1. Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
Eleanor Coerr

2. Eleanor Coerr Biography
Author Notes
Eleanor Coerr Biography

3. Chapter 1: Good Luck Signs
Character Development
Setting
Conflict
Symbols
Figurative Language
How many good luck signs did Sadako see he morning of the Peace Day Festival? What can you infer from this? Explain using evidence from the text.
Vocabulary
scolded
leukemia
radiation

4. Chapter 2: Peace Day Character Development Setting Conflict Symbols
Figurative Language
Describe Sadako’s personality using evidence from the text.
What can you infer will happen based on the comment about the spider being good luck? Explain.
Geography Connection
Hiroshima, Japan
Ohta River

5. Chapter 3: Sadako’s Secret
Character Development
Setting
Conflict
Symbols
Figurative Language
What is Sadako’s secret, and why doesn’t she share it with anyone? What can you infer from this and other context clues in the story?
Vocabulary
scarcely
shrines
throngs

6. Chapter 4: A Secret No Longer
Character Development
Setting
Conflict
Symbols
Figurative Language
What are Sadako’s concerns about being in the hospital for a few weeks? How would you feel if you were Sadako?
Vocabulary
pang
murmur

7. Chapter 5: The Golden Crane
Character Development
Setting
Conflict
Symbols
Figurative Language
Why do you think making a thousand paper cranes is lucky? Is the the crane itself or something else? Explain your thinking.
Does Sadako believe making the cranes will improve her health? Use evidence from the text to support your thinking.
Vocabulary
briskly
omen

8. Chapter 6: Kenji Vocabulary Character Development Setting Conflict
Symbols
Figurative Language
Contrast Kenji’s attitude about having leukemia with Sadako’s. Are there any similarities?
How does Sadako feel when Kenji dies? How would you feel? Use evidence from the text to support your thinking.
Vocabulary
weary
sternly
flustered

9. Chapter 7: Hundreds of Wishes
Character Development
Setting
Conflict
Symbols
Figurative Language
How does the weather affect your mood as a reader? Do you feel differently if it is sunny or rainy? Does the weather mirror Sadako’s feelings? Explain using evidence from the text.
Vocabulary
musty
clammy
listless
wistful

10. Chapter 8: Last Days Vocabulary Character Development Setting Conflict
Symbols
Figurative Language
Describe the things Sadako does to console her family? What does her family do to try to cheer up Sadako?
Why is this chapter titled “Last Days”? Find evidence from the text to support your thinking.
Vocabulary
gruffly

11. Chapter 9: Racing with the Wind
Character Development
Setting
Conflict
Symbols
Figurative Language
Why is this chapter titled “Racing with the Wind”?
What do the paper cranes symbolize in this story? Use evidence from the text to support your thinking.
Vocabulary
rustle

12. Novel Projects
Research: Write a research report on the bombing of Hiroshima during WWII.
Research: See if you can find the Kokeshi letters and read them. Write a summary of the information you learn for your classmates.
Research: Research Peace Day. Explain what it’s purpose is and how people celebrate.
Argument: Write an argument either for or against the bombing of Hiroshima during WWII. Be sure to include strong evidence to support your opinion.
Poetry: Haiku is a specialized type of poetry. Write a haiku about Sadako or cranes. Capture the sentiment of the story in your poem.