The Master Puppeteer: A National Book Award Winner – A Classic Adventure of Mystery, Puppetry, and Danger in Japan

Our homeschool group has used this book as part of our Japan unit for grades 6-8. (High schoolers would enjoy it as well.) Well-written historical fiction is a marvelous way for students to learn history. The author of The Master Puppeteer has obviously done quite a bit of homework about this period of history, Japan in the 1700s. The story line is a mystery that involves the secret identity of a Robinhood-like character who is attempting to aid the poor citizens who are being starved by the greed of rich businessmen, a truth to life societal problem in this era. The characters in the story all have some connection with a Bunraku theater group, so you also learn about this unique art form. The picture on the cover does not accurately reflect this type of theater. The actors, dressed all in black, hold almost life-size puppets. A musician and narrator tell the stories while the puppeteers manipulate the puppets. The main character is a boy who comes into the theater as the lowest level apprentice. After years of study, puppeteers hope to someday become a "master puppeteer" who holds the head and right arm of the puppet. We meet the other members of the theater group as the story progresses, and see them interact as people would have in that era. Heads up-- this era is not our own modern era, so the characters won't act exact;y like modern kids and the adults might have different values than adults today. (For example, the boys drink wine one evening to celebrate, and this was perfectly acceptable in that society. You can discuss with your students the differences between that societal values then and now, and why those changes occurred.) The main character (a boy about 12 years old) accidentally discovers the identity of this Japaneses Robinhood and is thus an interesting power struggle ensues. This book does not shy away from the reality of life in the 1700s, with starvation and violence being part of daily life, but doesn't go into any graphic descriptions that are unsuitable for teen readers. It is an exceptionally well written book, the kind you have trouble putting down once you get started. You feel like you have taken a time machine back into old Japan and are able to walk around in the past.

Bought this to use for homeschooling. Has synopsis, background story information, Japan map from time period, glossary, pre-reading activities, chapter questions, crossword puzzles with words and definitions, literary elements and devices, vocabulary, venn diagrams, cloze activity, post reading activities and suggestions for further reading. In typical black and white style assignments. No pictures except for one map. Very happy with purchase.

My mother’s elementary school students interviewed Katherine Paterson as one of their school projects back in the 70’s. It was a huge success. “The Master Puppeteer” was one of my favorite books. I pleased to discover when I googled her, that she is still alive and has a following on FB. I’m thrilled to read it again. I wish I had my old copy as it was signed by the author. I’ve lived for 7 decades and I still love award winning children’s literature. This book is highly recommended.

A great one that is full of surprises and shows great examples of friendship at times. Unlike some other books with hard vocabulary, this one is mostly filled with easy to understand vocabulary. There would be some vocabulary that most people wouldn't know well because of the Japanese setting. I like the plot of this book for many reasons, but mostly because it is just a great book is general because of the story, not the morals or other things. Long story short, I enjoyed this book very much.

I enjoy this author, so I was interested in reading this book as well as the others I have enjoyed. It is an interesting way to learn of Japanese history and culture; the mystery was well written with many twists, turns, and of course, surprising revelations. I think young mystery readers may enjoy this book.

Throughly enjoyed by all. Used as a read aloud for 5th grade homeschool. The story was rich in Japanese culture from a young person’s perspective.

I'm always trying to keep a good supply of entertaining and worthwhile books for my well-read 11-year old. He said that he learned a bit about Japan and thoroughly enjoyed the story of The Master Puppeteer.

Poor storyline. Nothing like Rebels of the Heavenly Kingdom

I found this book very interesting. I don't know a lot about Japan and its history. I'd never heard about the plays they put on with puppets. This book kept me hooked the whole way through, and had several twists and surprises that I did not see coming. My 15 year old daughter also read it and really enjoyed it.