Genre: Multicultural & International

Awards: 2002 Newbery Medal Book, 2002 ALA Best Book for Young Adults, 2002 ALA Notable Book for Children, 2001 Booklist Editor's Choice, 2001 Capitol Choices Selection, 2001 School Library Journal, Best Books of the Year, 2001 New York Public Library, 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, 2004 Sequoyah Book Award (OK), 2006 Rebecca Caudill Young Readers Book Award Master List (IL)

Summary: Tree-Ear is an orphan living under a bridge with a homeless, handicapped man named Crane-man. Set in a 12th-century Korean potters' village (Ch'ulp'o), the story tells how Tree-Ear goes about his days checking the local garbage heaps for bits of food and treasures. As he does this he is aware of everything that goes on in the village. He particularly enjoys watching Min, a master-potter, at work. Tree-Ear watches from afar.
When he accidentally breaks a p***e of Min's Celadon ware, Tree-Ear offers to come and work for the potter as payment for the p***e. After he works off his obligation, Min offers Tree-Ear an opportunity to continue working for him in exchange for a noon meal. Tree-Ear also longs to learn to throw pottery.
When the royal commissioner comes to Ch'ulp'o to find potters to offer commissions to make pottery for the palace Tree-Ear knows that Min's work is the best, but another local potter, not as skilled as Min, has developed a new technique that is sure to get the eye of the commissioner. While this does happen, the commissioner also notes the superior skill of Minn's work and asks Minn to work toward mastering the new technique. When Minn has two superior examples to show the palace, Tree-Ear is choosen to take the p***es to the capitol city.
Along the way, Tree-Ear has many adventures, but is ultimately attacked and robbed as he gets close to the palace. How will he show the commissioner the work of his master? Is all hope lost? Tree-Ear remembers what Crane-man has told him about bravery and comes up with a plan to save Minn's commission.

Reaction: This book was a delight to read. I found that learning about Korean life in the 12th century was made interesting as it was sprinkled through the story in a way that was not overpowering to the reader. The bits of wisdom that showed Tree-Ear learning from his master, Minn and his friend, Crane-man was especially interesting. I felt as if I learned about life right along with Tree-Ear.

Recommended to: This book would be appropriate for students from grade 5 through grade 9. There is nothing in the story that would be inappropriate for anyone. I, as an adult, loved the story, as well. Students who are interested in history or who like to read adventures would find this book well-written and interesting.

Book Hook: You've walked for days and days to get the pottery to the capitol city. If the commissioner chooses your master potter to give a commission to it could change his life forever and there is a chance that this opportunity could give you a life you have never immagined. Then robbers attack. The pottery is broken into thousands of p***es. You vomit. Your life is over. Is there a chance to redeem your master's work -- and your life?