In the novel "A Single Shard" by Linda Sue Park, there are many themes that can be established from reading this book. The main character Tree-ear is an orphaned teenager who lives under a bridge with Crane-man a crippled elder. Tree-ear and Crane-man consistently demonstrates a true connection through friendship. However, ultimately ends with death. Throughout this novel Tree-ear begins working with a potter named Min. During his time working for Min, he takes steps that help him become a young man. Being respectful towards others, doing favors and requesting nothing in return, as well as maturing mentally are all part of the process. Those are some of the ways that Tree-ear matures as a person throughout the book.

One of the ways that Tree-ear shows maturity in the book is by showing respect towards others. Throughout his life Crane-man always taught Tree-ear the proper manners to use...