Discussion Questions for Echo by Pam
Muñoz Ryan
Lost in a
forbidden forest, Otto meets three mysterious sisters and finds himself
entwined in a quest involving a prophecy, a promise, and a harmonica. Decades
later, Friedrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania, and Ivy in California each,
in turn, become interwoven when the very same harmonica lands in their lives.
Each faces daunting challenges: rescuing a father, protecting a brother,
holding a family together. And ultimately, stories converge in an orchestral
crescendo.
1. The sisters say to Otto, “Your fate
is not yet sealed. Even in the darkest night, a star will shine, a bell will
chime, a path will be revealed.” What do you think this means to Otto,
Friedrich, Mike, and Ivy?
a. The Star of David
b. The bell in the shop for the
brothers
c. Ivy revealed the secret door
2. The harmonica brings beauty to the
lives of all who play it, even during difficult times in their lives. Can you
think of something in your life that brought you beauty during a difficult
time? Explain.
a. Looking for “good” in all the bad
things
b. Nature (sunsets, moons, etc.)
c. Pets
d. Music (audiobooks)
e. Books
f. Friends
g. Television
h. Being outdoors
3. How does the harmonica play a role
in the journeys of Friedrich, Mike, and Ivy? What is the reason that they each
pass the harmonica along? How did you feel when they send or give it away?
a. They found their passion then they
didn’t need it anymore
b. The instrument found its musician
c. They were ready to move on (it had
done its work)
4. Compare the lives of Friedrich,
Mike, and Ivy. How are their challenges similar and how are they different?
a. All stories of WWII
b. Ivy and Friedrich have physical differences
(birth mark, race)
c. Friedrich and Mike had lost their
mother and grandmother
d. They all had siblings
e. Music was around them all (F had a
musical family, M’s mother was a pianist, I found the music room)
5. How do Friedrich, Mike, and Ivy show
great bravery? Discuss a time you were brave. Did someone or something help you
be brave? Explain.
a. Friedrich – he spoke up and took a
train to try to release his father, so his Uncle wouldn’t
b. Mike – he talked to the foster mom
about taking his brother and not him
c. Ivy – she kept reminding herself that
not everything is as it seems
6. How does music affect you during
difficult times in your life? What are some of your favorite songs or types of
music to listen to when you are sad?
a. Play songs over and over
7. Friedrich, Mike, and Ivy are all
made to feel inadequate by other people. Do you think they would be treated
differently in today’s world? Why or why not?
a. Friedrich – maybe not have as many
issues today for his birthmark
b. Mike – poverty, orphan, maybe not be
in the foster system as much or as long if family takes in kids or other
services are given to families
c. Ivy – racial background might make
more of a difference in some suburbs then others
8. How do friends and family support
each harmonica owner to realize his or her musical talents? Has someone helped
you to realize your talents? Please explain.
a. Friedrich – his father and family were
all musical
b. Mike – he was supported by his
mother and grandmother, and then by foster mother
c. Ivy – brother and music teacher
supported her
9. Friedrich wonders if the audience
listens with their hearts. How do you think someone listens to music with his
or her heart?
a. If you love music, you listen with your heart.
b. Even if you don’t like it, you have
a response.
10. At the end of section four, what is
the significance of the last line? “…and connected by the same silken thread.”
How does that phrase echo the themes of the novel?
a. Thread of music…
b. Harmonica thread…
c. Music travels through time and is
played over and over (written over and over)
11. What frightened us the most?
a. The way family and neighbors turned
you in
b. The government policies