Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes tells the true story of Sadako Sasaki, a young victim and witness of the bombing of Hiroshima.

A Japanese legend tells that, if a person folds one thousand paper cranes they will be granted a wish. Sadako tried to do this, but she only folded 644 cranes before she became too ill to continue. Her wish to live was not granted.

However, her story lives. A statue of Sadako was built in Hiroshima Peace Park. People visiting it leave paper cranes in her memory and honor, and in the memory and honor of the spirits of their deceased ancestors and relatives.

This is a beautiful, heart-wrenching book. Today, sadly, it is newly relevant.

Please read this story. Share it with a child. Make a paper crane in memory of the people who died in Japan, and to show support for those suffering there now. Hang it from the mirror in your car or place it in a window in your home.

Remember the following quote, which is found on Sadako’s statue: “This is our cry. This is our prayer. Peace on Earth.”