A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park

This book provides a fascinating look into life in 12th Century Korea. While in some ways life was as primative as in Dark Ages Europe, there were fine craftsmen and a well-developed culture. The book's hero, Tree Ear, is an orphan, which made him somewhat of a second class citizen in a culture where crafts and vocations are passed from Father to Son. Tree Ear wants to be a potter, as many of the men in his village are, so when the opportunity presents itself, he begins to work for one of the expert potters in the village. When the news comes that an emissary from the King was coming to order pottery for the Palace, Tree Ear must help his master prepare, then later take a long and dangerous journey to take samples of his work to the Capital. Will his effort succeed in helping his master receive a royal commission? The audiobook is well narrated by Graeme Malcolm. A Newbery Award Winner. A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park. Listening Library, 2001.