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The Complete Story of Sadako Sasaki
Sadako Sasaki, a young girl of twelve, develops leukemia caused by exposure to the atom bomb dropped on her city of Hiroshima, Japan at the end of WWII. While in the hospital, Sadako learns to fold origami cranes and believes that folding the cranes might lead to the granting of a wish. A loving and compassionate child, Sadako's life inspires her classmates to create a memorial in her honor, to remember all the children impacted by war. Filled with new illustrations and photos of Sadako and her family never before seen by the public, Masahiro Sasaki, Sadako’s older brother, and Sue DiCicco, founder of The Peace Crane Project, tell Sadako’s complete story in English for the first time. Proceeds from this book are shared equally between The Sadako Legacy NPO and The Peace Crane Project .
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
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June 12, 2020
On August 6, 1945, The United States detonated two nuclear weapons over the cities of Hiroshima, and Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. A large number of people died that day and continued to die afterward from the effects of radiation, burns, and other injuries.
This book tells the story of a young girl named Sadako Sasaki, when she was 2 years old she experienced the atomic bomb in Hiroshima.
Years later She suffered from leukemia for exposure to the atomic bomb. Sadako endured the pain for 9 months before she died.
In the hospital, she heard an old story that if she made 1000 paper cranes her wish will come true. That's how she starts to pursued her new passion.
This story made me cry from the first page. I had never heard Sadako's story and how she was so brave and strong despite the pain she felt.
The book sends a message of peace to young people and makes the reader appreciate and value the things that day by day we take for granted.
The arc of this book was provided by Tuttle Publishing via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
This book tells the story of a young girl named Sadako Sasaki, when she was 2 years old she experienced the atomic bomb in Hiroshima.
Years later She suffered from leukemia for exposure to the atomic bomb. Sadako endured the pain for 9 months before she died.
In the hospital, she heard an old story that if she made 1000 paper cranes her wish will come true. That's how she starts to pursued her new passion.
This story made me cry from the first page. I had never heard Sadako's story and how she was so brave and strong despite the pain she felt.
The book sends a message of peace to young people and makes the reader appreciate and value the things that day by day we take for granted.
The arc of this book was provided by Tuttle Publishing via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
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March 30, 2026
❝𝑱𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒕 𝒖𝒑 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒏𝒔, 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒃𝒚 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏. 𝑰𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒚𝒆𝒅.❞
𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝟐𝟔.𝟎𝟐
i saw this on a shelf in my school library, read the blurb and decided to pick it up without any previous knowledge that the book existed. and i’m glad i picked it up.
this book is a biography of one of the many children who lost their lives due to the atomic bombing in Hiroshima on August 6 1945 named Sadako Sasaki. the story is told by a children’s illustrator named Sue Dicicco and Sadako’s elder brother - Masahiro.
while being classed as ‘middle school literature’ due to its simple writing style, this book is not an easy read emotionally. the accounts of the upset that the bomb caused in Hiroshima when it dropped are horrific - not being able to save people, entire buildings you’ve known all your life reduced to rubble, losing family members, black rain falling from the sky. it’s straight up apocalyptic. my heart goes out to all the people who were subjected to that experience both in Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of world war two.
sadako was two years old during the atomic bombings. a few years later, she started to show some symptoms of ill health which could not be attributed to any obvious factor. those symptoms went as quickly as they came. however, about ten years after the bombings, she started to experience symptoms that did not go away this time. her parents took her to the hospital and it was confirmed that she had what they called ‘the atomic bomb disease’, which is what we know as leukemia.
her family, just beginning to fully recover from the effects of the war both financially and emotionally, were now devastated. they did all they could to ensure that sadako could get the best treatment available despite not having much money at the time.
this book doesn’t focus on the horrors that sadako experiences in her life, rather on how she deals with them. how she keeps on with hope and with treating others with kindness despite being in chronic pain herself. her story reminds us of the heartbreaking effects of war and the need for world peace.
i don’t really know how to rate biographies/memoirs. i class this book in that category of books when it feels so weird to give them any rating at all. i do think everyone should read it. it's very easy to read (basically children's literature) yet still very impactful.
𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝟏𝟐.𝟎𝟑
𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝟐𝟔.𝟎𝟐
i saw this on a shelf in my school library, read the blurb and decided to pick it up without any previous knowledge that the book existed. and i’m glad i picked it up.
this book is a biography of one of the many children who lost their lives due to the atomic bombing in Hiroshima on August 6 1945 named Sadako Sasaki. the story is told by a children’s illustrator named Sue Dicicco and Sadako’s elder brother - Masahiro.
while being classed as ‘middle school literature’ due to its simple writing style, this book is not an easy read emotionally. the accounts of the upset that the bomb caused in Hiroshima when it dropped are horrific - not being able to save people, entire buildings you’ve known all your life reduced to rubble, losing family members, black rain falling from the sky. it’s straight up apocalyptic. my heart goes out to all the people who were subjected to that experience both in Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of world war two.
sadako was two years old during the atomic bombings. a few years later, she started to show some symptoms of ill health which could not be attributed to any obvious factor. those symptoms went as quickly as they came. however, about ten years after the bombings, she started to experience symptoms that did not go away this time. her parents took her to the hospital and it was confirmed that she had what they called ‘the atomic bomb disease’, which is what we know as leukemia.
her family, just beginning to fully recover from the effects of the war both financially and emotionally, were now devastated. they did all they could to ensure that sadako could get the best treatment available despite not having much money at the time.
this book doesn’t focus on the horrors that sadako experiences in her life, rather on how she deals with them. how she keeps on with hope and with treating others with kindness despite being in chronic pain herself. her story reminds us of the heartbreaking effects of war and the need for world peace.
i don’t really know how to rate biographies/memoirs. i class this book in that category of books when it feels so weird to give them any rating at all. i do think everyone should read it. it's very easy to read (basically children's literature) yet still very impactful.
𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝟏𝟐.𝟎𝟑
April 16, 2020
A wonderful read developing a fuller story of the young lady who became a symbol of peace and hope.
Many will know at least something about Sadako, who died so young after developing leukemia from the black rains after the Hiroshima bombing. However, this book not only offers a simple enough explanation of everything for people around Sadako’s age (12 when she passed) but also background of the events which made the sick little girl and her 1000 origami cranes such a powerful and sad tale.
Recommended for anyone wanting to know more, or wanting a bit of a good cry; good for the strength of the weeping, but also for the good feeling that perseveres through the pain.
Never Forget!
Many will know at least something about Sadako, who died so young after developing leukemia from the black rains after the Hiroshima bombing. However, this book not only offers a simple enough explanation of everything for people around Sadako’s age (12 when she passed) but also background of the events which made the sick little girl and her 1000 origami cranes such a powerful and sad tale.
Recommended for anyone wanting to know more, or wanting a bit of a good cry; good for the strength of the weeping, but also for the good feeling that perseveres through the pain.
Never Forget!
March 3, 2021
This is such a well written book. It is wonderful that it is young reader friendly even though the subject is heartbreaking. Sadako's story must be told. I will remember her always. Highly recommend this one!
April 17, 2020
This is a beautiful book telling the story of a civilian family who lived with the effects of the Atomic bomb at the end of WWII. Elementary school student Sadako, a resident of Hiroshima, falls ill from "atomic bomb disease" (leukemia) and folds one thousand paper cranes. This is a well-known story in Japan but in this book, Sadako's older brother fills in some of the missing information about Sadako's childhood and her family which are integral to her story. It also tells the significance of cranes and the number 'one thousand' and informs how the Children's Peace Monument in the Hiroshima Peace park (that features the young Sadako reaching for the stars) came to be. Paper crane drawings drifting among the pages, and black and white photos of Sadako, her father and brother make for lovely additions to the text. A heartfelt Epilogue written by her brother Masahiro (also an Atomic Bomb survivor) reminds readers why we must shun war and instead strive for world peace. "Cry when you need to if you have a lot of troubles, but grow up with a kind heart, filled with compassion" he advises.
May 20, 2019
I'm glad to have read this so I know Sadako's story. I did not know it before, though I, like many others, knew about the cranes and what they symbolized. As the book points out, Sadako's story is just one among likely thousands of people who suffered with illnesses from and died because of exposure to the atomic bombs dropped on Japan in August 1945. I only knew the basics, and from this brief and moving story about a specific little girl, I now have a much better grasp of the horrors and aftermath that the residents of Hiroshima and Nagasaki experienced. The book left me feeling "good" since the peace cause is prominent, and Sadako was clearly a wonderful little girl whose life was made way too short by leukemia, but who lives on in spirit thanks to her classmates, brother and others. The heaviness of what I learned sits with me as well, though. I'm inspired to read more about those days and years in and after 1945, in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The more we know...
January 26, 2024
This is very clearly written for children and young adolescents, however, everyone should read it.
The effects of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were horrific and many people still suffer the consequences.
Japan seems to have learned from the atrocities of war. I wonder when the rest of the world will catch up.
I’m a fan or origami and have folded a couple of cranes in my day without understanding the significance.
Sadako Sasaki’s story of illness and ultimate demise as a result of the bombing is not unique, with the exception of her Peace Cranes.
Gods, wat is cruel.
The effects of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were horrific and many people still suffer the consequences.
Japan seems to have learned from the atrocities of war. I wonder when the rest of the world will catch up.
I’m a fan or origami and have folded a couple of cranes in my day without understanding the significance.
Sadako Sasaki’s story of illness and ultimate demise as a result of the bombing is not unique, with the exception of her Peace Cranes.
Gods, wat is cruel.
August 5, 2025
This was a short but powerful story. It details the life of Sadako Sasaki who lived in Hiroshima when the atomic bomb was dedonated. She was 2 when this happened. Eventually she developed leukaemia like many who were near the bomb did and she died at the age of 12. Before she died she began folding origami paper cranes - it is said that if you make 1,000 of them that a wish is granted. Her wish was for a world without nuclear bombs.
June 1, 2025
Finished reading this at the bullet train in Japan - very fitting. Almost started crying in public though because this is such a beautiful story and so well and effectively written. Motivation to practice “omoiyari-no-kokoro.”
August 9, 2020
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This was horrifically sad and yet so beautiful
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This was horrifically sad and yet so beautiful
June 30, 2025
I learned about Sadako during our trip in Japan and I wanted to read this book, co-written her brother, to learn about her full story being affected by the atomic bomb in Hiroshima. Very sad story and it's worth a read to reinforce that war is not the answer.
October 9, 2023
A WONDERFUL READ!
February 5, 2024
Sadako and thousand paper cranes
This is not a review of the book – “Sadako and thousand paper cranes”. This is actually about the story of Sadako and the thousand paper cranes. I first read this when I might have been about 8 or 9, in a children’s science publication, “Eureka”. My father used to get me a copy of Eureka whenever he had a chance, as this, I now realize, was hard considering the rural place we lived and the size of his wallet. Eureka has given me lot of special memories to cherish but this is about Sadako.
Sadako Sasaki, a 12 year old vivacious and enthusiastic girl, full of life and energy, is unfortunately a victim of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki during world war II. Although she wasn’t impacted at the time of the nuclear explosion, the after-effects of the radiation catches up with her years later the incident. As Sadako gets very sick and hospitalized, her best friend presents her a paper crane and reminds her of the folklore about paper cranes bringing good luck. Sadako then starts making paper cranes with a goal of making it to a 1000 and believing that it would cure her illness.
Sadako’s story is one of grit and resilience, of finding hope in darkest of times and clinging onto faith when everything else is at stake. It’s also a stark reminder of what war can do to people and how the sufferings extend to generations to come. Sadako’s story had a deep impact on me as a child. The vivid image of a little girl with almond eyes and silky dark hair, crouched up in bed and folding snow-white paper cranes stayed with me, as did the horrifying reminder of nuclear bombs and aftermaths of war. It was also a story that opened my eyes into world history and world war 2, wanting me to learn more about it. Paper cranes anywhere reminds me of Sadako, her resilience and how she tried to find her hope.
I highly recommend all children to read Sadako’s story. It is a poignant tale of a fighter, and her will to live and love and how she had to pay a huge price for something that was no fault of hers. It was also one of the first reminders in my life that life isn’t fair.
March 19, 2021
THE COMPLETE STORY OF SADAKO SASAKI AND THE THOUSAND PAPER CRANES tells the famous story that is known by so many Japanese. Authors Sue DiCicco and Masahiro Sasaki (Sadako’s brother) follow Sadako’s life from when she was born, to miraculously surviving the atomic bombing of Hiroshima when she was two, to her life-threatening diagnosis of leukemia at the age of twelve. After falling so ill that she needed to receive permanent hospital treatment, Sadako was determined to fold 1,000 paper cranes as the legends promised to grant a wish if done so. Decades later, Sadako continues to be a symbol of peace and a reminder of the brutalities of nuclear war.
Last year, we were planning on going back to Japan, but out trip was cancelled because of the pandemic. I’ve been there many times before, but we were planning to go to Hiroshima for the first time. I had heard about Sadako’s story years ago, and wanted to see her memorial and the many other historical landmarks remembering the horrible bombing. This story gave me an even greater understanding of what happened to the people of Hiroshima on that fateful day. I knew there were long-term effects to the radiation exposure, but I didn’t realize the term “hibakusha” or “bomb-affected person” was created because so many people fell ill and died years after the bomb was dropped. Sadako was an incredible child, and should be known by many inside and out of Japan. Hopefully someday, I will be able to make my way to Hiroshima and pay my respects to Sadako and the many that lost their lives to our atomic bomb during WWII.
Last year, we were planning on going back to Japan, but out trip was cancelled because of the pandemic. I’ve been there many times before, but we were planning to go to Hiroshima for the first time. I had heard about Sadako’s story years ago, and wanted to see her memorial and the many other historical landmarks remembering the horrible bombing. This story gave me an even greater understanding of what happened to the people of Hiroshima on that fateful day. I knew there were long-term effects to the radiation exposure, but I didn’t realize the term “hibakusha” or “bomb-affected person” was created because so many people fell ill and died years after the bomb was dropped. Sadako was an incredible child, and should be known by many inside and out of Japan. Hopefully someday, I will be able to make my way to Hiroshima and pay my respects to Sadako and the many that lost their lives to our atomic bomb during WWII.
April 27, 2021
Beautiful telling of a tragic story.
Perfect for my middle school students.
Enhanced by the photographs sprinkles throughout and Masahiro's note at the end is so inspiring.
I loved the depiction of the ways the Sadako took care of her family and vice versa. The community of her school class facilitated by her teacher was heartwarming. This story can definitely be meant to inspire children, teens, and young adults to be the leaders in their own lives and the world.
Sadako is truly remarkable and I am so glad that this book exists to give those of us who speak and read english the complete story of the Sasaki family that represents and memorializes so many other lives lost because of the atomic bombs.
Perfect for my middle school students.
Enhanced by the photographs sprinkles throughout and Masahiro's note at the end is so inspiring.
I loved the depiction of the ways the Sadako took care of her family and vice versa. The community of her school class facilitated by her teacher was heartwarming. This story can definitely be meant to inspire children, teens, and young adults to be the leaders in their own lives and the world.
Sadako is truly remarkable and I am so glad that this book exists to give those of us who speak and read english the complete story of the Sasaki family that represents and memorializes so many other lives lost because of the atomic bombs.
December 31, 2023
One of the best books I've ever read - it's one of those stories that truly impacts you and brings a new perspective over life. Sadly it's a story similar to the life of many other children all over the world - different wars, but still war.
However, this book focuses in the spreading hope and a mensage of peace in a beautiful way.
Highly recommend it!
----------------------------
Some of my favourite quotes:
"So for those of us who have no worries, there's no reason for us not to treat those around us with compassion."
"We must throw away our resentment. From hatred, only hatred and hearts of revenge will be born."
"The wisest choice is to recognize and respect the differences in our ways of thinking, creating a new stage of hope that includes open discussions amongst all people."
However, this book focuses in the spreading hope and a mensage of peace in a beautiful way.
Highly recommend it!
----------------------------
Some of my favourite quotes:
"So for those of us who have no worries, there's no reason for us not to treat those around us with compassion."
"We must throw away our resentment. From hatred, only hatred and hearts of revenge will be born."
"The wisest choice is to recognize and respect the differences in our ways of thinking, creating a new stage of hope that includes open discussions amongst all people."
November 6, 2024
Ive read this book 3 times and I dont think I'll ever get sick of it
March 30, 2026
I am giving this book 5 stars because it is a very good book because it is really well written, and since it is really well written, I could understand it really well with no problem. I really liked that the author got to talk to Sadako’s brother to get real facts of what happened and not having to assume what happened. I also think it deserves a 5 star rating because it painted a clear picture in my mind of what was happening and usually it is hard for me to get pictures in my mind of the books.
I didn’t have any major questions about any part of the book because it is very well written. The author did a very good job of explaining everything in an easy to understand way so it wasn’t hard to understand. She organized everything in an order that makes sense, she also explained everything in detail, and did a good job describing the characters, the plot, and basically everything in the book. I am really happy that I could understand the book easily, having no questions after reading or during reading the book. I was satisfied when I noticed this book was well written, meaning I would be able to understand it easily.
Something about the book that was very interesting to me was that she believed folding a thousand paper cranes would actually grant her a wish. Since I am a christian, I believe that we have to pray to get our wishes, we can’t get them by folding paper cranes, or any other way. I know some people are going to disagree with me and others agree, and I won’t blame them for disagreeing with me because everyone has different beliefs, and I respect that, because I don’t want to start a fight. Because wars never lead to something good, and it harms people, like Sadako Sasaki.
This book related to me in the way that Sadako felt fear when she went through her sickness but she tried to hide it from her family so they would not worry about her because they had other things to take care of . Like Sadako I’ve faced many challenges and i have been afraid during those challenges
This book changed me because I now know more about how the atomic bomb affected people's health than those that went through the atomic bombing. It helped me understand the challenges of the people that got sick and died because of the bombings. Before reading this book I didn’t know how hard it was to live during the time of the atomic bombing.
I would recommend it to anyone because it is a very good book and it explains the story very well so it is quite easy to understand. I would also recommend it to anyone because it has a very good theme, and idea that can help anyone understand more about the difficult times of the atomic bombing, and how they had scarce resources.
I didn’t have any major questions about any part of the book because it is very well written. The author did a very good job of explaining everything in an easy to understand way so it wasn’t hard to understand. She organized everything in an order that makes sense, she also explained everything in detail, and did a good job describing the characters, the plot, and basically everything in the book. I am really happy that I could understand the book easily, having no questions after reading or during reading the book. I was satisfied when I noticed this book was well written, meaning I would be able to understand it easily.
Something about the book that was very interesting to me was that she believed folding a thousand paper cranes would actually grant her a wish. Since I am a christian, I believe that we have to pray to get our wishes, we can’t get them by folding paper cranes, or any other way. I know some people are going to disagree with me and others agree, and I won’t blame them for disagreeing with me because everyone has different beliefs, and I respect that, because I don’t want to start a fight. Because wars never lead to something good, and it harms people, like Sadako Sasaki.
This book related to me in the way that Sadako felt fear when she went through her sickness but she tried to hide it from her family so they would not worry about her because they had other things to take care of . Like Sadako I’ve faced many challenges and i have been afraid during those challenges
This book changed me because I now know more about how the atomic bomb affected people's health than those that went through the atomic bombing. It helped me understand the challenges of the people that got sick and died because of the bombings. Before reading this book I didn’t know how hard it was to live during the time of the atomic bombing.
I would recommend it to anyone because it is a very good book and it explains the story very well so it is quite easy to understand. I would also recommend it to anyone because it has a very good theme, and idea that can help anyone understand more about the difficult times of the atomic bombing, and how they had scarce resources.
September 30, 2021
I received an ARC from School Library Journal in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Mashari Sasaki, a survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bombing, and Sue DiCicco, founder of The Peace Crane Project, have produced a moving account of the life and death of Sasaki’s sister, Sadako Sasaki. Only 2 years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, Sasaski did not begin to develop physical symptoms related to the event until she was completing sixth grade. Life was hard for everyone after World War II ended and Sasaki’s family was not spared either emotional or economic adversity. Once Sadako began to show symptoms of leukemia in 1955, the illness quickly hospitalized her and, even though the doctors tried valiantly to save her, Sadako died eight months after her diagnosis. However, Sadako made a tremendous impact on all who met her.
Sadako learned about the legend of the paper cranes during the final months of her life from her father. The legend requires at least 1,000 paper cranes to be folded to earn a wish and Sadako folded many more than the minimum. Even when it became clear that Sadako’s wish for good health was not going to be granted, she continued to fold paper cranes. After her death, the paper crane became a symbol of Sadako and her dream of peace and hope for everyone.
While clearly a loving memoir written by a devoted family member, The Complete Story of Sadako Sasaki and the Thousand Paper Cranes does offer a unique younger perspective of the aftereffects of the atomic bombings in Japan in 1945. For those who enjoyed Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor's Story by Caren Stelson and Bomb: The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin.
Mashari Sasaki, a survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bombing, and Sue DiCicco, founder of The Peace Crane Project, have produced a moving account of the life and death of Sasaki’s sister, Sadako Sasaki. Only 2 years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, Sasaski did not begin to develop physical symptoms related to the event until she was completing sixth grade. Life was hard for everyone after World War II ended and Sasaki’s family was not spared either emotional or economic adversity. Once Sadako began to show symptoms of leukemia in 1955, the illness quickly hospitalized her and, even though the doctors tried valiantly to save her, Sadako died eight months after her diagnosis. However, Sadako made a tremendous impact on all who met her.
Sadako learned about the legend of the paper cranes during the final months of her life from her father. The legend requires at least 1,000 paper cranes to be folded to earn a wish and Sadako folded many more than the minimum. Even when it became clear that Sadako’s wish for good health was not going to be granted, she continued to fold paper cranes. After her death, the paper crane became a symbol of Sadako and her dream of peace and hope for everyone.
While clearly a loving memoir written by a devoted family member, The Complete Story of Sadako Sasaki and the Thousand Paper Cranes does offer a unique younger perspective of the aftereffects of the atomic bombings in Japan in 1945. For those who enjoyed Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor's Story by Caren Stelson and Bomb: The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin.
January 25, 2024
Sadako Sasaki, is only 12 years old when she dies in hospital from leukemia, which she contracts from the radiation that she is exposed to when the atom bomb is dropped on her city, Hiroshima, during WWII. While in the hospital, Sadako learns to fold origami cranes and believes that folding 1,000 cranes might lead to the granting of a wish, and that wish for her would be to live. Unfortunately, she only managed to complete 644 before she died. She has become an inspiration for many and has led to the creation of a memorial to honour her, which becomes a symbol of remembrance for all the children killed or impacted by WWII.
This story is written for children. However, I think it is an excellent read for people of all ages as it can be quite reflective and throught-provoking. It is a lesson on life and how fleeting it truly is. We all die, some of us sooner than others, so it is important how we live our lives and what we choose to do with the time that we have. How we live and how we die matters. How we interact with others and what we do with the time we have matters.
Another key theme running through this story is the importance of hope and how important it is to keeping our spirits alive. Sadako had hope, right to the end. While this story is sad, it is also heartwarming. A student in the school I teach at folded 1,000 paper cranes in memory of Sadako, and it took him almost a year to do. This shows how impactful Sakado's story continues to be and the influence that it continues to have on the world. Her story is one of determination and resilience and continuing inspiration. I highly recommend sharing this story with all you can and all you know.
This story is written for children. However, I think it is an excellent read for people of all ages as it can be quite reflective and throught-provoking. It is a lesson on life and how fleeting it truly is. We all die, some of us sooner than others, so it is important how we live our lives and what we choose to do with the time that we have. How we live and how we die matters. How we interact with others and what we do with the time we have matters.
Another key theme running through this story is the importance of hope and how important it is to keeping our spirits alive. Sadako had hope, right to the end. While this story is sad, it is also heartwarming. A student in the school I teach at folded 1,000 paper cranes in memory of Sadako, and it took him almost a year to do. This shows how impactful Sakado's story continues to be and the influence that it continues to have on the world. Her story is one of determination and resilience and continuing inspiration. I highly recommend sharing this story with all you can and all you know.
July 19, 2025
This book tells the story of Sadako Sasaki, a girl who tragically passed away a decade after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II. She was exposed to radiation at just two years old and endured the long-term effects of her exposure, which gradually took a toll on her health.
It is my first nonfiction read in quite a while. I usually avoid this genre because I find it quite heavy and worry about falling into a reading slump. Surprisingly, I found this book accessible despite tackling themes of war and illness. I believe this is partly because it is intended for younger audiences, which helps make complex topics more understandable. The narrative is clear and engaging, handling sensitive issues with care. The story is further enriched by accounts from Sadako’s older brother, offering a personal perspective on their family life and their struggles to rebuild after the devastation of the war.
I also appreciated the illustrations, photographs, and the inclusion of interesting facts and translations scattered throughout the book. Inspired by Sadako’s story, I spent the last few days making origami cranes. Although I only managed fewer than ten, Sadako folded over a thousand cranes while battling her illness. That truly highlights her resilience.
All in all, this story serves as a reminder of the devastating long-term effects of war. Even today, wars around the world claim lives daily, tearing families apart, shattering dreams, deepening poverty, and worsening mental health. The true cost of war often outweighs any supposed gains, with civilians most often bearing the heaviest burden.
It is my first nonfiction read in quite a while. I usually avoid this genre because I find it quite heavy and worry about falling into a reading slump. Surprisingly, I found this book accessible despite tackling themes of war and illness. I believe this is partly because it is intended for younger audiences, which helps make complex topics more understandable. The narrative is clear and engaging, handling sensitive issues with care. The story is further enriched by accounts from Sadako’s older brother, offering a personal perspective on their family life and their struggles to rebuild after the devastation of the war.
I also appreciated the illustrations, photographs, and the inclusion of interesting facts and translations scattered throughout the book. Inspired by Sadako’s story, I spent the last few days making origami cranes. Although I only managed fewer than ten, Sadako folded over a thousand cranes while battling her illness. That truly highlights her resilience.
All in all, this story serves as a reminder of the devastating long-term effects of war. Even today, wars around the world claim lives daily, tearing families apart, shattering dreams, deepening poverty, and worsening mental health. The true cost of war often outweighs any supposed gains, with civilians most often bearing the heaviest burden.
September 23, 2023
This book is a heartfelt and inspiring tribute to Sadako Sasaki's extraordinary fortitude and resilience in the face of terrible adversity. One of the book's quotes that stuck with me was when Sadako pondered her approaching fate, asking,
This book is more than just a retelling of Sadako's story; it digs into the aftermath and the influence of her life on those around her. It beautifully expresses Sadako's core of compassion and sensitivity. What truly distinguishes this book is the wisdom offered by the authors at the beginning and end of the book, which provides readers with vital insights and a new perspective on life. Photographs give a fascinating depth, allowing us to interact with Sadako on a more personal level. Her bravery and strength serve as a timeless example, encouraging us to be grateful for our own blessings. This is a wonderful story that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a profound sense of thanks and admiration for Sadako Sasaki's tenacious spirit.
Sadako's story is a bright example of the enduring human spirit in a world replete with stories of perseverance, and this book eloquently captures the essence of her journey, making it a must-read for all ages.
"What will happen when I die?" Is it going to hurt? 'Will anyone remember me?''These profound questions encapsulate Sadako's heartbreaking life as a survivor of the Hiroshima atomic explosion. Her constant fortitude and selflessness shine through as she folds paper cranes not for herself, but to help her family.
This book is more than just a retelling of Sadako's story; it digs into the aftermath and the influence of her life on those around her. It beautifully expresses Sadako's core of compassion and sensitivity. What truly distinguishes this book is the wisdom offered by the authors at the beginning and end of the book, which provides readers with vital insights and a new perspective on life. Photographs give a fascinating depth, allowing us to interact with Sadako on a more personal level. Her bravery and strength serve as a timeless example, encouraging us to be grateful for our own blessings. This is a wonderful story that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a profound sense of thanks and admiration for Sadako Sasaki's tenacious spirit.
Sadako's story is a bright example of the enduring human spirit in a world replete with stories of perseverance, and this book eloquently captures the essence of her journey, making it a must-read for all ages.
September 24, 2025
I bought this book in Hiroshima, during a visit to Japan with the United Nations.
I got a copy in English at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, with the aim of reading it and passing it along young people to raise awareness on the threat of nuclear weapons and to remember the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
I read the first book by Eleanor Coerr at school in Peru, when I was the same age as Sadako when she passed away. I remember the impact that this book caused on me, and never did I imagine that a decade and a half later I would be a nuclear lawyer working closely with the United Nations towards a world without nuclear weapons.
This book is a must read, for young and mature audiences. It can be finished in one afternoon, yet I highly encourage all people interested in peace building and nuclear non-proliferation to give this book a read, as it provides a more humane, less technical perspective of the effects of a nuclear attack and brings to light the devastating effects of war and the suffering caused by its aftermath.
Also, one thing to note is that one of the co-authors is Masahiro Sakaki, Sadako's older brother.
What a beautiful way to preserve and carry on his sisters legacy.
I got a copy in English at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, with the aim of reading it and passing it along young people to raise awareness on the threat of nuclear weapons and to remember the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
I read the first book by Eleanor Coerr at school in Peru, when I was the same age as Sadako when she passed away. I remember the impact that this book caused on me, and never did I imagine that a decade and a half later I would be a nuclear lawyer working closely with the United Nations towards a world without nuclear weapons.
This book is a must read, for young and mature audiences. It can be finished in one afternoon, yet I highly encourage all people interested in peace building and nuclear non-proliferation to give this book a read, as it provides a more humane, less technical perspective of the effects of a nuclear attack and brings to light the devastating effects of war and the suffering caused by its aftermath.
Also, one thing to note is that one of the co-authors is Masahiro Sakaki, Sadako's older brother.
What a beautiful way to preserve and carry on his sisters legacy.
April 10, 2026
This little book filled with photos of Sadako Sasaki and her family broke my heart. What an evil thing war is, and how incredibly evil was the decision to drop two bombs on two Japanese towns full of civilians. It isn't even like a situation in WW2 Germany either where the people got to vote Hitler in and dismissed or ignored the horrors going on in concentration camps near them. Japan was run by an Emperor - no voting. The people were taught to be submissive and hard working. The US then dropped bombs on these people.
So the story of a little girl dying of the "atomic bomb" disease is an absolute tragedy. What is even more tragic is that she couldn't even get drugs to stop the pain because her parents were struggling with debt and she knew it and hid her pain. I am so sorry that children have to suffer at all, but this was dreadful and Sasaki was such a tender hearted child.
I think every child on the planet should read books about the way people have to suffer the effects of war. Maybe then we could eliminate it completely. Also, and while we're at it, get rid of Trump and his horrible govt.
So the story of a little girl dying of the "atomic bomb" disease is an absolute tragedy. What is even more tragic is that she couldn't even get drugs to stop the pain because her parents were struggling with debt and she knew it and hid her pain. I am so sorry that children have to suffer at all, but this was dreadful and Sasaki was such a tender hearted child.
I think every child on the planet should read books about the way people have to suffer the effects of war. Maybe then we could eliminate it completely. Also, and while we're at it, get rid of Trump and his horrible govt.
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April 2, 2023Hadn't thought about the long term affects of the atomic bomb/atomic bomb sickness, affecting even yet to be born generations.
Picked up on the cultural practice of everyone working to not burden the other person... to the denial of truth and intimacy. Golly.
And the portrayal of death is challenging for me.
Dislike pg 39 "Even though there was no anesthetic available, she did not flinch or cry when the doctor stitched up the cut. she was becoming a brave girl." really gotta stop with this use of brave as a not showing of emotion as though one is not brave if they show emotion....
pg 138 Sadako died when she was twelve. I imagine she wanted to play more, study more, talk with her friends more, eat more.... there were lots of things she wanted to do. But her life ended before she had a change to experience those things. Therefore, we should think about the incredible value our uneventful daily lives have. We should be thankful for walking, eating, playing, studying, the ordinary things we spend time doing every day.
Picked up on the cultural practice of everyone working to not burden the other person... to the denial of truth and intimacy. Golly.
And the portrayal of death is challenging for me.
Dislike pg 39 "Even though there was no anesthetic available, she did not flinch or cry when the doctor stitched up the cut. she was becoming a brave girl." really gotta stop with this use of brave as a not showing of emotion as though one is not brave if they show emotion....
pg 138 Sadako died when she was twelve. I imagine she wanted to play more, study more, talk with her friends more, eat more.... there were lots of things she wanted to do. But her life ended before she had a change to experience those things. Therefore, we should think about the incredible value our uneventful daily lives have. We should be thankful for walking, eating, playing, studying, the ordinary things we spend time doing every day.
July 7, 2024
This book is written at the upper elementary grade level. It would also work for a parent to read to a younger child. Sadako's story is both sad and beautiful and is very effective in getting across the horrors of nuclear weapons. The author does not go into the politics of whether atomic weapons should have been used or not but keeps the focus on the significant and sad consequences of their use at Hiroshima. This book is about resilience, hope, and family ties as a family navigates the aftermath of the atomic bomb drop on Hiroshima. Sadako is a little girl who, almost ten years after the bombing is diagnosed with "atomic bomb sickness" as it was known then. Her optimism, acceptance of her fate, and her courage in the face of death is very inspiring as she makes prays for lasting peace through the folding of a thousand paper cranes. Her story has become an inspiration to many, even now. My only issue with the book is that I think it was a little too basic for an adult to read unless it was to a child.
January 29, 2026
“What I learned from Sadako was that from a heart that values love and compassion, we can be in perfect empathy with one another, respecting and understanding one another deeply.” - Masahiro Sasaki, Sadako Sasaki’s older brother
I first learned about Sadako in 4th grade when we read Sadako Sasaki and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr. The muscle memory of folding a crane has stuck with me ever since. A symbol of peace, origami cranes took a new meaning when I went to Hiroshima in October and visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum and saw some of Sadako’s original cranes. You cannot visit this place and leave unchanged. Folding a crane while standing in front of the Children’s Peace Monument, hearing local school children sing a song of peace in her honor is a special moment that I will always carry with me. The tragedy of Sadako’s story, told in this book by her brother and Sue DiCocco, is immense. And Sadako is just one of the hundreds of thousands affected and killed by the atomic bomb. Sadako’s complete story here encapsulates the hardship and bravery of her family and all the hibakusha. May there be no more Hiroshimas. 🕊️
I first learned about Sadako in 4th grade when we read Sadako Sasaki and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr. The muscle memory of folding a crane has stuck with me ever since. A symbol of peace, origami cranes took a new meaning when I went to Hiroshima in October and visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum and saw some of Sadako’s original cranes. You cannot visit this place and leave unchanged. Folding a crane while standing in front of the Children’s Peace Monument, hearing local school children sing a song of peace in her honor is a special moment that I will always carry with me. The tragedy of Sadako’s story, told in this book by her brother and Sue DiCocco, is immense. And Sadako is just one of the hundreds of thousands affected and killed by the atomic bomb. Sadako’s complete story here encapsulates the hardship and bravery of her family and all the hibakusha. May there be no more Hiroshimas. 🕊️
October 10, 2023
This was a very interesting touching story about Sadako, a 12 year old girl who contracted leukemia caused by the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Sadako was 2 years old at the time when the bomb was dropped and lived 10 years until the symptoms of leukemia started. It was interesting to read the perspective of a girl who lived through the bombing only to become stricken with the deadly disease. We lived in Japan for three years and I became friends with a Japanese woman who survived Nagasaki when she was a child. We talked about what happened to her and her thoughts on the bomb. I also visited Hiroshima with my girl scout troop so we could all learn about what happened there. However, if my granddaughters were to read this book I would talk to them beforehand about what happened at Pearl Harbor and the unbelievable atrocities committed by the Japanese during the WWII. I want them to have a full understanding of what happened.
July 16, 2020
Perhaps you have read or hear "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes" by Eleanor Coerr.
The Complete Story by Sue DiCicco and Masahiro Sasaki, Sadako's older brother is a true biography.
There are family photos. The book begins with thoughts from the authors, Sadako's birth and their life during WWII and hardship following.
The books includes shaded paragraphs which further explain something.
A large lesson from the book is omoiyari-no-kokoro - the act of showing empathy and concern.
"In Japanese, omoiyari-no-koro ... is taught from an early age and considered one of the most important things a child can learn in preschool." (Epilogue pg 135)
Omoiyari-no-kokoro could become part of a school's character.
I participated in an online summer book discussion - 2020.
The Complete Story by Sue DiCicco and Masahiro Sasaki, Sadako's older brother is a true biography.
There are family photos. The book begins with thoughts from the authors, Sadako's birth and their life during WWII and hardship following.
The books includes shaded paragraphs which further explain something.
A large lesson from the book is omoiyari-no-kokoro - the act of showing empathy and concern.
"In Japanese, omoiyari-no-koro ... is taught from an early age and considered one of the most important things a child can learn in preschool." (Epilogue pg 135)
Omoiyari-no-kokoro could become part of a school's character.
I participated in an online summer book discussion - 2020.
August 9, 2021
The complete story of Sadako Sasaki and 1000 paper planes by Masahiro Sasaki and Sue DiCocco is about a Japanese girl named Sadako Sasaki who was diagnosed with leukemia because of the atomic bomb which was dropped into her city, Hiroshima. The book also discusses what happens in her daily life with her family and friends. Additionally, it mentions what she did during her time in the hospital, her roommate and her parents struggling to pay bills. What I liked about this book is Sadako’s positive mindset and her kindness towards others. I found it heart-breaking that Sadako chose to prioritize paying the bills for her siblings instead of getting treatment for her illness. Another part of the book that I enjoyed is the prologue and the epilogue because it gave me a chance to hear the story from her brother’s (the author’s) perspective. I highly recommend this book for people who are battling cancer or have a loved one who is battling cancer. It made me have a deeper understanding of the situation people who have cancer are in. I have nothing that I disliked about the book, so I rated it 5 stars
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