When I was trying to decide which book to share today–with Mother’s Day just yesterday–A Single Shard jumped out at me. This, despite the fact that it’s about a young boy and his relationship with his mentor and eventually master, the potter Min. But, Tree-ear (the young boy) is an orphan and it is through crucial actions taken on the part of Min’s wife that he’s able to make the progress he does in the story. In fact, all of Trea-ear’s family is surrogate, since Crane-man has taken care of him since he was a baby and most completely fulfills the role of parent or grandparent. While I enjoy traditional relationships in books, I also really love to see people reaching beyond the possible barriers that could get in the way and stepping into nontraditional family roles!

The book takes place in twelve-century Korea and Tree-ear lives in the town of Ch’ulp’o, which is famous for its pottery. He himself was brought there as a young boy when his parents died somewhere far away, but had no one to care for him aside from the crippled man, Crane-man, who lives under a bridge outside of town. However, he and the old man bonded so tightly that when a monk came to take Tree-ear and raise him with other orphans, he clung to Crane-man and couldn’t be separated from him. This story is just one of many that Crane-man tells Tree-ear as the boy rests in the evening, and he also teaches him that the two of them must only scavenge and forage for what they need–despite often going hungry, they must not ever give in to the temptation to steal.

It is likely this honor system and work ethic which play a large part in Tree-ear’s becoming Min’s apprentice. He’s long been fascinated by the aging potter, who he has figured out is the best in town through weeks of careful watching. Min is a perfectionist, who demands the best from himself and will destroy a pot if it has any flaws. Because of this, he works very slowly and is very upset when he catches Tree-ear one day looking at his pots–and worse, having broken one of them. Tree-ear agrees to work for Min for nine days without pay to repay him for the broken pot, but it’s clear that it’s the young boy’s fascination with the potter’s work that wins him the opportunity to help Min in this way and doubly so once the nine days are over, when Min agrees to let Tree-ear stay and continue working for him.

The arrangement seems perfect–Tree-ear can help Min with chores that slow him down like collecting wood for the kiln and harvesting clay, while Tree-ear learns a valuable trade and gets a filling noon-day meal that is far superior to anything he’s had before. He saves half of it for Crane-man each day, and the old man helps him with his blisters and provides him woven shoes and loving advice. There’s just a couple problems. First, the potter’s trade is passed down father-to-son but Min has no son and Tree-ear no father. Additionally, Min craves a royal commission, and could use one since he’s getting older and has always been slow in his work. Luckily, an emissary from the king is coming to the town and will consider offering a rare commission. Hoping to win the great honor, Min and his now fiercely loyal apprentice work in a frenzy. But a rival potter, Kang, has discovered a new technique which allows him to make a beautiful inlay on his pots. Tree-ear spies and sees what the potter is doing, but knows he can’t tell Min because that would be like stealing and Crane-man has taught him that would be wrong. However, Kang is sloppy in his work so when the royal commissioner arrives he gives Min a chance to present something to him at the royal palace showing the new style of work–but somehow, someone will need to take it there.

And so Tree-ear’s grand adventure begins, in one of the most heart-warming stories I’ve ever read. He’s such a lovable kid and his devotion to the people who’ve reached out to touch his life makes him super sympathetic, but the whole world is very much stacked against him. And really, it feels that his task is impossible by the end–but why would he accept the impossible when a massive level of heart and hope just might see him through?

Seriously–such a great story, with all kinds of uplifting themes to discuss and enjoy. I’m a little surprised it took me until now to read it, but I think it’s easy for some of these long-time classics to get swept aside in the rush of new books. I really appreciated Linda Sue Park’s blog post sort of touching on that, here: Standing On Shoulders. She’s discusses the importance in recognizing–while celebrating the new diverse books and the wonderful movement that is #ownvoices–in acknowledging those diverse books who paved the way and brought us here. I found it insightful!

Now, let’s see what Apricot-kitty has to say:

“I liked the book. It was great. But I’m not sure I want to talk to you–I’ll make up my mind once these strange new cats stop hissing.”

Ah, yes! We stopped into the county animal shelter this past week just to look around…and we all know how that ends! 😀 Two new kitties later, we’re carefully integrating Heimdall (our big bold tuxedo boy) and Valkyrie (the fierce calico) into the household. I’m sure you’ll hear from them soon, as they provide their two cents on future books!

For the full round up of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday reviews, spotlights, interviews and giveaways, stop by Greg Pattridge’s blog, and happy reading!

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