The novel, Echo, by Pam Muñoz Ryan, is a compelling story that connects three different accounts of children that come face to face with injustices joined by a magical, stunning harmonica.
In Nazi Germany in the 1930s, Friedrich's father is innocently arrested for inviting his Jewish friend to gather and play music. Friedrich can not enjoy playing music because he is occupied by the fear of being sterilized because of the ugly birthmark on his face.
In the Great Depression, Mike and his younger brother are suffering in an unloving orphanage, and are mistreated. A strange rich woman adopts them, but they learn they are in jeopardy of being sent back and plan to escape so they can be independent and stay together.
In the 1940s, Ivy and her Hispanic family move to Southern California, where she learns she must attend the inferior school for Mexicans rather than the school for white children. She educates herself on the injustices Japanese families are suffering at internment camps and uses her voice to speak up to give equality to all.
Friedrich, Mike, and Ivy all have a unique musical ability, use their magical harmonica to make people feel better, and bring beauty and fun to their lives. They inspire others to settle for nothing less than what they deserve, and their stories are cleverly interwoven at the end.
This lengthy book is intimidating from the looks, but the audience may be surprised to finish it in a few days. The lesson is essential for all readers to learn about the importance of hope and music, even in dark times. For instance, when Friedrich and his sister Elisabeth can't sleep, their father brings out his old cello to bring some happiness to the broken family, which is one of the many small, tender moments in the book. Readers will instantly fall in love with the three strong protagonists and even the framing fairytale story that sets the book in motion. At the same time, they will be amazed by the clever ending.
Review Written by Anya, 7th Grade