This was one of those “how did she do that?” books for me. How did Linda Sue Park get me so involved that I sobbed?
Four years after reading this wonderful middle grade novel, I still remember the love between the orphaned boy, Tree-ear, and the old man, Crane-man, as they share scraps of food and conversation in their home under a bridge. I also remember the isolation Tree-ear feels in the 12th century Korean pottery community where he lives …and the event that changes his life forever. While secretly admiring a master potter’s work, Tree-ear accidentally breaks a pot. Now he must work for the potter to pay for it. But he is glad to be learning the art, even with the back-breaking work digging up clay. As the story unfolds, Tree-ear is faced with a daunting journey – he must travel to the King’s court!
I’ve been meaning to reread this book for some time. How does Linda Sue Park make it look so easy? Every moment in her story fits together seamlessly. There are no random extras (something I struggle with). Her language is elegant and spare, and yet somehow evokes the culture of the time period.
Check out this link on her website for a great video on Korean pottery masters!