Newbery Medal 2002: Complete list of winners

The Newbery Medal, America’s most prestigious award for children’s literature, honored Linda Sue Park’s A Single Shard in 2002, recognizing a work that would go on to become a cornerstone of middle-grade reading lists. Park’s novel, set in twelfth-century Korea, follows a young orphan potter’s apprentice named Tree-ear who dreams of creating his own masterpiece despite the obstacles of poverty and class. The book’s lyrical prose and deeply felt coming-of-age narrative struck a chord with the American Library Association’s selection committee, which has been awarding the Newbery since 1922 to the year’s most distinguished contribution to American children’s literature.

What made Park’s win particularly significant was the relatively rare recognition of a novel set in Asian history, bringing diverse cultural perspectives to the forefront of children’s literature during a period when such representation was less common. A Single Shard combines meticulous historical detail with universal themes of perseverance, mentorship, and artistic aspiration, making it accessible to young readers while maintaining literary depth that appeals to adults. The novel demonstrated that the Newbery Medal—long considered the gold standard for evaluating children’s books—remained committed to celebrating stories that expand horizons and transport readers across time and geography.

Below you’ll find the complete details of the 2002 Newbery Medal winner.

Children’s Literature

• A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park