Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes: List 1

by Eleanor Coerr
Based on a true story, Hiroshima-born Sadako, a lively Japanese girl, contracts the "atom bomb disease" — leukemia. She faces her reality with courage and the hope of a thousand paper cranes.

This list covers vocabulary from "Prologue"—"The Golden Crane."

Here are links to our lists for the book: List 1, List 2
15 words 170 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. radiation
    energy transmitted in the form of rays or waves or particles
    Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes is based on the life of a real little girl who lived in Japan from 1943 to 1955.
    She was in Hiroshima when the United States Air Force dropped an atom bomb on that city in an attempt to end World War II. Ten years later she died as a result of radiation from the bomb.
  2. heroine
    a woman who is impressive or shows extreme courage
    Her courage made Sadako a heroine to children in Japan.
  3. altar
    a raised structure on which sacrifices to a god are made
    Sadako looked at the ceiling and wondered if her grandmother’s spirit was floating somewhere above the altar.
  4. leukemia
    disease characterized by overproduction of white blood cells
    He gave thanks for his barbershop. He gave thanks for his fine children. And he prayed that his family would be protected from the atom bomb disease called leukemia.
  5. gaily
    in a joyous or happy manner
    “That’s silly,” Masahiro said. “Spiders don’t really bring good luck.”
    “Just wait and see!” Sadako said gaily.
  6. exclaim
    utter aloud, often with surprise, horror, or joy
    “How can you possibly remember anything?” Chizuko exclaimed. “You were only a baby then.”
  7. honor
    the quality of having a good name
    At supper Mr. Sasaki made a long speech about family honor and pride.
  8. scarcely
    almost not
    Sadako’s heart was still thumping painfully against her ribs when the race was over.
    It was then that she first felt strange and dizzy. She scarcely heard someone cry, “Your team won!”
  9. kimono
    a loose robe originating in Japan
    Mrs. Sasaki looked beautiful in her best flowered silk kimono.
    “As soon as we can afford it, I’ll buy a kimono for you,” she promised Sadako.
  10. pang
    a sudden sharp feeling
    As they entered the building Sadako felt a pang of fear.
  11. fuss
    care for like a mother
    Mrs. Sasaki fussed over Sadako. She plumped the pillows and smoothed the bedspread.
  12. miserable
    very unhappy
    When she was alone, Sadako buried her face in the pillow and cried for a long time. She had never before felt so lonely and miserable.
  13. omen
    a sign of a thing about to happen
    The funniest little feeling came over her when she touched the bird. It must be a good omen.
  14. lopsided
    having one side lower or smaller or lighter than the other
    After making ten birds, Sadako lined them up on the table beside the golden crane. Some were a bit lopsided, but it was a beginning.
  15. parasol
    a handheld collapsible source of shade
    Mitsue and Eiji liked the golden crane best. But Mrs. Sasaki chose the tiniest one made of fancy green paper with pink parasols on it.
Created on Mon Sep 08 19:21:10 EDT 2025 (updated Thu Oct 23 19:40:19 EDT 2025)

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