Other editions of book A Single Shard

A New York Times Bestseller A Newbery Medal Winner 2002 A School Library Journal Best Book An ALA Notable Book for Children An orphan, Tree-ear lives beneath a bridge with his friend Crane-man, a lame weaver. Foraging for their food, he is often drawn to the potters' village, dreaming of making a pot one day. This account of a creative spirit on its journey toward fulfillment is set in 12th century Korea. An Accelerated Reader® title

Tree-ear, an orphan, lives under a bridge in Ch’ulp’o, a potters’ village famed for delicate celadon ware. He has become fascinated with the potter’s craft; he wants nothing more than to watch master potter Min at work, and he dreams of making a pot of his own someday. When Min takes Tree-ear on as his helper, Tree-ear is elated — until he finds obstacles in his path: the backbreaking labor of digging and hauling clay, Min’s irascible temper, and his own ignorance. But Tree-ear is determined to prove himself — even if it means taking a long, solitary journey on foot to present Min’s work in the hope of a royal commission . . . even if it means arriving at the royal court with nothing to show but a single celadon shard.

Tree-ear is an orphan in twelfth-century Korea. He lives under a bridge with Crane-man, a homeless widower who has taken him under his wing. Tree-ear hasn't got many prospects, but he is fascinated by master potter, Min, who lives in the nearby village. Secretly watching Min work, Tree-earlongs to be a potter himself. He persuades Min to let him do little jobs, until one day he has the chance to provide a service for him - one that could bring glory to Min and the village and fulfil his own dreams. But there are others seeking glory and many obstacles for a young boy toovercome.