Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

Eleanor Coerr's "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes" is a powerful and tender historical novel based on the true story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl in Hiroshima who develops leukemia years after the atomic bombing. As she faces her illness with incredible bravery, Sadako is inspired by a Japanese legend to fold a thousand paper cranes, believing it will grant her wish for health. This book gently introduces themes of war, illness, death, and resilience, while also celebrating hope, friendship, and the enduring human spirit. It's suitable for elementary school children, offering a sensitive entry point into a significant historical event and its personal impact.