LSSL 5360 Module 6: Echo

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ryan, Pam Munoz. 2015. Echo. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780439874021.

PLOT SUMMARY

The story begins with Otto, lost in the woods and frightened.  He meets three mysterious girls and they embark on a quest involving a prophecy, a promise, and a harmonica.  Decades later, the harmonica appears in the lives of Friedrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania, and Ivy in California. All three children face hardships in life including orhpaned brothers, economic strife, shunning of cultural differences, and one locked away in an asylum due to a physical deformity, despite being a gifted musician.  All the stories are pulled together and intertwined with the story of the three sisters from the beginning into a masterful tale.  

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Munoz’s book is a work of diversity for kids.  With four historical settings, it is well researched and accurately portrays each time period and the issues dealt within their contexts.  The stories are thought-provoking and diverse as they contain the backdrop of Nazi Germany, a Japanese internment camp, and the striking difference between the privileged and the poor.  

With each story thought provoking and woven together by the harmonica music they build up to an unforgettable finale.   

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

New York Times Notable Book

Publishers Weekly Best Book

ILA Notable Book for a Global Society

ALA Notable Children's Book

*“The story of Otto and the cursed sisters honor timeless and traditional folktales [and] 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.” --School Library Journal, starred review

*“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.” --Kirkus, starred review

*“Each individual story is engaging, but together they harmonize to create a thrilling whole.” --Publishers Weekly, starred review

CONNECTIONS

With a similar setting and time period, readers interested in WW2 era in Germany should also read The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.  

Other titles by Pam Munoz Ryan also include

Esperanza Rising

Riding Freedom

Becoming Naomi Leon