ECHO

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Munoz, P. 2015. Echo. Scholastic Press. ISBN-10: 9780439874021.

PLOT SUMMARY

Pam Munoz gives readers a beautiful story of perseverance, hope, and unity in the face of adversity. Echo is a wonderfully crafted story about the power of music. The main characters are young children from different backgrounds sharing similar dreams and misfortunes. Munoz delivers three different settings from around the world; Germany, Pennsylvania, and California from 1933 to1951. Children of similar ages are experiencing similar social injustices, from segregation, discrimination, war, and Nazism. The harmonica is a magical symbol throughout the story that is marked with an “M” to identify it as a messenger. The instrument protects, brings peace, and calms the characters throughout the story. The harmonica changes lives and saves lives as well. The story starts in Germany, makes its way to Pennsylvania and ends up in California. At the end, the harmonica magically brings all of the characters and backgrounds together to convey the power and triumph of music. All characters end up being successful musicians and live happy lives due to the magical power of the harmonica.

Awards:

John Newbery Medal 2016

Audie Award For Middle Grade 2016

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Pam Munoz is an incredible author with the ability to bring historical elements, fantasy, and social issues all together for one special purpose; unity in the face of adversity. Young readers will feel a sense of empathy, relatability, and hopefulness as they journey through the story Echo and make meaningful connections with the characters. For example, Friedrich Schmidt’s character will resonate with young readers who have distinctive features that make them feel discriminated against in their community. Also, Mike and Frankie are orphans that experience hardships along the way. Readers who are having family issues, will be able to feel a connection with these characters. And lastly, in California, Mexican and Japanese characters feel the struggles of being in a country where they experience segregation and discrimination. Fredrick, Mike, and Ivy are all main characters who experience situations of desperation, confusion, and discomfort. Munoz is sure to include social issues that will make impacting connections with the readers.   

EXCERPT REVIEWS

THE NEW YORK TIMES: “Long before the three stories came together in the book’s last, triumphant section, I’d been won over by the complex, largehearted characters Muñoz Ryan has created and the virtues — bravery, tolerance, kindness — that the novel espouses.” 2015

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Each individual story is engaging, but together they harmonize to create a thrilling whole. The book’s thematic underpinnings poignantly reveal what Friedrich, Mike, and Ivy truly have in common: not just a love of music, but resourcefulness in the face of change, and a refusal to accept injustice.” 2015

CONNECTIONS

Classroom Activity:

Reading Class- Read novel ECHO and work on summary, plot, main ideas, theme, and characters traits.

Writing Class-Students will write about a special instrument, song, or lyric, that has helped them through challenging situations.

History Activity- Students will write a timeline of the most important events in Germany and the US during the 1930’s to 1950’s.

Art Class- draw picture of a magical harmonica.

Drama Class-Students will reenact a scene from ECHO.