The Master Puppeteer (Paperback)

by Katherine Paterson (Author), Haru Wells (Illustrator) "Jiro shook his hair out of his eyes and bent once more over the worktable..." (more)
Key Phrases: foot manipulator, night rovers, foot operator, New Year, Namba Cho, Yoshida Kinshi (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"A brilliant novel. Compelling drama, swift and exciting." -- -- Publishers Weekly

"Excellent wrting and irresistible intrigue." (Starred review) -- -- School Library Journal

Product Description

Who is the man called Sabura, the mysterious bandit who robs the rich and helps the poor? And what is his connection with Yosida, the harsh and ill- tempered master of feudal Japan's most famous puppet theater? Young Jiro, an apprentice to Yosida, is determined to find out, even at risk to his own life.

Meamwhile, Jiro devotes himself to learning puppetry. Kinshi, the puppet master's son, tutors him. When his sheltered life at the theater is shattered by mobs of hungry, rioting peasants, Jiro becomes aware of responsibilities greater that his craft. As he schemes to help his friend Kinshi and to find his own parent, Jiro stumbles onto a dangerous and powerful secret....

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (March 24, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064402819
• ISBN-13: 978-0064402811
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #78,824 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #7 in	Books > Teens > Authors, A-Z > ( P ) > Paterson, Katherine
  #49 in	Books > Children's Books > Educational > Explore the World > Fiction > Asia

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars fun and informative, August 28, 2001

By	Orrin C. Judd "brothersjudddotcom" (Hanover, NH USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

In 18th Century Japan, the city of Osaka is wracked by starvation. Young Jiro tries to help his father to make puppets for the local theater, but is so clumsy he's more a hindrance than a help, which his shrieking harridan of a mother is only too willing to point out. When one day he accompanies his father to the theater, sees how much food they have, and is complimented by the owner, Jiro decides to ask for work there. He is taken on, but Yoshida, the Master Puppeteer, proves to be an exacting taskmaster. He is particularly hard on his own son, Kinshi, who warns Jiro : We all learn here by the honorable path of horrible mistakes. But learn they do, and eventually Jiro learns that there's a mysterious connection between the theater and Saburo, the Robin Hood-like thief, who is stealing rice from city officials and rich merchants, to give to the poor. The excitement in this book, and it's considerable, comes from the mounting political tensions gripping the city. But the real fascination comes from the detailed world of the theater that Paterson presents. Ms Paterson is one of the most decorated author's of children's books--this one won a National Book Award--and it's easy to see why. The Master Puppeteer is both fun and informative. GRADE : B+

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Mystery Behind the Stage:The Master Puppeteer, January 8, 2001

A Kid's Review

Katherine Paterson has written a fantastic novel. The Master Puppeteer receives high marks! Winner of the National Book Award and by an award-winning author, The Master Puppeteer is a great mix of adventure, loyalty, history, tradition and truth in a mound of pages. The book is about a Japanese boy who goes to work in a traditional puppet theater to earn money for his family. The story tells of his adventures, friendships, and how he has to deal with life. I have never read a more captivating book of historical fiction that was so uplifting, yet mysterious. The book was very inspirational when bad incidents were resolved positively. Many problems occurred in the book; the reader is always on the edge of his or her seat. It is also appealing because it is a mystery. During the book the reader becomes curious about the mysterious culprit and becomes more and more involved with the book. The Master Puppeteer is a wonderful piece of literature to cherish forever. Although this book encouraged extreme curiosity, some might say that parts of the book are tedious, because there are breaks in between actions. However, the break points give the reader a chance to actually put down the book down even though they might not want to because these actions are enthralling and hold suspense. As a whole, The Master Puppeteer is an excellent example of a normal Japanese boy's life.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, April 12, 2000

By A Customer

The book, The Master Puppeteer, was about a boy named Jiro and his experience through the life of a poor street boy that is determined to become a great puppet master, though he is clumsy. When he and his father visit the Hanaza with the recently made puppet, the master puppeteer asks the boy to become an apprentice to a current puppeteer. He joins them and he starts his training to become a major puppeteer. His fellow companions are nice, outgoing, and fun. They get into mischief and sometimes get a beating for it, but Jiro is trying to stop Kinshi (his older companion) from going out and helping the night rovers (the group that his poor mother is in). Kinshi, has tried to help Jiro's mother by giving her money and food. But Jiro needs to find the super sleuth, Saburo, so that Saburo can convince Kinshi that he will help the town. Soon later, Jiro is encountered by a man in the storage house, it is Saburo, but he works in the theater. Chaos reigns over the city when the night rovers set the city to flames. Jiro tries to find Kinshi, but it isn't until the chaos has ended that he finds Kinshi. The hanaza is in terror and the Master Puppeteer is in panic of losing it all. He decides to sell the puppeteers as slaves and all is turned loose. The book was suspenseful in parts but a little slow in the beginning but grows more suspenseful, interesting, and involved toward the end of the book