Susie Wilde (Children's Literature)
Linda Sue Park's A Single Shard is set in 12th century Korea and begins with the description of a tender relationship between Tree-ear, a fourteen-year-old orphan, and Crane-man, who has clothed, fed and reared him since he was two. Their village of Ch'ulp'o is famous for its celadon pottery and after Tree-ear scrambles for food, he spends hours watching the perfectionistic and short-tempered master potter, Min, create clay miracles on his wheel. Tree-ear's journey to belonging is filled with struggles, each of which he accomplishes honorably--from chopping firewood until his hands bleed to facing thieves while delivering Min's work to the royal court. Park's research is thorough and she writes with a familiarity that awakens readers' interests in everything from politics to pottery. She conveys complex ideas with a simplicity that gives the slim novel a zen-like feel. Tree-ear is so curious, willing, honest and loyal, he runs the risk of being too good to interest readers. But the author wisely pits him against a cruel society, an unkind employer, and then sends him on a dangerous pilgrimage. The reward for his sincerity and dedication seals the book's success as surely as the Newbery medal on its cover. 2001, Clarion Books, $15.00. Ages 9 to 12.

Karen Deans (Children's Literature)
This beautifully-crafted tale of an orphan boy named Tree-ear takes place in 12th century Korea in the small potter's village of Ch'ulp'o. Tree-ear (named after a mushroom that grows on a tree without a parent seed) lives under a bridge with his one-legged friend, Crane-man, (hence the name) surviving on scraps pulled from rubbish heaps and rice foraged from fields. They possess a fierce integrity that keeps them from begging and stealing and share a friendship akin to father and son. Each day Tree-ear goes to the bushes behind the studio of the brilliant potter, Min, who works outside. Tree-ear dreams of one day making a pot of his own. After breaking one of Min's wares, Tree-ear is obligated to work for Min to make amends for the accident. He works diligently for the gruff old potter, collecting wood for the local kiln and retrieving and preparing clay for his master. Min's work is so admired that the king's emissary has requested a sample to be considered for a royal commission. Tree-ear, being young and in good health, travels by foot the long distance to the royal court to present two of Min's beautiful prune vases to the emissary. Along the way he is confronted with challenges both frightening and rewarding, which ultimately change his life and the lives of those around him. This moving story captures a moment in Korean history when the mystery, magic and fortitude of true artisans were valued as they dedicated their lives to create things beautiful to behold. 2001, Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin, $15.00. Ages 9 to 14.

CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices, 2002)
In 12th-century Korea, young Tree-Ear is an orphan living with elderly Crane-Man. Crane-Man and the boy are both outcasts, but the two share a close and loving bond. Ch'ulp'o, where they live, is a village known throughout Korea and beyond for the lovely Celadon green glaze of the pottery created there. Tree-Ear is fascinated by pottery making, especially the work of potter Min, the finest in the village. When Tree-Ear accidentally breaks one of Min's creations, he goes to work for Min to compensate the potter for his loss. Once the debt is paid, Tree-Ear continues working for the gruff and taciturn Min, hoping that he will eventually get a chance to create something at the potter's wheel. In the meantime, he takes every opportunity he can to learn and experiences startling, and wonderfully evoked, moments of deeper understanding of the mysteries of the art. He also shares the benefits of his work, such as the daily meal provided by Min's kind wife, with Crane-Man. A visit from the royal emissary, who has the power to assign coveted pottery commissions, ultimately has life-changing implications for Tree-Ear. Linda Sue Park's novel is hard to put down. An author's note provides additional historical information on the creation of Celadon pottery in Korea. CCBC categories: Fiction for Children; The Arts; Historical People, Places, and Events. 2001, Clarion, 152 pages, $15.00. Ages 9-12.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 2001 (Vol. 69, No. 2))
A homeless boy in a 12th-century Korean village makes himself surprisingly useful to a master potter. Tree-ear has been living with Crane-man under a bridge, scavenging for food and comfort until one day he watches Min, the potter, becoming so fascinated he later creeps back to look at the finished pots. Surprised in the act, one of the pots is broken and Tree-ear must work to pay for the damage. The work is strenuous. Tree-ear aches and bleeds, but gradually he becomes accustomed to the work. Min allows him to continue to help in exchange for food from the master's kind wife. It is in the details that the story lays claim to a sort of Zen quality. Ethical decisions regarding acceptance of lunch and his responsibility to Crane-man are decided with fastidiousness and rectitude. Each choice of Tree-ear's shows an awareness of pride and dignity--not just for himself, but for Crane-man, Min, and his wife. Obtaining a royal commission to make pots worthy of the palace is at the heart of the plot. Intrigues, danger, and the same strong focus on doing what is right turn a simple story into a compelling read. Important details of the times are folded into the narrative without being obtrusive. Tree-ear's story conveys a time and place far away and long ago, but with a simplicity and immediacy that is both graceful and unpretentious. A timeless jewel. 2001, Clarion, $15.00. Category: Fiction. Ages 10 to 14. Starred Review. © 2001 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Marie Salvadore (Parents Guide, Fall 2001 (Vol. 4, No. 1))
Crane-man who raised the orphaned Tree-ear, live together under a bridge in small village where they scrounge for food. Their west coast village, Ch'ulp'o, is famous for its ceramics. Tree-ear is drawn to Min, one of the finest potters and is pleased to serve as his helper. Despite the backbreaking work and Min's ill temper, Tree-ear earns Min's trust and ultimately achieves his dream; to apprentice under him. The spare telling is evocative, bringing to life the setting in 12th century Korea. This compelling story provides a stirring glimpse at distant time and place. 2001, Clarion, $15. Ages 10 to 12.

Elizabeth Bush (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, March 2001 (Vol. 54, No. 7))
Tree-ear, an orphaned Korean boy who lives under a bridge with his crippled adult friend Crane-man, dreams of bettering himself by learning the potter's trade. His twelfth-century village is renowned for its delicate celadon ware, and the craftsmanship of Min, a master revered by fellow masters, is the benchmark by which Tree-ear sets his standards. Unfortunately, trade apprenticeship is traditionally limited to sons, and although Tree-ear manages to connive his way into working as Min's assistant, his chances of becoming a potter are virtually nonexistent. When a royal commission comes within Min's grasp, however, Tree-ear seizes a chance to rise in his employer's eyes by delivering sample vases to the emissary at Songdo. Patience and perfectionism, as Park demonstrates, are vital to a celadon potter's art, but although Tree-ear eventually masters both, readers will become squirmy waiting for him to hit the road to Songdo, adventures, and the happy (if wishful) ending. Concluding notes expand on the celadon trade and discuss liberties taken with Korean history of the period. (Reviewed from galleys) Review Code: Ad -- Additional book of acceptable quality for collections needing more material in the area. (c) Copyright 2001, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. 2001, Clarion, 160p, $15.00. Grades 5-8.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Fall 2001)
Tree-ear, a twelfth-century Korean boy, wants desperately to become a potter of celadon ware like the revered and talented potter Min. Though homeless and orphaned, Tree-ear wins the approval of Min, eventually becoming an indispensable apprentice to him. While the characters are somewhat flat and the plot slow, Park's story is alive with fascinating information about life and art in ancient Korea. Category: Intermediate Fiction. 2001, Clarion, 152pp, $15.00. Ages 9 to 12. Rating: 4: Recommended, with minor flaws.

Marge Wood (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 14, No. 1))
Few children's books are written with the delicacy and beauty of this short novel by Linda Park. It is based in twelfth-century Korea, and it is believable. Tree-ear, an orphan, lives under a bridge with Crane-man, a man with one leg. Crane-man had taken him to care for while Tree-ear was young. They depend on one another and enjoy sharing stories and skipping stones on the river. Tree-ear has a burning desire to become a potter because fine pottery is the thing that sets Ch-ulp-o, their home village, apart. Tree-ear not only wants to be a potter, he wants to learn from Min, the finest potter in town. Min is grumpy but needs help, and he finally agrees to let Tree-ear work for him. A chance comes for all the potters in town to be considered for a commission to make pottery for the royal family. Min wants it badly, and the emissary knows Min's reputation as the finest. Min works more slowly than others, and the emissary asks him to send some samples of his work when he is finished. When he is finally finished, Min allows Tree-ear the honor of carrying two perfect pots to the King. His adventures along the way show the character that Tree-ear has, and his courage. This book is perfect for any library for children, for families, and for gifts. Fiction, Highly Recommended. Grades 5 and up. 2001, Clarion Books, 152p, $15.00. Ages 10 up.

Nina Lindsay (VOYA, April 2002 (Vol. 25, No. 1))
In twelfth-century Korea, Tree-ear has been raised by Crane-man under a bridge in his small village, Ch'ulp'o, rather than by the monks, as is usual for orphans. At the age of thirteen, he has learned to fend for himself and to appreciate beauty in people and his surroundings. Ch'ulp'o is famous for its celadon pottery, and Tree-ear enjoys watching the work of the master Min, who throws his pots outdoors under the eaves of his house. Tree-ear finds himself owing Min nine days work, which quickly turns into an informal apprenticeship. By tradition, the craft of a potter is passed only from father to son, but Min's son is dead. Although the man has little room in his heart for anything but his work, Tree-ear's understanding of the craft develops over a year's time. The bonds between himself, Min, and Min's wife grow until an act of bravery and dedication on Tree-ear's part cements his own future as well as Min's. Park's text engages immediately, and her characters and setting are vivid. Historical details are included deftly, and in a lengthy author's note, Park describes her research process, letting the reader know what is documented and what is speculation. Her two other novels that take place in seventeenth and fifteenth century Korea for slightly younger readers are Seesaw Girl (Clarion, 1999) and The Kite Fighters (2000/VOYA August 2000). With scant historical fiction available in this area, this 2002 Newbery Award-winning book makes a unique offering, and its inviting length and appealing tone should find it wide use. Tree-ear and his companions might be just too truehearted for some, but the story's satisfying arc makes rich reading for those looking for an involving and insightful historical novel. VOYA CODES: 4Q 3P M (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 2001, Clarion, 152p, $15. Ages 11 to 14.

Anna Yu (aka anna banana), Teen Reviewer (VOYA, April 2002 (Vol. 25, No. 1))
This novel is a great book for young readers who enjoy historical fiction. They will enjoy learning about clay and about how artists in twelfth-century Korea made works of art. They also will like the character of Tree-ear and the way he matures and grows up. The ending brings both a happy and sad tear to the eye. This recommended book is a quick read for young teens. VOYA CODES: 4Q 3P M (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 2001, Clarion, 152p, $15. Ages 11 to 14.