Echo
Publisher: Scholastic
Year Published: 2015
Genre: Historical Fiction/Realistic Fiction/Fantasy
Reader Recommendation:
- Middle grades and up
- Readers with stamina (long novel)
- Appeals to boys and girls (stories from both)
- Readers who enjoy history and/or fantasy
- Readers who enjoy connected stories (intertwining of characters)
- Readers who enjoy music
Echo is its own kind of story. Combining historical and realistic fiction with a little bit of magic, it tells the stories of three individuals who are brought together by the hope and beauty of music. A mysterious harmonica lands into the hands of Friedrich, Mike, and Ivy, individuals from different places and time periods, and each with their own unique story. The harmonica becomes the only light among the dark realities of war, fear, and despair the characters face.
Why Echo?
Echo, a story that is wonderfully crafted and pieced together, exemplifies the power of the human spirit amidst adversity. The story takes readers on a journey through the time period of The Holocaust and World War II and how different characters were affected depending on where they lived. We start with Friedrich, a German boy impacted by The Holocaust as he and his father struggle to accept his sister’s joining of the Hitler Youth and end with Ivy, whose family struggles to adapt in Southern California as Americans try to process the attack of Pearl Harbor. This story both teaches children about the historical events of the time while giving them an unforgettable tale about three kids who are fighting to have a bright future.
Themes:
Power of Music: Music gives hope to characters who at times feel like they are in hopeless situations. Music provides a way out, an escape from reality.
Hope: Each character hopes for a better life and better future. The harmonica offers this hope.
War: Each character is from a different place and in a different time period of World War II. This book addresses the Holocaust in Germany as well as the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Feeling Marginalized: Characters all struggle with feeling unwanted and like outcasts of society. They seek to escape this cycle. The harmonica makes them feel different.
Destiny: Despite their harsh realities, the magical story behind their harmonica promises them a different fate. Characters are able to rise to their full potential due to their intertwined destinies.
Echo would fit in a multitude of units: history/war impact, power of human spirit, destiny, etc.
Teaching Echo:
Compare and Contrast: Have students create Venn diagrams connecting the characters traits and stories.
Jigsaw: Have students research different historical aspects included in the book. Have students then team up in small groups to teach one another about what they found.
Incorporating Music: Layer the content of the book with the music mentioned in the novel. Have kids listen to the songs referenced and journal about what they hear.
Discussion: Talk about how the characters overcome adversity. What does it take to do this? What qualities do these characters posses that help them do this? Use examples from the text.
Additional Resources:
Author Website: http://www.pammunozryan.com/
Author interview, discussion guide, reader's theater scripts
Scholastic:
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/discussion-guide-novels-pam-mu%C3%B1oz-ryan
Discussion Guide and Story Behind Echo
One Teacher's Story of Using Echo in the Classroom:
http://www.booksourcebanter.com/2016/02/29/14062/
Google Cultural Institute: Holocaust- Take a virtual field trip with your classroom
Experience the Music of Echo (Brahms' Lullaby on the Harmonica):
Quick Summary from Pam Munoz Ryan:
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