Major Theme:

War, Death, Friendship
 

Summary:

This is the true story of a Japanese girl who lived in Hiroshima during WWII.  She was only a few years old when Americans dropped the atomic bomb there.  As she grew up, she developed a love for running and had hopes of becoming a famous athlete- until she developed leukemia from her exposure to the atomic bomb.  While in the hospital, Sadako was visited by her friend Chizuko, who announced that she knew a way to make Sadako well.  She reminded Sadako of the legend about the crane, who lives 1000 years.  If a sick person makes 1000 paper cranes, the gods will help that person become well again.  But, unfortunately, even though the cranes gave Sadako hope, she died at the age of 12.  In 1955, having folded 644 cranes,  Sadako was buried with 1000 paper cranes.  Her classmates folded the remaining 356 cranes.
 

Question #1

Question #2

Question #3

What is Peace Day?  Why is Sadako excited about it?
 

What are Sadako's hopes for the future?  What are you hopes for the future?
 

What was the "Thunderbolt"?
 

Question #4

Why did the people launch paper lanterns onto the river?  Has your family ever had a special time that they set aside for remembering someone who has died?  If so, tell about it.

 

Question #5

How does Sadako feel about the dizzy spell?  Why doesn't she tell anyone about it?
 

Question #6

Question #7

Question #8

Question #9

Why does the doctor shake his head and stroke Sadako's hair?  Why does Sadako put her hands over her ears?  What would you do?
 

Why does Chizuko start folding cranes when she comes to visit Sadako in the hospital?
 

What is the nurse's attitude about Kenji talking about death?  What is her attitude after he dies?  Do you agree with her attitude?
 

How did Sadako's wish to finish the 1000 paper cranes and to live, come true (in a way)
 

Question #10

Question #11

Question #12

Question #13

Question #14

Question #15

Question #16

Question #17

Question #18

Extension #1

Extension #2

Extension #3

 With your class and possibly your whole grade level, fold 1000 paper cranes and have your teacher mail them to the "Thousand Paper Crane Society" at Hiroshima Peace Park.  They will mail you back a photo of your cranes, along with others,  gathered around the statue of Sadako on Peace Day, August 15.
 

Make an illustrated dictionary of the Japanese terms found throughout the book.  Use Kid Pics to illustrate.

 

Decide as a group some of the emotions that Sadako felt as she coped with the idea of death in the book (fear, hope, resentment, anger, acceptance).  Then pantomime these emotions.  Take still photos with the Quick Take camera and put together a Power Point slide show for the class or other classes to enjoy.
 

Extension #4

Extension #5