The Harmonica

Rating:
Summary: Mixed Feelings
Review: In our book club review, we were torn between the spiritual make-up of the story and the dispassionate characters. The underlying theme of overcoming adversity captured a sense of hope that survival was possible. While the book conveyed a message of hope, we found it difficult to connect with the boy and his family. We needed to feel more of an emotional bond with the character in order to sympathize with the boys courage to carry on. The illustrations set the somber tone of the era. We would recommend this book to be used with older students as an introduction to a unit on the Holocaust.

Rating:
Summary: The Harmonica
Review: This picture book is based on the true story of a Holocaust survivor, who is torn away from his family at an early age. His harmonica keeps his connection to his parents alive and the memories they shared.
The content of this picture book is of serious nature,and provides realistic images of what the boy has to endure during his time at the concentration camp. It is not recommended for children under 10.
The book is very dark and quite grim. However, the language in the story has a lyrical flow and the word choice creates vivid imagery. A read aloud of this story leaves the reader with an eerie feeling.
The illustrations complement the message from the text and reflect the boy's memories and feelings.
--Vance 202

Rating:
Summary: The Harmonica
Review: This picture book is based on the true story of a Holocaust survivor, who is torn away from his family at an early age. His harmonica keeps his connection to his parents alive and the memories they shared.
The content of this picture book is of serious nature,and provides realistic images of what the boy has to endure during his time at the concentration camp. It is not recommended for children under 10.
The book is very dark and quite grim. However, the language in the story has a lyrical flow and the word choice creates vivid imagery. A read aloud of this story leaves the reader with an eerie feeling.
The illustrations complement the message from the text and reflect the boy's memories and feelings.
--Vance 202