At a glance
Echo
Children's historical fiction
Echo
592 pages · First published 2015
Lost in a forbidden forest, a boy named Otto encounters three mysterious sisters and receives a harmonica bound to an extraordinary prophecy. Years later, the instrument passes into the lives of three children facing very different hardships: Friedrich, a German boy threatened by Nazi persecution; Mike, a gifted young pianist struggling to keep his younger brother with him during the Great Depression; and Ivy, a Mexican American girl confronting prejudice and injustice in wartime California. As each child struggles to protect those they love, music offers comfort, courage, and unexpected opportunities in a world often marked by fear and uncertainty. Their seemingly separate stories unfold across different times and places before converging in a moving conclusion that reveals the harmonica's extraordinary significance. Blending historical fiction with a touch of fairy-tale magic, this richly layered novel will appeal to middle-grade readers and adults who enjoy memorable characters, intertwined stories, music, family bonds, and hope in the face of adversity.
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Jump to the pours ↓Cerulean Lemonade + Bramble & Honey Mead
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No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Nazi persecution, antisemitism, and the imprisonment of a parent in a concentration camp; discussion of Nazi compulsory sterilization laws and the threat of sterilization due to a child's birthmark and medical history, without a procedure being depicted. Racism, ethnic slurs, segregation of Mexican American students, and the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Bullying, physical fights, mistreatment and exploitation of orphaned children, family separation, and emotional neglect. References to wartime deaths and injuries, including the death of a serviceman, and a child's accidental drowning. A fairy-tale curse and some frightening situations. Themes of grief, prejudice, fear, and uncertainty are explored in an age-appropriate but emotionally serious manner.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Cerulean Lemonade
Just as a simple harmonica holds unexpected magic, a splash of lemon transforms this blue tea into something wonderfully surprising.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.Shop specialty ingredientsButterfly pea tea ↗
How to mix it
- Combine butterfly pea tea, honey syrup, and water over ice. Add lemon juice last to shift the color, then stir.
- Garnish: Lemon wheel.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
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Highball glass ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Bramble & Honey Mead
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
Blackberry and honey evoke the mysterious forest of Otto's fairy tale and the sweetness of hope woven through three children's difficult journeys.
What you'll need
- 4 oz blackberry mead
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How to mix it
- Pour ready-made blackberry mead into a small wine glass.
- Serve lightly chilled, or follow the serving guidance on your chosen bottle. No mixing or garnish needed.
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