Friedrich, Mike, and Ivy all face situations in which they feel shame, fear, and confusion. In Nazi Germany, Friedrich is ostracized for his appearance. Music is his escape from the world, and when he plays the enchanted harmonica, he feels a sense of empowerment. When his father is imprisoned in Dachau, he finds unexpected reserves of bravery within himself, and hatches a plan to escape. Likewise, Mike faces shame because of his poverty, and fear because he may be separated from his brother. His harmonica helps him to channel his sadness and hope and gives him the courage to make a plea to Eunice. Finally, Ivy is worried about her brother Fernando, offended by her treatment as a Mexican-American, and unsure about whether to disclose the Yamamoto’s secret room. Emboldened by her belief in her musicianship, she weathers the difficulties at home and at school, making the best of all the situations in her complex life.

For all of these characters, music is a way to process difficult feelings, to comfort themselves in moments of shame or despair, and to gain the courage and confidence necessary to stand up for themselves and their families. The harmonica helps these characters to discover the reserves of strength inside themselves.