A Single Shard

A Single Shard
By: Linda Sue Park
Copyright: 2001
Pages: 160
Reading Level: 9-12

"Tree-ear's eyes filled with tears. He bent to pick up another piece of laundry. Ajima meant something like "Auntie"; it was a term of great affection, reserved only for older kinswomen. Tree-ear was kin to no one, and yet Min's wife wishes for him to call her Aijima. He did not even know if he could say the word.
"Well Tree-ear?" The gentle teasing had returned to her voice. "Do you agree to my conditions?"
Tree-ear nodded. He spoke from behind the clothes that flapped on the line. "I agree," he said, then faltered. His voice fell to a whisper. "I agree- Aijima."

A Single Shard is the story of an orphan boy, Tree-ear, who lives under the bridge with his friend Crane-man. Crane-man gets his name because he only has one good leg to hobble around on. The two live under the bridge, and have to search for food to survive. Every so often Tree-ear goes to watch Min, one of the greatest potters in the town. As Tree-ear has learned the days are he works at the wheel. However this day was different. Min had gone back inside, and Tree-ear decided to take a closer look. After picking up an ornate box, Min reappears startling Tree-ear and he drops the box to the floor. Tree-ear is a very honorable person, and offers to work off his debt, as he can't pay.
Min finally agrees, and Tree-ears journey of hard work begins. Tree-ear, chops wood, gets the clay for the pots, and drains the clay. He repeats this process week after week. In the hopes that Min will one day teach him. Min's wife takes very good care of Tree-ear, and feeds him and his friend Crane-man, as well as clothes him in the cold winters. There friendship grows into a strong bond, and she eventually asks him to call her Aijima, which means something like Aunt in our culture.
One day Tree-ear hears that the Emissary is coming and is going to commission someone to create pottery for the royal family. Tree-ear knows that Min is the best in the village, but one night secretly finds out that Kang has found a new technique to create designs. Crane-man gives Tree-ear great wisdom not to tell Min till Kang reveals it to the world. So he doesn't and the Emissary decides to hire Kang, but comes to Min to ask him to try the new technique because he knows his work is much better. Min being to old to make the journey Tree-ear offers.
On Tree-ears journey he is robbed, and the vases are shattered. The title of the book comes in the play here. When Tree-ear picks up a single shard from the beautiful vases and shows it to the Emissary. With the shard and the story of how it became that way, Min is hired. Once they return Min's wife is joyful to see he has returned safely. But when he goes to Min with the wonderful news he is not as happy. For he has bad news for Tree-ear. While he was away Crane-man passes, and they find him holding the Monkey Tree-ear has made for him.
However the story has a happy end, as Min and his wife bring Tree-ear into there home. Mins wife gives him a new name, and Min teaches Tree-ear how to use the wheel.

Recommended to: Children interested in culture. Either if this is there own culture, or another.
Problems: It shows the horrible conditions that Tree-ear had to live in, and what many homeless children have to face.
My Reaction: I will admit it was very slow getting into the story, but once I was involved in Tree-ears life I couldn't put it down. Read right through it. I think this book does a wonderful job at describing the element of father to son traditions. And tying culture into such a beautiful story. It also shows the importance and love felt when you feel like you belong.