The Harmonica

Nice Book

As a World War 2 infantry soldier and a harmonica player I find this book both heart wrenching and wonderful. My friends who died perhaps helped save the little boy by ending the war sooner. I was captured by the words "somewhere in the heart of the harmonica my mouth had found Schubert". I have felt that about the harmonica, that the music is in there waiting to be found. Sometimes I speak to high school and middle school students on Veterans Day. If that happens again I will read the story to them, including the short biography of Henryk at the end.

Picture books can often be read on multiple levels. The Harmonica falls into this category. Primary audiences will be able to see the horrors of the Holocaust through the eyes of the main character, an orphan who is forced to play his harmonica to appease the commandant of a concentration camp. This audience will also appreciate the way the boy is able to derive something positive from an abhorrent situation. This could easily lead to discussions relating to good vs. evil and how people can make a difference by making positive choices.Sometimes small gestures can have profound effects. An older audience will be better able to grasp some of the complexities of the Holocaust. The illustration of the commandant holding the whip while he enjoys the music demonstrates one of these dichotomies. Older readers will likewise be better able to grasp the underling reasons for the Holocaust and the behavior exhibited by the Nazis.

Every child should read I used it in my classroom during our historical fiction unit

I used the book in middle school language arts classes and the kids commented mostly on the illustrations. They brought meaning to the story and created an emotional tone that students were able to recognize.The story itself is similar to many from the Holocaust, but it is unique in it's own way and touching to adults as well as children.

Love this book. Beautiful companion piece to The Book Thief. I'm a teacher, and this book caught the kids' hearts and helped them see how music is the universal voice, much like the role of the accordion in The Book Thief.

Clear historical fiction text (mostly based on true events) with a relatable narrator; vivid and descriptive language. I read it with my fifth graders and it led to a great discussion since the details and setting are so simple, yet thought-provoking.

Box of hankies-get ready for this one. I can't even stop the tears now. Enough.

Excellent picture book for upper primary school - dark colour palette reflects the horror of the time. Children may be reassured to know the boy did survive (and you can even find him as an older man on YouTube talking of his experience and playing his harmonica).

Excellent for all ages although younger children would need some explanations along the way. Proved very good for WWll project work for school.

This is a simple story read in minutes, but a poignant reminder of human endurance and spirit in the face of overwhelming suffering and cruelty.