A Single Shard

• Genre: Fiction; middle grade historical
• Originally Published: 2001
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 920L; grades 5-8
• Structure/Length: 13 chapters; approx. 192 pages; approx. 3 hours, 12 minutes on audio
• Protagonist and Central Conflict: In a 12th-century Korean potters’ village, a young boy named Tree-ear accidentally breaks an intricate, nested pottery box. In working for the master potter to make up for the damage, Tree-ear must make a difficult and life-changing journey to the royal palace in the capital.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Poverty; parent loss; mention of death by suicide

Linda Sue Park, Author

• Bio: Born in 1960 in Urbana, IL; daughter of immigrants from Korea; writer of novels, nonfiction, poetry, and picture books for young readers; served as a panelist for Kirkus Prize, the National Book Award, and the SCBWI Golden Kite Award
• Other Works: Archer’s Quest (2006); A Long Walk to Water (2010); Prairie Lotus (2020)
• Awards: Newbery Award Winner (2002); ALA Best Book for Young Adults (2002); ALA Notable Book for Children (2002); Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, Author Honor (2003)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:

• Fear Versus Courage
• Lost and Found Families
• Dreams of a Lifetime

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Unit, students will:

• Gain an understanding of the cultural and historical contexts that impact Tree-ear’s desire to become a master potter.