A Single Shard (2002)

Tree-ear, an orphan living beneath a bridge in the Korean village of Chulpo, dreams of mastering the art of celadon pottery. Fascinated by the work of the respected potter Min, he longs for the chance to learn the craft himself.

When Min finally allows Tree-ear to assist in his workshop, the boy quickly discovers that the path to mastery is filled with challenges - exhausting labor, a demanding teacher, and his own inexperience.

Determined to prove his worth, Tree-ear undertakes a long and difficult journey to present Min's pottery in hopes of earning a royal commission. Even when everything seems lost, he presses on with courage, carrying with him the single celadon shard that gives the story its name.

Winner of the 2002 Newbery Medal