A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park

This book was written for children—pre-teens, I think—and is a recipient of the Newberry Medal Award. It is set in 12^th century Korea and tells the story of Tree-ear, a 12-year-old orphan. 

Tree-ear lives under the bridge with his protector and mentor, Crane-man. Crane-man is crippled, aging and extremely poor, yet he has taught Tree-ear survival, integrity and happiness. Tree-ear spends his days foraging for food and barely surviving, until he begins secretly watching master potter Min making his beautiful celadon pottery. Then he is inspired with a dream of his own—someday he wishes to make a pot of surpassing beauty. So he volunteers to work for Min. And work he does, very hard. 

This was a lovely book—about family, love, kindness, honesty, hard-work, struggles, pottery and ancient Korea. It was uplifting and interesting. I really liked it. Highly recommended, for you and for your kids.

Bad language: none
Sex: none