A Single Shard
Turtleback Books 2011
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- perseverance
- craftsmanship and artistry
- integrity and honesty
- mentorship and apprenticeship
- poverty and resilience
- courage
- hope
- identity and belonging
About this book
Set in 12th-century Korea, this Newbery Medal winner follows Tree-ear, a brave orphan who longs to learn the art of celadon pottery. When he gets a chance to work for a master potter, he discovers how much patience, precision, and integrity the craft requires. Readers who enjoy historical settings, apprenticeships, and stories about perseverance will be drawn in. A great pick for strong elementary and middle-grade readers who like heartfelt, hopeful tales.
Setting: 12th-century Korea (the potters’ village of Ch’ulp’o and the road to the royal city)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Single Shard right for my child?
Yes — A Single Shard is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.6, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include perseverance, craftsmanship and artistry, integrity and honesty.
How long does it take to read A Single Shard?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, A Single Shard takes around 3.7h to finish. The book has 39,200 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does A Single Shard have an AR quiz?
Yes — A Single Shard has an AR quiz available, worth 6 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is A Single Shard?
A Single Shard has an AR reading level of 6.6, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.