Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
By Eleanor Coerr
Learning Log
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Part I: Background Information
Sadako’s story is directly related to a historic event: the dropping of the atomic bomb on
Hiroshima, Japan. There are many reasons for dropping the atomic bomb: the threat of Japan
invading Russia, the fact that Japanese culture does not allow surrender, and the need to end
World War II before more people died top the list. Dropping the bombs on Nagasaki and
Hiroshima did end World War II, but the repercussions of these actions – both good and bad –
still linger in the world today.
The Atomic Bomb Question:
Should the United States have dropped the atomic bomb on Japan?
No
Your Conclusion:
Yes
Getting Started: (5 points)
What do you think Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes is about? What do you think will
happen in the story? Write a brief reflection about what you anticipate will happen during the
story.
Elements of a Story: (10 points)
Identify the following elements of this story.
1. Protagonist(s):
2. Antagonist(s):
3. Plot:
4. Setting:
5. Theme:
6. Conflict:
7. Point of View:
8. Author’s Purpose:
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: Good Luck Signs
Chapter 2: Peace Day
Chapter 3: Sadako’s Secret
Chapter 4: A Secret No Longer
Chapter 5: The Golden Crane
Chapter 6: Kenji
Chapter 7: Hundreds of Wishes
Chapter 8: Last Days
Chapter 9: Racing with the Wind
Comprehension Questions
Chapter 1: Good Luck Signs
1. Describe Sadako - what does she look like and what does she like to do for fun? What is
her family like?
2. How is Sadako’s breakfast different from yours?
3. What traditions do Sadako’s family observe about their ancestors?
4. There are many signs of good luck in this chapter. List several of the signs. What do you
think about these good luck signs?
Chapter 2: Peace Day
1. What is Peace Day?
2. Why is Peace Day important to Sadako?
Chapter 3: Sadako’s Secret
1. What is Sadako’s dream?
2. What is Sadako’s secret?
3. What do you think about Sadako’s thought that “With a beginning like this, how could
anything go bad?”
Chapter 4: A Secret No Longer
1. What happens to end Sadako’s good luck streak?
2. What is Sadako’s diagnosis?
3. What is the tone of the story at the end of this chapter?
Chapter 5: The Golden Crane
1. What is the significance of the golden crane?
2. Why does Sadako need a thousand paper cranes?
Chapter 6: Kenji
1. What did Sadako do during the day at the hospital?
2. Who is Kenji?
3. What impact does Kenji have on Sadako’s life?
Chapter 7: Hundreds of Wishes
1. What do you think Sadako means when she calls herself a turtle?
Chapter 8: Last Days
1. Based on this chapter’s title, what do you predict the conclusion of this story will be?
2. When Sadako goes home, she realizes the impact that her illness has on her family.
How do her parents each react to her sickness?
3. What is the importance of the kimono her mother gives her?
Chapter 9: Racing with the Wind
1. How is Sadako racing with the wind?
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes – Reflections
1. What is the main idea of this story?
2. How do you feel after reading this story?
3. What do you think this story teaches us about Japan, especially considering the impact
of World War II?
4. What else do you think this story can teach us?
5. What have you learned about Japan and World War II by reading this story?
6. What questions do you still have about Japan and World War II?