Genre: This book is a good example of historical fiction because it tells the story of a young orphan who learns to be a potter in ancient Korea. There are historical facts about the famous calcedon pottery of Korea.

Point of view: This story is told from the omniscient third person point of view. This point of view greatly enhances the story as the culture of Korea reveres honor and quiet, not dialogue. It is very important to hear what Tree Ear is thinking and not saying

Media: N/A

Newbery Award winner!!

This novel won a well-deserved Newbery Medal.

Tree-ear is a 12-year-old orphan with big dreams. He dreams of becoming a potter. He spies on master potter Min and eventually convinces Min to take him on as an assistant. When the emperor announces that he is looking for a Royal Potter, Tree-Ear is given the task of delivering two vases (examples of Min's best work) to the palace.

Even though the vases break along the way, Tree-Ear refuses to give up and manages to deliver a single shard to the emperor.

I read this for a class on adolescent lit. Though it is a book I probably would not have picked up on my own, I loved it. ( )

This is a multicultural chapter book. Follow Tree-ear as he learns from his two mentors Crane-Man and Min and gains a family. This book also provides factual information about the art of pottery and 12th century Korea. Have the children make their own pottery.

This book is wonderful for children that are interested in Japan and different cultures. It shows a variety of different aspects of pottery and culture.

When I read the summary and found that the setting of this book was in 12th century Korea, and about an orphan living under a bridge who was interested in making pottery, I wasn't sure I was going to like it. But, it turned out to be a beautiful book. The dreams and desires of the 12-year-old hero have that quality of timelessness that transcend centuries! ( )