by Linda Sue Park
Tree-Ear, a young orphan in 12th century Korea is determined to be a potter. He lives with Crane-man, a straw weaver that raises him. A starving orphan, Tree-ear is in constant struggle for survival . Accidently he breaks a pot of his village master potter, Min. Tree-Ear works for him to pay off his debt and then as a helper. In the end, Min entrusts him with two sample pieces to be presented in the royal court. On his journey, disaster strikes and he is left with a single shard to show. Though the book set in Korea, it could have taken place almost anywhere in times when no help was available for homeless children. These children, with their humility, toil and wit succeed in enduring their harsh lives and tried their most to be someone's apprentices.
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