Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

Title: Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

Author: Eleanor Coerr

Illustrator: Ronald Himler

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons

http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/publishers/adult/putnam.html

Publication Date: December 1999

Genre: Nonfiction, History

Audience: Gr. 3-5

Overview: This book tells the tragic and true story of Sadako Saski who developed leukemia from the atomic bomb that dropped on Hiroshima. From then on, she spends all of her time in a nursing home folding paper cranes because of the Japanese saying that the one who created a thousand origami cranes would be granted a wish. She tries desperately to fold all 1000 cranes in hopes that her wish to live will be granted.

Activity: This book can lead into a history lesson about World War II. The class can learn about each of the countries that were involved and about the atomic bombs that were dropped. This can also be used in a discussion about World Peace.

Reviewer’s Name: Alexi Lemper