In Echo, Pam Muñoz Ryan shares three different stories of young people during World War II. Friedrich battles to save himself and his family from the influence of Hitler in Germany. As an orphan in struggling America, Mike fights to stay with his brother Frankie. Ivy faces the pain of prejudice and division that comes in wartime. The three stories are unique, but masterfully intertwined. Echo is excellent historical fiction with a hint of magic. The characters and their stories are as perfectly harmonized as the music they love. As usual, Pam MuñozRyan tackles difficult and somewhat dark subjects, but leaves her readers with hope and inspiration. This thought-provoking book is a good introduction to World War II for tween readers or more mature children. Recommended ages--11 and up