A Single Shard: ‘Delightful’ Philip Pullman

Linda Sue Park won a Newbery Medal for this surprisingly gripping, moving piece set in twelfth-century Korea. It’s an unusual rite-of-passage story about a young boy Tree-ear, shunned because his orphan status means he’s considered bad luck, he lives outside, scavenging for food. But he’s happy because he has a single friend, the older Crane-man. Their village Ch’ulp'o’s a special place, famed for its craftspeople who produce eye-wateringly beautiful, shimmering pottery. Tree-ear’s fascinated by the work of the local potters, in particular the curmudgeonly Min, whose artistry’s unsurpassed. Tree-ear develops an overwhelming desire to follow in Min’s footsteps but how can he when the technique’s only passed from a father to a son? I thought this was lovely, it’s gently-paced, impeccably observed and meticulously researched. But above all it’s just a great story, it has an evocative, mythic feel but it’s also down to earth and a marvellous celebration of friendship and endurance. This new edition features a foreword by the author, as well as a detailed afterword outlining the book's background and Park's inspiration, a famous vase held in a Korean museum, an outstanding example of an art Korea was once renowned for, its maker’s name lost to history.

I have just read this book to use in reading circles at my school. I am impressed with the book because it effectively portrays a sense of other. It is written with with a sense of timelessness and yet draws us into a time and place very different to our own. It provides insight into Korean culture and has the capacity to remind us of the traits of humility, honesty and integrity, which are all too often lost in our contemporary society. The story has a kind of elegant predictability to it, which far from making it dull connects the reader with a sense of destiny and is satisfying to read. The characters are well developed and the story contains a progressive tension that makes the narrative compelling. The postlude connects us to aspects of Korean history that the reader may have been unaware of. I would strongly recommend this book to young readers.

"A Single Shard" by Linda Sue Park tells about a homeless boy taught how to survive by a one-legged beggar. By determination and use of his observations the boy inches closer to his dream career; a career which society says is open only to the sons of craftsmen.The obstacles are immense. But his honesty in repaying a debt with his own physical labour reaps benefits far beyond easing his conscience.The story starts bleakly but soon captures the reader's attention. The five main characters become mutually interdependent.This slim story about rural life in 12th century Korea is a great read which leaves the reader wanting more.

Brilliant

It was so rush and it had the worst way of having crane-man die. This is among the worst books that i have ever read. It had a lot of information though. I had to read it for school and no one liked it. Do not read this book it is really bad!!!