When Sadako Sasaki was two years old she lived in Hiroshima
with her family. That was the year the atom bomb was dropped. Although she and
her family survived, in the coming years it would be clear that there were lasting
impacts from the bombing. As she was growing up Sadako loved to run. She
planned to win races for the track team one day. Unfortunately, when she was
ten years old she began to feel tired all the time. It took her a long time to
tell her family, and when she did they took her to a doctor who diagnosed her with
leukemia, also called the "atom bomb disease." This was devastating
for Sadako and her family. But, there's a Japanese legend that gave her hope.
It says that if one thousand paper cranes are made by someone who is ill, the gods will make them well again. Since Sadako spent so much time in bed, she
began making paper cranes, each one giving her hope. The cranes were
made with different paper and strung from the ceiling with string. Sadako
was able to fold six hundred and forty-four cranes before she no longer had the
energy to make another one. The rest were made by her classmates. Sadly, the
cranes were not able to keep Sadako well, but throughout it all she
remained an inspiration for those around her.
Sadako
and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr is
based on a true story. Although I had heard of the book, I did not know the story.
It was a very fast read and I learned so much about Sadako. The legend of the
paper cranes was new to me, but I thought it was beautiful. I could see how it
gave Sadako hope. They also made beautiful decorations for her to look at while
she rested. This story makes you think about sad things, like war and how
people’s lives can be changed as a result of it. It's also an inspiring story
of believing that something good will happen. I found out that there is a memorial
in Hiroshima Peace Park dedicated to Sadako. It's a place where children and
adults can visit and leave paper cranes to remember her. I think this is a book
that kids and adults in fifth grade and up will really learn from. After
reading it I have tried to make my own paper crane, but so far mine need a lot
of work. It isn’t easy to read books like this, but the lessons we learn are so
valuable.
Has anyone else read Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes? Or have you read another book
by Eleanor Coerr? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
Happy Reading!
~L
~L
