About This Book
Katherine Paterson's 'The Master Puppeteer' is a historical novel set in late 18th-century Osaka, Japan, during a time of severe famine and social discontent. It follows Jiro, a 13-year-old boy who, feeling like a burden to his struggling family, runs away to apprentice at the Hanaza puppet theater. The story beautifully intertwines Jiro's coming-of-age journey with the intricate art of puppetry and the mystery of Saburo, a bandit who steals from the rich to help the poor. This award-winning book explores themes of resilience, family, social justice, and finding one's identity amidst hardship, offering a poignant and immersive look into a unique historical period.
A thirteen-year-old boy describes the poverty and discontent of eighteenth century Osaka and the world of puppeteers in which he lives.
Concepts
Resilience & PerseveranceLove & FamilySelf-Confidence & IdentityJustice & FairnessEmpathy & KindnessLoneliness & BelongingCreativity & ImaginationFriendship & LoyaltyHonesty & IntegritySadness & GriefAnger & FrustrationGood vs. EvilFinancial HardshipGrowing UpBeing DifferentMaking FriendsFamily & SiblingsFriendship & Social
financial_hardship
emotional_abuse
peril_danger
Violence
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Jiro's understanding of family change throughout the story?
2
What does the story teach us about perseverance, even when things are difficult?
3
Do you think Saburo's actions were right or wrong? Why?
4
How does the setting of 18th-century Osaka influence the characters' lives and choices?
5
What role does art, specifically puppetry, play in the lives of the characters?
External Reviews
Awards
1 award
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