In this Newbery Medal-winning book set in 12th century Korea, Tree-ear, a 13-year-old orphan, lives under a bridge in Ch’ulp’o, a potters' village famed for delicate celadon ware. He has become fascinated with the potter’s craft; he wants nothing more than to watch master potter Min at work, and he dreams of making a pot of his own someday. When Min takes Tree-ear on as his helper, Tree-ear is elated — until he finds obstacles in his path: the backbreaking labor of digging and hauling clay, Min’s irascible temper, and his own ignorance. But Tree-ear is determined to prove himself — even if it means taking a long, solitary journey on foot to present Min’s work in the hope of a royal commission . . . even if it means arriving at the royal court with nothing to show but a single celadon shard.
Review
Park (Seesaw Girl) molds a moving tribute to perseverance and creativity in
this finely etched novel set in mid-to-late 12th century Korea. . . Readers will
not soon forget these characters or their sacrifices. Publishers Weekly,
Starred
" Intrigues, danger and the same strong focus on doing what is
right turn a simple story into a compelling read. . . Tree-ear's story conveys a
time and place far away and long ago, but with a simplicity and immediacy that
is both graceful and unpretentious. A timeless jewel." Kirkus Reviews with
Pointers
Like Park's Seesaw Girl and the Kite Fighters, this book not
only gives readers insight an unfamilar time and place, but it is also a great
story.
School Library Journal, Starred
This quiet, but involving story
draws readers into a very different time and place. Though the society has its
own conventions, the hearts and minds and stomachs of the characters are not so
far removed from those of people today. Readers will feel the hunger and cold
that Tree-ear experiences, as well as his shame, fear, gratitude, and love. A
well-crafted novel with an unusual setting.
Booklist, ALA, Starred
Review
Park's story is alive with fascinating information about life and
art in ancient Korea.
Horn Book Guide
A broken piece of pottery sets
events in motion as an orphan struggles to pay off his debt to a master potter.
This finely crafted novel brings 12th-century Korea and these indelible
characters to life.
SLJ Best Books of the Year
null Children's Books:
100 Titles NYPL
null Booklist, Editor's Choice
