A Single Shard

by Linda Sue Park


The story of orphaned Tree-Ear, named for the silent but ever-present tree fungus of Korea, demonstrates fortitude in the face of adversity. The reader accompanies Tree-Ear as he visits trash heaps to forage for food without loosing his self respect, and keeping his integrity by refusing to steal even when he would clearly not get caught. With the tools of integrity, fortitude, and humility he rises from being a homeless trash sifter to a renowned potter.

Tree-Ear’s most effective method of survival is to find an area of interest, find the expert in that area, and make him indispensable. In common usage; “find a niche and fill it”. He also did not expect to start at the top. He REQUESTED the 12th century equivalent of minimum wages (one meal a day) and stuck with the job until his expertise earned a better wage.

He fought to protect his employer’s property, even at personal risk, and undertook a long, hazardous journey to deliver two exquisite celadon pots. Halfway through the journey, he is set upon by bandits, and the pots are destroyed. He finds the largest remaining “Single Shard” and continues on his journey, hoping that the quality of the work visible will suffice to justify a contract for more pottery. His success is as much due to his own refusal to give up as it is to the skill of the potter he works for.

A Single Shard does an excellent job of demonstrating why the values that employers appreciate so much are the result of character rather than skill. As a result, it encourages young readers who have “given up” on a classroom subject because it seems too difficult.

Lesson plans may be found http://www.webenglishteacher.com/park.html.

This story has personal meaning, as my spouse will someday become a renowned potter, too.