Reviews

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr

tinynavajo's review against another edition

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4.0

Sweet story

I remember a picture from my childhood about folding 1000 paper cranes and having a wish come true because of it. I knew roughly what I was looking for and found his book. While not quite what I remembered, I am still glad to have read it. A story of strength and will, as well as love of family and friends.

kinnimomo's review

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.5

llamandlady's review

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inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

Such a great little read. Sadako is an inspiration in the face of adversity.

flowerwineandbooks's review

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2.0

Accessible, quick, and very emotional read.
My main issue is that it's based on a true story and gets important details wrong.
I think it's important that Sadako really did fold 1,000 PLUS paper cranes. Not sure why the author chose to take away Sadako's accomplishment and "write a book about the brave Japanese girl for American children" in which she only folded 644 paper cranes? What's the point in changing the facts of Sadako's life?

I've ordered the book The Complete Story of Sadako Sasaki which was co-written by the english writing author and Sadako's brother. For such an important and inspirational story, I think it's important to give children truth and depict historical figures in as accurate a way as possible.
Hopefully this depiction with the added voice and input from a family member can become the default english language telling of this beautiful and tragic story in the future.

br1na's review

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emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

coffeedragon's review against another edition

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5.0

When I first saw this book there was something about it that made me want to read it. I saw it and saw it until one day I went to the library and brought it home. I had been reluctant to read it since it was in the children's section of the library but after reading it I'm glad I didn't turn it away.

This book is very short, 80 pages I believe and is about the life of Sadako, a twelve year old who was diagnosed with leukemia. We learn that she loves running and hopes to be part of a team when she goes to junior high(?), unfortunately, soon after her first win at school she begins to have dizzy spells. Later she learns that she has the atomic bomb disease.

I loved how easy this book was to read and how short but emotional it was. We didn't have to have many pages to learn about Sadako and within just a few events one could feel attached. I knew that she was going to die, it said so at the beginning of the book, but still, I cried. I was so sad that a child like her, so full of hope and dreams would be dying before anything could be accomplished.

I know there must have been many other who dies, such as Kenji (one of the other patients Sadako met) but there was something about Sadako that made her especially courageous. Perhaps it was because the book was about her.

hoadjie's review against another edition

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4.0

I remember reading this in primary school. since I am off to Japan this year and going to the peace memorial park I decided to re read this book.

still a really sad story but with a very powerful message

yarixyari's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

this book highlights the long-lasting effects of war and reminds us that even when all may seem lost, hope will always find a way to persevere. I wish Sadako, wherever she is, a peaceful rest surrounded by cranes. 

spookbabies's review

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad fast-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? No

4.5

I read this book as a child and wanted to come back to it. It was incredibly sad and informative. It is definitely easily read as it is a children's book. I read it in about 30 minutes.

libraryrobin's review

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4.0

Emotional story of a young Japanese girl who became sick and died years after the bombing of Hiroshima.