Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan
My name is Bria, I am in 8th grade and in my free time I enjoy skiing.
Echo follows the story of a harmonica. The harmonica goes through multiple decades, around the world, and three owners. The harmonica gives hope to each of the owners. The harmonica is enchanted by a witch’s curse, destined to travel the world and save a soul from death.
The three owners are Friedrich, Mike, and Ivy. Friedrich is a young German boy living in 1933 during the rise of the Nazis. Friedrich gets bullied because of his birthmark. To make matters worse his father is imprisoned by the Nazi. After the harmonica’s music sustains him through a dangerous journey to save his father, he ships the instrument away. Mike is an 11-year-old orphan who lives in Pennsylvania during the great depression in 1935.
Mike is a piano prodigy, and protective of his younger brother, Frankie. The orphanage tries to separate the boys. Luckily Mike and Frankie get adopted by Mrs. Sturbridge, who is forced to adopt them. She struggles to accept them, but the harmonica gives Mike hope and inspiration through the tough times. He gives the harmonica to a program for poor kids.
Ivy is a Mexican American living in Southern California, during World War II. Her family are migrant farmworkers; they came to lease farmland from the Yamamoto family who were sent to internment camp. Ivy faces segregation and prejudice. The harmonica provides comfort, strengthens her musical gifts and gives her courage. When Kenny Yamamoto, who is in the U.S. Army visits the farm, Ivy gives him the harmonica to keep him safe at war.
The book’s unique structure powerfully connects three distinct narratives, showing how music, hope, and courage unite people across time.
