Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this is the true story of an 11-year-old Japanese girl diagnosed with leukemia. Sadako Sasaki was just 2 when the atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. She shares what she knows about the "thunderbolt"; what people remember seeing, and later when people she knows became sick and died. When Sadako becomes ill, there are vivid passages about her pain, weakness, sadness, and loneliness. Her family also describes their intense sadness through words and tears. This important story works best for those kids who are OK with reading about illness and death, ages 9+, or for reading together with a parent.
Families who read this book can discuss the history of World War II as appropriate for each child. Parents can also point out the similarities between Sadako and their own children. She is excited about entering junior high, she is athletic and head-strong, she argues with her siblings, and she is scolded by her parents. But also, how is she different based on history and cultural practices? What is it about Sadako that makes her strong before and during her illness? What does the paper crane represent to Sadako and to people in today's world who continue to send them to Hiroshima?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Pam Gelman
A modern classic, this is an important story for today's young readers ready for the subject matter. Parents may want to share it with kids so they can answer questions about disease and WWII.
The illness catches Sadako by surprise, especially since she's strong and athletic, and the atom bomb dropped when she was 2 -- she's 11 when she's diagnosed. The descriptions of what Sadako and loved ones experience during the time she's in the hospital are quite sad and moving.
But out of that sadness comes plenty of support from friends, classmates, family, and the medical staff, as well as hope in the form of the paper cranes she folds. It's quite an inspiring message that kids and grownups continue to fold these cranes today, and every year cranes are sent to Hiroshima as a symbol of peace and in honor of this girl who wouldn't give up.
From The Book
Mitsue and Eiji liked the golden crane best. But Mrs. Sasaki chose the tiniest one made of fancy green paper with pink parasols on it. "This is my choice," she said, "because small ones are the most difficult to make."
After visiting hours it was lonely in the hospital room. So lonely that Sadako folded more cranes to keep up her courage.
Eleven…I wish I'd get better.
Twelve…I wish I'd get better.
Plot Summary:
Sadako is a Japanese girl who lives with her older brother, younger sister, younger brother and parents in Hiroshima, 1955. She attends school, has a best friend and participates with Peace Day, a celebration to honor those who lost their lives due to the atomic bomb that was dropped during WWII. She is also opinionated, competitive, strong and courageous. She is chosen to participate in a race at school and while running, feels dizzy. At first a secret, her symptoms soon are detected by teachers.
In the hospital she is diagnosed with leukemia, "the bomb disease." He best friend visits and reminds her of a legend that if a sick person folds one thousand cranes, she'll be gifted by the gods with health. She sets to this task and with spirit, strength and courage, folds an amazing 644 paper cranes.
Related Books:
More World War II:
On the Wings of Heroes by Richard Peck
The Diary of Anne Frank
More Girls Overcoming Hardships:
Runaway by Wendelin Van Draanen
Perfect by Natasha Friend
Related Web Site:
Learn about folding the cranes and celebrating Sadako at http://www.sadako.com/howtofold.html
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual Content |
 |
|
|
|
ViolenceDescription of bomb falling, people getting sick and dying. |
 |
|
|
|
Language |
|
|
|
|
Message |
|
|
|
|
Social BehaviorFinding courage and spirit in the face of adversity through family, friends, and inner strength. |
 |
|
 |
|
Commercialism |
|
 |
|
|
Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco |
|
|
|
|
