Third Grade
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Origami is an art. It began in Japan. Japan is a country in Asia. Origami is the art of paper folding. Animals or birds are usually the final product. The paper crane has become a famous work of art. Japanese tradition says that anyone who makes one thousand paper cranes is granted a wish. Some people believe this. Others do not. One little girl believed and wanted a very special wish to come true.
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes is a story by Eleanor Coerr. She learned about Sadako while traveling in Japan. She was touched by her story. She wanted children throughout the world to learn of her as well.
Eleanor Coerr was born on May 29, 1922. She was born in Canada. She had always been interested in Japan. It began when she received a book as a gift. The book was called Little Pictures of Japan. It showed pictures of children playing. They were chasing butterflies. They were catching crickets. Eleanor dreamed about playing with those children.
Growing up, Eleanor had a best friend whose family was from Japan. They taught Eleanor about origami. They taught her about brush painting. They taught her how to eat with chopsticks. Eleanor kept dreaming of one day visiting Japan.
