Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes: By Eleanor Coerr

Sadako is born a lively and athletic child.  She is the star of her school's running team, and a wonderful, outspoken student in school.  When Sadako was 2 years old, a bomb dropped on the town of Hiroshima, one mile away from Sadako's home.  As she grew up, she know she would always have scars from where she was scalded during the WWII bombing.  And then the dizzy spells start, her parents realize that there may be more damage than just physical.   Upon being diagnosed with Leukemia, Sadako chooses to face her future with bravery. Recalling an old Japanese legend, Sadako sets to work folding paper cranes. 

"For the legend holds that if a sick person folds one thousand cranes, the gods will grant her wish and make her healthy again. Based on a true story."

The 8th Grade Class at D.R.C.S. is learning the Historical and Cultural context in Literature this month.  Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes is a story that has been told to generations of children since its publication in 1977, and is one of the stories that stuck with me since my childhood.  This is a story of bravery, war, love, and letting go.  A must-read for everyone!!!

Grade Level: 4.1