A Single Shard (Newbery Medal Book) Review
The story of a 12th century Korean orphan sent on a mission to carry a pot to the Emperor doesn't sound too exciting, right? The lyrical prose with which Linda Sue Park infuses this book makes this story a delight to read. She uses words in a painterly fashion to invoke a sense of 12th century Korea and the adventures of a boy on his road to manhood.
There are many beautiful lessons the reader comes away with. The relationship between orphan Tree-ear and his foster father, Crane-man; and that of the boy and his master & wife Ajima, shows that not all "families" are typical. We also see that there is value not merely in labor, but also in the unique creation of art. Artisanship has the power to transform. Finally, we are reminded of the plight of the homeless and the hungry and are encouraged to feel empathy and compassion.
This book is recommended to all young readers, and adults as well. The level of detail in the process of creating Celadon pottery is astounding, so any budding artist would find this book a good read. The major characters are all male, so boys might find this a book they can relate to, but female readers will also love it.
A Single Shard (Newbery Medal Book) Feature
- ISBN13: 9780395978276
- Condition: New
- Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
A Single Shard (Newbery Medal Book) Overview
Tree-ear, an orphan, lives under a bridge in Ch"ulp"o, a potters" village famed for delicate celadon ware. He has become fascinated with the potter"s craft; he wants nothing more than to watch master potter Min at work, and he dreams of making a pot of his own someday. When Min takes Tree-ear on as his helper, Tree-ear is elated — until he finds obstacles in his path: the backbreaking labor of digging and hauling clay, Min"s irascible temper, and his own ignorance. But Tree-ear is determined to prove himself — even if it means taking a long, solitary journey on foot to present Min"s work in the hope of a royal commission . . . even if it means arriving at the royal court with nothing to show but a single celadon shard.
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Customer Reviews
Many classical myth elements - M. Heiss - USA
This is a book that gets read and re-read at our house. The epic journey to take the creation to the emperor -- it's a classic quest.
I think it's good to pair this one, which seems so mysterious and spare and otherworldly, with another quest-type book -- I like "The Incredible Journey" or "Bartlett and the Ice Voyage," or even Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Farmer Boy." We read this aloud once a year or so.
Even little children will understand the story; try it for your family!
ps -- for once, I agree with the Newbery people!
A Single Shard - -
I liked how Tree-Ear kept trying to reach his dream.
And also how Crane-Man helped Tree-Ear reach his dream.
"A Single Shard" is a great book for people of all ages.
I loved this book.
A Single Shard - -
I liked how Tree-Ear kept trying to reach his dream.
And also how Crane-Man helped Tree-Ear reach his dream.
"A Single Shard" is a great book for people of all ages.
I loved this book.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 29, 2010 20:51:05
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