Common Sense Media Review
Moving book about dying girl who became symbol for peace.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say the book is an emotionally powerful and beautifully told story that leaves a lasting impact, often prompting tears due to its sad ending. Readers appreciate its heartwarming qualities, educational value on historical events, and recommend it for both younger audiences and those looking for thought-provoking narratives.
- emotional impact
- heartbreaking ending
- educational value
- beautiful storytelling
- recommend for all
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
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." Her 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.
Is It Any Good?
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 World War II. 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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the long-lasting interest in this book. It was written in the '70s about a girl who died in the '50s. Why is it still relevant?
This book tells the true story of a little girl's suffering and death. Is it harder to read about intense and sad things if you know they are true? Why do you think it is important to learn history and about people like Sadako?
Book Details
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