1000 Paper Cranes is on the third grade reading list for numerous reading programs. People die, it is a reality. The book teaches about a time in history, compassion, friendship, family and death. Many children’s books have a character who dies. Death is a fact of life. It is foolish to think that children need to be shielded. Rignow students across the USA, live with the reality of lockdown drills. Far more disturbing than a character who dies in a book.