I've had this book on my book shelf for ages. I honestly don't remember where or why I picked it up. It's one I can't recall being talked about much, despite the Newberry Award (2002). I am fairly certain that little gold medallion is what kept the book in my library. If it won an award, it should be good, right?  But a story about an orphan boy (named Tree-ear?) in a twelfth-century Korean village who wants to learn to make pottery? The cover/title didn't really to me either.

But ... #middlegradeMay, I figured I should make more of an effort to get to the books right there on my shelf (although of course I still grabbed the audiobook and Kindle copy from the library, each format has its advantages). Just shy of 150 pages (although there were extras), it was a quick read (listen ... I went primarily with the audiobook). 

I was pulled into the story more than I thought I would ... there were little moments of wisdom, things that could be discussed (I'm often in "book club" or even "school" mode). I was almost distraught

when the robbers came, seriously, it made me SO sad! And so sad again when he returned and Crane Man had passed away

and I always appreciate a good title tie-in (it's almost a spoiler ... as is the blurb). 

The Kindle copy had the author's Newbery Acceptance Speech, which was a fun extra, and not something I would have thought to look up on my own. I was glad to have that included, lots of good information there. Also, the Author'sNote was very informative. Just one reason why I like to have all formats of the book, as some include things the others don't. The audiobook didn't have the extras. The physical book didn't have the speech, but had the Author's Note and an additional Q&A.  

So ... I figured I'd move this into my Little Free Library if it wasn't anything special.
I think I'll hang on to it ...