Wesley McLeon, NJ Winner Level I (Grade 6)

Letter to Linda Sue Park, author of A Single Shard

Dear Ms. Linda Sue Park,

I think that the book that you wrote entitled, A Single Shard, is a wonderful book because it opened a window for me to view the world and myself in a new way.  I recently read your book in my sixth grade Language Arts class.  After completing it, I came to realize that I am a boy who has been spoiled, at least according to the standards set by the life that your main character leads. 

The orphan Tree-ear is a homeless child in medieval Korea.  His best friend is a handicapped older man.  They live under a bridge and they are so poor that they find their food in the garbage heaps of the town.  I know that if I had to live under these conditions, I would probably not survive.  Yet Tree-ear not only survives but he perseveres in his deprived surroundings. 

I think that people who live in our world today can be disconnected and uncaring.  However, your book has made me consider the fact that the world merely responds to the ways in which we act and the attitudes we display.  For instance, Tree-ear believes that hard work, loyalty and honesty are the ways to achieve his goal in life.  He follows his conscience and expects very little in return for his own good deeds.  This young orphan is courageous, respectful and helpful to his fellow man.  But most of all, he has hope and faith in himself and the goodness of others. 

It seems to me that A Single Shard sends the message that although there are good and bad people in the world, it is up to me always to do my best.  Your book reminds me that even when the odds are against me, as they were against Tree-ear, I can be successful at what I attempt to do if I refuse to be a quitter.  Your main character accomplishes what seems to be impossible because he refuses to give up and therefore he can not fail. 

Ms. Park, your book was incredible.  It introduced me to a new world, the world o master pottery makers in Asia during the middle ages.  I actually found myself interested in the art and skill of pottery making and the creation of priceless Korean vases. 

Your story made me believe that a person can overcome even a great loss, such as the theft and destruction of Min’s vases or the death of Craneman in your story.  This is true because when we live the right way, “a second door will open” for us, as Craneman told Tree-man in A Single Shard. 

Since I enjoy a happy ending to a story, I was glad to find that the hero in your book overcame all the obstacles that he faced throughout the story.  I was encouraged by the fact that he finally realized his dream of becoming a potter and a remarkable one at that.  I was also fascinated by your storytelling ability and I hope that you will write more about Hyung Pil’s (Tree-ear’s) life in a future book because I would be very interested in reading a sequel to A Single Shard. 

Sincerely, 
Wesley McLeon