A Single Shard
         In this novel for young adults, it is obvious that the author did a tremendous amount of research in order to more accurately present the information to her audience.  The story revolves around a young Korean boy named Tree-ear, who lives under a bridge with the man who raised him, Crane-man.  Tree-ear got his name from the mushrooms that grew on the tree trunks, �emerging from the rotten wood without the benefit of parent seed.� According to Crane-man, this was the perfect name for an orphan.  Crane-man on the other hand, is so called because of his �shriveled and twisted calf� which required that he use only one
leg and a crutch for balance. 
          The novel is focused around Tree-ear and his determination to learn the art of pottery.  When he begins to help a skillful potter in the village, he does so hoping that one day the potter will teach him.  Throughout the story, readers are learning the hard work and tremendous skill that goes into making just one good piece of pottery.  Step by step, the main character follows Min�s orders, and in doing so, the author presents all steps in the art of pottery.  Some historical facts are easily acquired due to the ingenuity of the author�s way of working them into the story.  For example, when Tree-ear asks his master, �I was wondering...if the Master would one day be teaching me to make a pot,� we learn that the custom was for fathers to teach their sons, and the afterword tells us that at some point around 1543, this was the law in Korea.  Readers also learn that it is of great honor and importance that royalty find their pottery worthy of displaying in the palace.  In fact, the highest honor was to be granted a royal commission.  The potter�s work would be �displayed at the palace and its temples� and we learn that these would be well-paid by the rulers.  �A royal commission was the dream of all potters,� but readers quickly learn that it was indeed Min�s life�s desire.
          Many hours of research went into the making of this story in order to be accurate and credible.  The author explains in detail the process required to make a flawless piece of pottery.  She makes reference to geographic regions of Korea and makes sure to coincide with the historical development of cities during those times.  It is quite admirable to see how this story can teach so much about laws, geography, and art without sounding like a textbook.  It is no wonder it holds the John Newbery Medal for most distinguished contribution to literature for young readers.  Readers will learn a wide variety of subjects while enjoying a well-written plot with touching and life-like characters.

Park, Linda S. 2001. A single shard. New York: Clarion Books. ISBN 0-395-97827-0.
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