Gr 5-8 "Long before enchantment was eclipsed by doubt," a young boy named Otto lost in the woods is rescued by three sisters imprisoned there by a witch's curse. In return, he promises to help break the curse by carrying their spirits out of the forest in a mouth harp and passing the instrument along when the time is right. The narrative shifts to the 20th century, when the same mouth harp (aka harmonica) becomes the tangible thread that connects the stories of three children: Friedrich, a disfigured outcast; Mike, an impoverished orphan; and Ivy, an itinerant farmer's child. Their personal struggles are set against some of the darkest eras in human history: Friedrich, the rise of Nazi Germany; Mike, the Great Depression; Ivy, World War II. The children are linked by musical talent and the hand of fate that brings Otto's harmonica into their lives. Each recognizes something unusual about the instrument, not only its sound but its power to fill them with courage and hope. Friedrich, Mike, and Ivy are brought together by music and destiny in an emotionally triumphant conclusion at New York's Carnegie Hall. Meticulous historical detail and masterful storytelling frame the larger history, while the story of Otto and the cursed sisters honor timeless and traditional folktales. Ryan has created three contemporary characters who, through faith and perseverance, write their own happy endings, inspiring readers to believe they can do the same.— Marybeth Kozikowski, Sachem Public Library, Holbrook, NY

When Otto meets three ethereal sisters, he has no idea that the harmonica they enchant will one day save a life. Decades later, the very same harmonica makes its way to America, and in three sections, Ryan tells the stories of kids whose lives are changed by its music: Friedrich Schmidt, in 1933 Germany, whose father is a Jewish sympathizer; Mike Finnegan, an orphan in Philadelphia in 1935; and Ivy Lopez, living with her parents in California in 1942 while they take care of the farm of a Japanese family who has been sent to an internment camp. The magical harmonica not only helps each of the three discover their inborn musical talents but also gives them the courage to face down adversity and injustice. Though the fairy tale like prologue and conclusion seem a bit tacked on, Ryan nonetheless builds a heartening constellation of stories around the harmonica, and the ultimate message at small things can have a powerful destiny resoundingly hopeful. Harmonica tabs are included for readers who want to try their hands at the instrument.

A boy is mesmerized by a story about three princesses trapped under a witch's spell until they save a life through a special harmonica. This story within a story is prelude to three more. Ryan's storytelling prowess and vivid voice lead readers through a hefty tome illuminated by layers of history, adventure, and the seemingly magical but ultimately very human spirit of music.

Would you believe that a harmonica can save lives? It all begins with a witch's curse on her three foster daughters. They will never find their way home until a musical instrument is used to rescue a life on the brink of death. Young Otto meets them when he gets lost in the woods. Later his career as a harmonica maker launches their way to freedom when one of his creations is touched with magic. Three children living during the World War II era unknowingly pass that same harmonica along to one another. Each plays not only with skill but also with a beautiful infusion of intensity and longing. Friedrich dreams of becoming a conductor but must first flee Hitler's Germany. Pianist Mike, an orphan in Pennsylvania, agrees to join the Harmonica Wizards to protect his brother. Excellent student and harmonica virtuoso, Hispanic Ivy misses an opportunity to play a solo on the radio and is then stunned to discover the depths of racism when her family relocates from Fresno to Orange County. Each of their stories ends in probable tragedy. Years later, their lives coincide in a tearful, joyous night of music.Resilient, smart characters refuse to give in to circumstances seemingly beyond their control. Ryan's stories never fail to touch the heart, but this one is also a resounding argument to maintain music programs in schools. To quote Ivy's music teacher, "Everyone needs the beauty and light of music, especially during the worst of times."Pam Carlson.