A Single Shard

Park, Linda Sue.  (2001).  A single shard.  New York:  Clarion Books.

This book received the Newbery Medal.

Set in 12th century Korea, twelve year old Tree-ear is an orphan that lives under a bridge with a gentle and wise man named Crane-man.  Crane-man has raised Tree-ear since he was 2 years old.  Tree-ear goes to work for a master potter named Min and learns the many lessons that Crane-man has been teaching him throughout the years.  Tree-ear learns courage along the way to Songdo, the city where Emissary Kim, to show the emissary the work of his master.   

Crane-man gives Tree-ear advice and together they ponder many moral and ethical questions.  The questions they examine have their place in today's day and age.

I was completely enthralled with this book.  I could hardly put it down.  This book read like poetry.  It was beautiful, smooth, and lovely.  The writing style of the book reminded me of Memoirs of a Geisha.  Memoirs of a Geisha also read like poetry and had many beautiful moments.  I highly recommend this book.