Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr

Wordle: http://www.wordle.net/gallery/wrdl/572591/Sadako_and_the_Thousand_Paper_Cranes

Genre: Multicultural (chapter book)

This book was based on events of the Second World War. Because fifth graders study this time period, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes would fit exceptionally well into a language arts or social studies curriculum. This could be one option for students in literature circles, discussing the elements of the story from a historical and literary point-of-view. Students could keep a journal or reading log while reading the novel and use their reflections to create discussion within their literature circle. The book could also begin a social studies view of WWII, allowing students a perspective into the effects of war. Expanding even further, students could use the book as a basis for research on such topics as WWII, atomic bomb usage, war effects and Japanese culture.