Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan

-from Pam Munoz Ryan's website

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ryan, Pam Muñoz. 2015. ECHO. Ill. by Dinara Mirtalipova. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780439874021.

B. PLOT SUMMARY
Three stories, three lives, three verses to a singular song that can be played with a magical harmonica. Ryan writes a three-part harmony story with Echo.  

In the beginning, a curse gives way to an enchantment, which is fused into a very special instrument. That instrument, a harmonica, goes on to bless three different musicians, in three very different places. As a Jew, Friedrich must escape the persecution of the Nazis. As orphans, Mike and Frankie must find a home.  As a Mexican American, Ivy must fight for equality.  Will they all find what they are looking for? The magic of music will prevail!

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDING CULTURAL MARKERS)
Ryan writes three historical fiction books, with an overarching fantasy storyline that bookends them together. Although the characters of the four tales all live in different cultures, they all share a subculture of music.  Music is a cherished golden thread that connects every culture. 

The story of Friedrich and his family is set in Germany in the 1930s.  The rise of Hitler is happening, despite the good sense of many of his countrymen.  Within the Schmidt family, there arises a conflict of values.  Friedrich and his father value humanity with all of its differences, but Elisabeth has been influenced to believe in the emerging Nazi party and its purist ideals. Pride gives way to superiority in this German subculture. Thankfully, love for family is stronger than love for country. 

Mike and Frankie Flannery are not fighting for their lives against the Nazis, but as orphans during the Great Depression, their lives are just as at stake.  Basic needs such as food and a bed to sleep in were priorities.  However, the joy of their days were found in each other and music.  Their grandmother could not give them much, but she gave the boys the gift of music. Ultimately it was their musical ability that landed them the opportunity of a lifetime. 

The Lopez family is a migrant family that follows the available work in Southern California. As Ivy says, they were chasing “Better.” When they are given a chance for stability, they move to a new community, only to experience prejudice and segregation.  Ivy is denied educational equality with her white peers, simply because she is Mexican American. The very same country that her brother is fighting for and risking his life for in the World War is denying her her basic rights. 

In the book, music is a symbol for hope and healing. Music gives hope, and helps heal.  It is an ethereal theme throughout the entire book. However, it was not the only theme that permeated every culture. Love and devotion for family is shared by every culture as well.  

In Ivy’s storyline, the value of family extended to the value of community, both within the Latin American community and the Asian American community. The Yamamoto family, which is Japanese, helped their community, at their own personal risk. 

D. AWARDS & REVIEW EXCERPTS

ALA Notable Children's Books, 2016

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books starred, 03/01/15

Kirkus Reviews starred, December 2014: “A grand narrative that examines the power of music to inspire beauty in a world overrun with fear and intolerance, it's worth every moment of readers' time.”

Newbery Honor, 2016

Publishers Weekly starred, 12/22/14

School Library Journal starred, December 2014: “Meticulous historical detail and masterful storytelling frame the larger history, while the story of Otto and the cursed sisters honor timeless and traditional folktales. Ryan has created three contemporary characters who, through faith and perseverance, write their own happy endings, inspiring readers to believe they can do the same.”

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), 02/01/15

E. CONNECTIONS
A worthy thematic connection to associate with this book would be the magic of music.  Other middle grade books that carry that same beautiful message are Duet by Elise Broach, The Order of Things by Kaija Langley, All Summer Long by Hope Larson, and Playing through the Turnaround by Mylisa Larsen.