DigeeBooks

Audie Award, Middle Grade, 2016

Music, magic, and a real-life miracle meld in this virtuosic, genre-defying tour de force from storytelling maestro Pam Muñoz Ryan.

Lost and alone in the forbidden Black Forest, Otto meets three mysterious sisters and suddenly finds himself entwined in a puzzling quest involving a prophecy, a promise, and a harmonica. Decades later Friedrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania, and Ivy in California each becomes interwoven when the very same harmonica lands in their lives, binding them by an invisible thread of destiny. All the children face daunting challenges: rescuing a father, protecting a brother, holding a family together. How their suspenseful solo stories converge in an orchestral crescendo will resound in your heart long after the last note has been struck.

Richly imagined and structurally innovative, Echo pushes the boundaries of form and shows us what is possible in how we tell stories. With music by Corky Siegel.

Echo is a captivating middle-grade historical fiction novel written by Pam Muñoz Ryan and published in 2015. Set during the Great Depression in the United States, the story follows the journey of three resilient children, Otto, Frederick, and Ivy, as they navigate the challenges of poverty and embark on an extraordinary adventure to escape the hardships of their lives.

Otto, an orphan boy, and his younger sister Ivy live with their cruel aunt and uncle, who treat them as indentured servants. Frederick, a young runaway from a wealthy family, befriends Otto and Ivy. Together, the trio decides to flee their oppressive circumstances and embark on a cross-country journey to California, where they hope to find a better life.

As the children travel by train, hitchhiking, and on foot, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, including kind strangers, ruthless outlaws, and compassionate individuals who provide them with shelter and support along the way. Faced with adversity, the children learn to rely on their inner strength, resilience, and the power of friendship.

Throughout their journey, Otto, Frederick, and Ivy discover the beauty of the American landscape and the kindness of the human spirit. They also learn about the struggles faced by migrant workers and the harsh realities of the Great Depression. As they witness the plight of others, their own experiences take on a deeper significance.

Echo is a timeless and poignant story about the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Pam Muñoz Ryan's vivid storytelling and rich character development bring the Great Depression era to life, offering readers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of a bygone era. With its themes of friendship, hope, and the power of dreams, Echo is a must-read for readers of all ages.