[.uk] A Single Shard (Newbery Medal Book) (ISBN 0395978270)

• CHILDRENS BOOKS & MUSIC
• Early Childhood
• Books

The Most Crucial Choice:
My favorite part of this book is when Tree-ear must make a crucial choice between death and life. He chooses right and innumerable blessings come to his life and the lives of those he loves because of it. This is a well written book with a powerful message for both children and grown ups alike. Sometimes it seems everything is dashed to pieces. It may be some errand you are on, some thing you have responsibility for, it may be your life physically or spiritually, who knows what it could be. Tree-ear's choice to live is an excellent example of the most crucial kind of courage. Some people call this "coming to your own Gethsemane." Some turn away from this greater love and trade it for oblivion, while others walk the path to its source. Essentially he brings the broken piece of the vase to the Emperor's aide and, in a voice you can only hear with your heart, he says, "forgive the robbers, they knew not what they did." This book is absolutely fantastic. Very worth owning and giving as a gift. I cannot praise it enough!

leafystar:
This book is pretty good especially to those interested in pottery it has a good story and good characters and is definitely worth reading.Eragon (Inhertitance)

fascinating tale:
I read this story to my daughter when she was 6, 8, and now she is reading it for herself when she is 10. The story is vivid and heartfelt. Linda Sue Park has created a world that is easy to get drawn into. I feel like I know Tree-ear, Crane-man, and Min. Park's writing style is very easy to read and clear throughout. The lifelike imagery makes you forget that you're reading a book and lets you feel as though you are in the action. The plot moves quickly also and never lets you hang in mid air, which is good when you are reading to a young person. And now that my daughter is reading it herself, it holds her attention, which is difficult to do.

excellent book:
A Single Shard is an excellent book for young readers and is equally enjoyable for adults. I will use excerpts from this book when teaching my high school students about early Korean celadon firing. The characters are believable and likable, the story line is gripping and well written and sprinkled throuhgout the book is fabulous information about the making and firing of some of the finest pottery in history.

Amazing Book:
If you are a teacher, from elementary to high school, you NEED to get this book. It is AMAZING.