Echo

One very special harmonica changes the lives of three hurting children in the 1930’s and 1940’s.

Friedrich in Germany is the first to find the harmonica. It brings him hope and courage as he fights for his music, his dream, and his father, under Hitler’s regime.

Then Mike in Pennsylvania discovers the harmonica. It gives him courage to find a way to protect his brother, which may or may not include the woman whose agent pulled them from the orphanage just in time.

Finally, the harmonica enchants Ivy in California and plants a dream of playing music even though no one thinks she can, or should. It also helps her dream of a future with her family, and other hurting families around her, intact.

Their three stories intertwine in a beautiful way.

Put Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan at the top of your family road trip list. While I’m sure it’s a beautiful read, this book was written to be an audiobook! Music is interwoven throughout the entire story & the Scholastic production is fantastic. This is on my Audible wish list as a keeper to listen to again and again.

Highly, highly recommended for ages 8 and up.