A SINGLE SHARD is a fictional story set in Korea during the Koryo era (A.D. 918-1392). It is the tale of a homeless man, Crane-Man, and the young boy with whom he lives, Tree-Ear. These two characters live under a bridge in the summer and rummage through the villages trash to feed themselves.

The author concedes in her author's note that there were not many homeless during this period, but she chose to place these characters in this setting. Crane-Man, so called because he has only one leg, took Tree-Ear in when he was small. He has cared for him and taught him the Buddhist values of the time. Tree-Ear may be homeless, but he has dignity. Tree-Ear ends up working for the most famous celadon potter in the village. Here, he learns about the art of patience as well as the art of pottery.

Park has constructed this story around a real Korean artifact of which the maker is unknown, the "Thousand Cranes Vase". The story seems real in the hardships that Tree-Ear and Crane-Man face daily as well as their specific adventures. Park gives details down to the food they ate without sounding like she is reciting facts. The story is engaging, the characters real. Park's style of writing carries the reader along, introducing Korean values and giving Korean history without preaching. This book is a wonderful introduction to historical fiction that takes place in countries other than the United States.