Winner of the 1977 National Book Award for Children’s Literature

Who is the man called Saburo, the mysterious bandit who robs the rich and helps the poor? And what is his connection with Yoshida, the harsh and ill-tempered master of feudal Japan’s most famous puppet theater? Young Jiro, an apprentice to Yoshida, is determined to find out, even at risk to his own life.
Meanwhile, 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 than his craft. As he schemes to help his friend Kinshi and to find his own parents, Jiro stumbles onto a dangerous and powerful secret….

Katherine Paterson’s many prize-winning books for children include two Newbery Award winners, BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA and JACOB HAVE I LOVED, and a Newbery Honor Book, THE GREAT GILLY HOPKINS, all available in Harper Trophy editions. She has twice been awarded the National Book Award for Children’s Literature. THE MASTER PUPPETEER is also an ALA Notable Book.