The Master Puppeteer

by Julie N on 2011-09-30
Totally LOVED this! So different from anything I've ever read. Got me out of my "comfort zone" and truly on the edge of my seat!!! WHO IS SABURO???? :)

by DONNA D on 2010-08-18
There were a lot of characters to keep pace with, it started slowly drawing you in, when the climax came, you were on the edge of your seat. It was worth hanging in there to get to the great parts. Very suspenseful and enjoyable read.

by MARGIE G on 2010-03-17
We really enjoed this as a read-aloud. I used the white-board to write characters names down. I think that unique names seemed to cause the kids to have a hard time tracking who was who. But once they did... the story is quite moving. We all really enjoyed it. It's one of those... "can you imagine going through what they went though" books!

by CATHERINE F on 2010-03-17
Master Puppeteer was a bit of a surprise. We learnt so much about another custom and expectations of respect, as well as the hardships of the time. The story had us intrigued through to the end, and prompted some amazing discussions between my son and some older friends. Quite absorbing, but take your time to check on definitions and research Japanese theatre to maximise the benefits.

by ANNEMARIE W on 2010-02-15
Another great Sonlight book! My son begged and begged me to read ahead. The foreshadowing was fascinating. Katherine Paterson did a masterful job weaving history with creative storytelling.

by ELIZABETH B on 2010-01-22
The Master Puppeteer by Katherine Paterson is a great book. It takes place in Japan. The main characters are Jiro, Kinshi, and Saburo. Jiro is trying to get food from his family because food is scarce, so he goes to work for the local puppet theater. Because of the food being scarce, riots break out to steal food from the rich people that have lots of food. Also, Jiro stumbles along secrets about the most feared bandit in the land, Saburo. Saburo and his gang go around stealing and taking things from the rich such as food and money. The riots as well as people’s beliefs get in the way with Jiro finding out who Saburo really is. This book teaches you about loyalty. This was a very good book.

by SHANNON S on 2009-12-09
Starts off slowly, and the names of the characters make you have to listen carefully to avoid getting confused, but a great story. Watching some youtube links for bunraku theater really aids in understanding the details of the puppet theater that are described in so much detail. Great cultural insight into the importance of honor in the society. Very intense near the end, before a rather abrupt ending, but very good overall.

by CORRINE E on 2009-07-31
We tried to get through this book, but it wasn't as appealing to us. We could see how others would maybe like it, but it just didn't seem like a book that suited our enjoyment.

by LAURA N on 2008-11-05
Our family loved this story. Even my high school student would get his other work done early so he could join us as we read this aloud. The reader is drawn into the story so well that one begins to feel the way that Jiro does as he lives his life at the Hanaza. This is a wonderful tale of self-sacrifice, dedication, honor and love.

by MELANIE G on 2008-11-02
What an enjoyable book. My son frequently begged to continue on to the following chapter so he could find out what happens next. Almost every chapter ends with a great cliff-hanger.