A Single Shard

A Single Shard


By: Linda Sue Park
Reviewed by: Henry L., 13
Rating: Really liked it


A Single Shard is a historical fiction novel written by Linda Sue Park. In the novel, a young orphan boy named Tree-ear who lives with Crane-man, a handicapped elderly man, living under a bridge. Tree-ear admires the best potter in the village, Min, and when he accidentally breaks a pot, his life changes from then on. From the story, Tree-ear learns about courage and responsibility.

Linda Park uses many writing techniques to create this novel. One of the writing techniques Park uses is the realism. The realism of the place, Ch'ulp'o, was actually real, but today, Ch'ulp'o is Puan. Also, the Korean pottery presented in this book is actually true, with the potters making celadon pottery. The pottery that is described in the novel actually exist in a museum or private collection somewhere in the world. To summarize, most of what is described in the novel is true.

In conclusion, A Single Shard is a novel that can appeal to young teens and people who like historical fiction books for its realism. I strongly believe that readers will enjoy this novel.


Recommended to: young teens and anyone who likes historical fiction literature.