"A Single Shard" won the Newbery Award in 2002 and is the current pick for younger readers for the Public Library's Arlington Reads Campaign. Honestly, I didn't love it. I mean, I didn't dislike it, but it didn't ~shine~ for me the way I think a Newbery should. The story is one of a homeless boy in 12th century Korea who becomes an apprentice to a Master Potter. The writing is solid but predictable, with the boy learning all those "Karate Kid/Little Grasshopper" messages. There is enough action to interest readers and it has a male protagonist, so it is probable that this book is a good fit for upper elementary or lower middle school. I give it a "B". For a somewhat better tale, check out An Na's award-winning book, "A Step From Heaven".
1 comment:
I read this book and i hated it. I don't think a 'B' is reasonable, an 'F' is. I dont think this book should deserve a Newberry.
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