Reviews

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr

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ramblr37's review

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emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

book_concierge's review

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4.0

This is a compelling story of a real girl who lived in Japan from 1943 to 1955. Sadako Sasaki was born in Hiroshima, and was just a baby at the end of WW 2. Her grandmother was killed when the United States dropped the atomic bomb on her city. As the book opens, it is nine years after that terrible day, and the citizens of Hiroshima are about to celebrate Peace Day. Sadako’s parents remind her and her siblings that the celebration is not just an occasion for a carnival, but a solemn opportunity to honor those who died. But in her youth, Sadako sees only good omens; she’s confident she will have success on her school’s track team, fun with friends, and a loving family.

Within a few months, however, she will be diagnosed with leukemia, an aftereffect of the radiation from the atom bomb. Her best friend gives her some paper and scissors and teaches her to make a paper crane. She reminds her that the legend states if a sick person can fold 1,000 paper cranes the gods will make her well. With a renewed sense of hope, Sadako begins to fold cranes.

This is a very straightforward story, appropriate for children 9-12 years old. It is sad, but inspiring. The realities of Sadako’s condition are depicted without being overly graphic or grim.