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The Master Puppeteer: A National Book Award Winner
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The Master Puppeteer: A National Book Award Winner Paperback - 2026

by Katherine Paterson; Haru Wells (Illustrator)

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Reader reviews for The Master Puppeteer: A National Book Award Winner

From the publisher

An apprentice puppeteer joins his friends at their theater to investigate a mysterious bandit.

Who is the man called Saburo, the mysterious bandit who robs the rich and helps the poor of the Japanese city of Osaka? And what is his connection with the Hanaza, the puppet theater run by the harsh master of Yoshida? Young Jiro, an apprentice puppeteer, is determined to find out even though this could be very dangerous.

Meanwhile, Jiro must devote himself to learning his magnificent art. The sympathetic blind chanter, Okada, and the master's son, Kinshi, help him. Then their sheltered life at the theater, where the members live and work, is suddenly disrupted by rioting night rovers. Finally, the seething world of the street collides with the make-believe world of the puppet theater in an unforgettable climax.

Winner of the National Book Award for Children's Literature, The Master Puppeteer is a classic adventure novel from the brilliant Katherine Paterson, author of such beloved books as Jacob Have I Loved and Bridge to Terabithia.

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HASH(0x110e1810)

From the rear cover

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....

Details

  • Title The Master Puppeteer: A National Book Award Winner
  • Author Katherine Paterson; Haru Wells (Illustrator)
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition Harper Trophy ed
  • Pages 192
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher HarperCollins, New York
  • Publication date 2026-06-04
  • Illustrated Yes
  • Features Illustrated
  • ISBN 9780064402811 / 0064402819
  • Weight 0.28 lbs (0.13 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.77 x 5.08 x 0.44 in (19.74 x 12.90 x 1.12 cm)
  • Age range 10 to UP years
  • Grade levels 5 - UP
  • Reading level 860
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: 18th Century
    • Cultural Region: Asian - General
    • Cultural Region: Asian - Japanese
    • Ethnic Orientation: Asian - General
    • Topical: Friendship
  • Category Young Adult Fiction
  • Library of Congress subjects Japan, Japan - Fiction
  • Library of Congress Catalogue Number 75008614
  • Dewey Decimal Code FIC

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The Master Puppeteer
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The Master Puppeteer

by Katherine Paterson

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New York New York: Harper Trophy, 1975. Paperback. Very Good. Church library copy with no checkouts on pocket card; unmarked throughout.
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The Master Puppeteer
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The Master Puppeteer

by Katherine Paterson

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The Master Puppeteer
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The Master Puppeteer

by Paterson, Katherine

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The Master Puppeteer
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The Master Puppeteer

by Paterson, Katherine

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The Master Puppeteer
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The Master Puppeteer

by Katherine Paterson

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The Master Puppeteer
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The Master Puppeteer

by Paterson, Katherine; Wells, Haru [Illustrator]

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HarperTeen, 1989-03-24. Paperback. Good. 5x0x7.
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The Master Puppeteer
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The Master Puppeteer

by Paterson, Katherine; Wells, Haru [Illustrator]

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The Master Puppeteer

The Master Puppeteer

by Paterson, Katherine

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HarperTeen, 1989. Paperback. Very Good. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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The Master Puppeteer

The Master Puppeteer

by Paterson, Katherine

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
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HarperTeen, 1989. Paperback. Very Good. Disclaimer:A copy that has been read, but remains in excellent condition. Pages are intact and are not marred by notes or highlighting, but may contain a neat previous owner name. The spine remains undamaged. An ex-library book and may have standard library stamps and/or stickers. At ThriftBooks, our motto is: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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The Master Puppeteer: A National Book Award Winner – A Classic Adventure of Mystery, Puppetry,...
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The Master Puppeteer: A National Book Award Winner – A Classic Adventure of Mystery, Puppetry, and Danger in Japan

by Paterson, Katherine

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HarperCollins. Reprint. Very Good. It's a well-cared-for item that has seen limited use. The item may show minor signs of wear. All the text is legible, with all pages included. It may have slight markings and/or highlighting.
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