Dyamonde misses her best friend, Alisha, who she had to leave behind in Brooklyn. Now she lives with her mom in Washington Heights, and she hasn't found a new best friend yet. New kid Free doesn't seem like a good candidate at first - he is grumpy and growly - but when Dyamonde stands up to him/gets to know him better, she finds they have a lot in common.

A super quick read with lots of spunk and promise.

Quotes

"You really don't care what people think."
"About what?"
"About sitting with me. About anything."
"Why should I?" asked Dyamonde. "I know what I think, and that's enough."
Free just shook his head.
"You can't do things or not do things just 'cause somebody else thinks you should." (55) ( )

Dyamonde is a spirited girl that is fun to root for, and I like that this series keeps a very positive tone while addressing some of the big stuff kids deal with.

This first book in a series could stand alone but Dyamonde Daniel is exactly the type of character you'll want to keep in your life. She's confident, smart, spunky, friendly, down to earth---and she'll tell you so!
After moving to the Bronx from Brooklyn when her parents divorced, Dyamonde has had to make some changes adapting to her new neighborhood. She hasn't been the new girl long before a new boy moves in and the story now becomes about more than just Dyamonde's personal growth. Written in short chapters and at just over 100 pages, this illustrated chapter book is highly accessible and easy to read. The illustrations, done simply in broad strokes of blank ink, are excellent and add important perspective to the story.

children's fiction/beginner chapter books. I really liked Dyamonde's character, and wish that the kids would all read these instead of Junie B. So far the series hasn't taken off yet, though, at least not at my branch. ( )

Source: Denver Public Library recommended reads
Age Range: 6-11
Evaluation of Quality: Nikki Grimes vibrantly describes the inner city life and the memorable and assertive protagonist, Dyamonde, in this story about working past first impressions and making new friends.
Assessment of potential use: I would use this book in school curriculum because there are many lessons and positive conversion starters that can be gleaned from this book.
Assessment of appeal to children: This book portrays African American characters and communities in a positive and non-stereotypical way that relates to the lived experience of many children.