4.36 avg rating — 47,596 ratings

"Three cheers for author, Pam Munoz Ryan, on an exceptional piece of literature for children and young adults, ECHO.

Not only is this a piece of historical fiction but it also has a magical flavor woven into its 585 pages. At the start of the story, little Otto buys a book and harmonica from a traveling Gypsy. As he begins to read the book about three sister’s under a witch’s spell, this magical story comes to life! He learns that he has a role in the story’s unwritten "blank pages" as three more stories begin to unfold -- all woven together by a silken thread of destiny -- about Friedrich (1933) living in Germany during the rise of Nazi power; Michael (1935) living in an Pennsylvania orphanage during the Great Depression, and Ivy (1941) living in a California barrio. Music gives all these main characters the strength to take refuge from their troubles, gain strength, and protect their loved ones.

Ryan uses the harmonica to travel throughout these stories, bringing peace and happiness, solace and comfort to all of her characters. Otto, Friedrich, Michael, and Ivy lives are all impacted by the same harmonica. The reader sees this, yet the characters may never know!

Though there are some powerfully difficult times in history covered in this book, Ryan keeps her story on a gentle, positive note, worthy of readers in 4th grade up! Through the harmonious use of music and lyrical language, she weaves together a story rich in family bond, bravery, human and racial tolerance, and kindness to all.

For the reader wanting more, once this beautiful story has concluded, here’s a list of historical topics from the book to research: Nazi youth groups and WWII; orphanages during the Great Depression; California migrant farm laborers, Japanese Internment Camps, institutional racism and Mexican American education; the Hohner harmonica and the Harmonica Band Movement of the 1920s and 30s.

Congratulations, Pam Munoz Ryan! "

4.49 avg rating — 116,260 ratings

"Amazing piece of historical fiction. Explains war so well for even a fourth grader to understand, question, and never forget. Not only does the author share amazing information about World War II but she also details the battles occurring within each character with spitfire intensity! Expecting to see this book reach the top of countless best book award lists in children's literature!"

3.89 avg rating — 6,951 ratings

"Listen, Slowly has countless positive messages for all ages. This book is worth reading again and again. It's funny, serious, compassionate, and informative! It does read like an excellent travel guide! I have known many people from Vietnam and have heard their personal stories. This book parallels their stories and adds further explanations to a beautiful culture. I admire the respect given to elders by the Vietnamese culture. Great book...best wishes toward Newbery gold or silver!
"

3.94 avg rating — 37,270 ratings

"Given time, this book (and series) may rise to popularity as the Harry Potter series has done with children, young adults, and grownups! Serafina and the Black Cloak describes a world filled with good verses evil spirits. Good wins!

Very respectfully,this story merges a world of human and catamount souls in a believable fashion. Though mystical and magical, the story seems so real. The unusual looking main character, Serafina, comes to understand herself in this story. The author sums it up, beautifully, "It didn't matter if she had eight toes or ten, amber eyes or blue. What mattered was what she set out to do." She wondered in the days ahead, what new skills she could learn and what new things she would see. She wants to keep the world clean and good and safe - rid of all the evil, dirty RATS! What a shining example she is for us all!

Worth the read! Worth many awards and accolades in the days to come!"

4.04 avg rating — 9,204 ratings

4.31 avg rating — 2,817 ratings

"Amazing book! Should be required reading for grades 6 and up! Very eye-opening that humanity can be so cruel through the ages! What an amazing person, Fannie Lou Hamer! Newbery worthy!"