-ear returns home with, his hope of learning how to make pottery is never diminished. Soon Tree-ears required time is up, but he continues to work for Min for one meal a day.  This proves to be a great arrangement because every day Tree-ear can take some of his meal back to the bridge, or his home, and give it to his friend Crane-man. Soon a grand opportunity arises, and Tree-ear is sent on a journey. A journey on which a single shard will be all that matters.

This book is absolutely incredible. Despite the light tone of the book, heavier meanings are hidden inside. The book has a interesting plot line that grasps you during some parts, but can also be a little bit boring. By the end of the book you have really gotten to know and love all of the characters. At first glance this book seems like realistic fiction, but at a closer examination the books historical fiction nature is revealed. While in my opinion A Single Shard is not as good as Linda Sue Park’s A Long Walk to Water, it still is a good book that will keep you turning the pages. I would recommend this book for fans of realistic and historical fiction. I would also not read this book if you are under 10 years old because of some heavier subject matters hidden within the book. Overall this book is great and I would recommend it to anyone older than 10.

    

4 out of 5 stars