2016 Newbery Honor BookNew York Times BestsellerAn impassioned, uplifting, and virtuosic tour de force from a treasured storyteller!Lost and alone in a forbidden 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, in turn, become interwoven when the very same harmonica lands in their lives. All the children face daunting challenges: rescuing a father, protecting a brother, holding a family together. And ultimately, pulled by the invisible thread of destiny, their suspenseful solo stories converge in an orchestral crescendo.Richly imagined and masterfully crafted, Echo pushes the boundaries of genre, form, and storytelling innovation to create a wholly original novel that will resound in your heart long after the last note has been struck.
Pam Muñoz Ryan is the recipient of the Newbery Honor Medal and the Kirkus Prize for her New York Times bestselling novel, Echo, as well as the NEA's Human and Civil Rights Award and the Virginia Hamilton Literary Award for multicultural literature for her body of work. Her celebrated novels, Echo, Esperanza Rising, The Dreamer, Riding Freedom, Becoming Naomi Léon, and Paint the Wind, have received countless accolades, among them two Pura Belpré Awards, a NAPPA Gold Award, a Jane Addams Children's Book Award, and two Américas Awards. Her acclaimed picture books include Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride and When Marian Sang, both illustrated by Brian Selznick, and Tony Baloney, illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham, as well as a beginning reader series featuring Tony Baloney. Ryan lives near San Diego, California, with her family.
Read an Excerpt
From THE SAVAGE FORTRESS:
Ash tightened his hold on the drainpipe and hoisted himself up. The pipe shook and leaned away from the wall. John had told him he regularly scrabbled up such drainpipes -- how hard could it be? But then John was half his body weight, even after all the exercise Ash had been doing. Arms and legs wrapped around the clay pipe, Ash slowly shimmied upward. The rough surface scraped against his skin, rubbing his belly raw. Cables brushed against his back, and Ash hoped he wasn't about to be electrocuted. But the wires seemed dead, and he found gaps in the walls to push himself the last few feet. With a grunt he heaved himself over the low parapet, dropping on to the flat roof. Holding his breath and willing his heart to quieten, he heard a deep, threatening growl. The drainpipe rattled, then tore off the wall and smashed.
Today marks the first anniversary of our Spanish blog, Aroma a libros, and its recommendations of exceptional Spanish content, reviewing both Hispanic authors and exciting translated works. As we celebrate the occasion and the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, we recommend building your reading list with these award-winning Hispanic authors. If you’re looking for the Spanish […]
It is a magical time to be a young reader. Epic standalone novels and sensational series are coming out left and right—and this month’s top picks are no exception. From uplifting sports novels to adventure stories filled with humble heroes and tragically misunderstood villains, this month’s selection of books for young readers is filled with fast-paced, crackling page-turners that will help kids’ […]
The ocean fascinates kids, whether they live within walking distance of the shore or in the middle of the country. Here are some great picture books to read with your kids as you anticipate visiting the beach this summer—or if you only plan to visit the ocean vicariously through the pages of a book.
Growing up, I was never a huge fan of fantasy. I just couldn’t get my mind wrapped around the fantasy worlds and vivid imaginations of the authors. As an adult, I’ve learned to stretch my imagination and accept the unacceptable as truth, and even grown to appreciate and enjoy the fantasy realm. But my favorite […]
Just Right Reads is a series hosted by Kamilla Benko, children’s book editor and author of the forthcoming The Unicorn Quest, featuring newly released middle grade books and Q&As with your favorite authors! Kimberly discusses what it was like to re-enter Ada’s story, shares which character is most like her, and reveals which character wasn’t […]
