Novel Study -- Sadako

While many parents saw this novel at the Student Led Conferences, I thought I would include a brief outline of the book.  This book will completed by Christmas.

Below is a picture of memorial in Japan recognizing all the young children lost to leukemia.  It is hoped that our exchange teacher Mitsuya will be able to come to our class and teach us how to make Paper Cranes.  Notice all the paper cranes!

Thanks to Google for the image.
 

Basic Overview:


Thanks to Google for the image.

 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.