--- product_id: 10981181 title: "The Master Puppeteer: A National Book Award Winner – A Classic Adventure of Mystery, Puppetry, and Danger in Japan" price: "VT3383" currency: VUV in_stock: true reviews_count: 9 url: https://www.desertcart.vu/products/10981181-the-master-puppeteer-a-national-book-award-winner-a-classic store_origin: VU region: Vanuatu --- # The Master Puppeteer: A National Book Award Winner – A Classic Adventure of Mystery, Puppetry, and Danger in Japan **Price:** VT3383 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** The Master Puppeteer: A National Book Award Winner – A Classic Adventure of Mystery, Puppetry, and Danger in Japan - **How much does it cost?** VT3383 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.vu](https://www.desertcart.vu/products/10981181-the-master-puppeteer-a-national-book-award-winner-a-classic) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description desertcart.com: The Master Puppeteer: A National Book Award Winner – A Classic Adventure of Mystery, Puppetry, and Danger in Japan: 9780064402811: Paterson, Katherine, Wells, Haru: Books Review: Modern classic - 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. Review: VERY USEFUL STUDY GUIDE - 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. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #502,391 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #45 in Teen & Young Adult Asian Historical Fiction #550 in Teen & Young Adult Mystery & Thriller Action & Adventure #756 in Teen & Young Adult Friendship Fiction | | Customer Reviews | 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (82) | | Dimensions | 5.12 x 0.38 x 7.62 inches | | Edition | Reprint | | Grade level | 5 - 9 | | ISBN-10 | 0064402819 | | ISBN-13 | 978-0064402811 | | Item Weight | 2.31 pounds | | Language | English | | Print length | 179 pages | | Publication date | March 24, 1989 | | Publisher | HarperCollins | | Reading age | 10 years and up | ## Images ![The Master Puppeteer: A National Book Award Winner – A Classic Adventure of Mystery, Puppetry, and Danger in Japan - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81v1y031zUL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Modern classic *by J***M on October 27, 2019* 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. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ VERY USEFUL STUDY GUIDE *by F***F on December 18, 2015* 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. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What a joy to reconnect with a favorite *by C***D on July 18, 2023* 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. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.vu/products/10981181-the-master-puppeteer-a-national-book-award-winner-a-classic](https://www.desertcart.vu/products/10981181-the-master-puppeteer-a-national-book-award-winner-a-classic) --- *Product available on Desertcart Vanuatu* *Store origin: VU* *Last updated: 2026-05-05*