Search - A Single Shard

This was a very good book, I would say that it is for ages 10 to 14. It is a pretty easy read, but very good!

I picked this up because it was a Newbery award winner, and because I'd rather enjoyed another book by Park, "When my Name was Keoko," which deals with more modern Korean history. This story is also set in Korea, but in the 12th century. It tells of an orphan boy, Tree-Ear, who gradually becomes assistant to a talented potter, and finds himself going on a journey to try to win the potter an Imperial commission. The characters are sensitively drawn and believable, and the small dramas of the tale momentous in feeling. Plus, the reader gets to learn a little bit about Korean pottery, which is very interesting!

Tree-ear is an orphan boy in a twelfth century Korean potters' village. For a long time he is content with Crane-man under a bridge, barely surviving on scrapes of food. All of that changes when Tree-ear sees master potter Min making his beautiful pottery. tree-ear sneaks into Min's workplace and dreams of creating his own pots someday. When accidentally breaks a pit, he must work for the master to pay for the damage. Though the work is long and hard. Tree-ear is eager to learn. Then he is sent to the King's Court to show the master's pottery. Little does Tree-ear know that this difficult and dangerous journey will change his life forever.

I have used this book for my high readers in 4th grade for literature circles. It brings great discussion and students will seek out new knowledge about content using the Internet.

The story of the orphaned boy was well written and a page turner. I ordered the book for my 9 year old nephew and decided to read it first. The content is great of various ages. I enjoyed the writer's telling of the story with such Eastern detail. The social customs are spot on target and makes the reasons for such behavior more palatable. Reading the context of the boys circumstances in his culture makes his achievements and travails more vivid. Good read! I can't wait for my nephew to read it so we can talk about it.

A good historical novel about twelfth century Korea. This author has delved deeply into Korea's history and brought forth informative and enjoyable books.