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bickie's review against another edition
4.0
Dyamonde is a new 3rd grader, having moved to Washington Heights from Brooklyn when her parents got divorced. She loves math, especially even numbers. The good news is that she and her mom make 2, an even number. The bad news is that she, her mom, her dad, and her best friend Alisha used to make 4. Over time, Dyamonde decides to stand up to another new student, Free, who stomps around school running into little kids, all of whom are terrified of him. They get to know each other and become friends. Best for ages 6-8, but also suitable for older and younger readers.
NOTE: This is a realistic fiction book with a black main character who seems to be in a predominantly black environment, and there is no mention of racism. While this is an important topic, it is nice to have a book about a child of color in which her color is not important to the story.
NOTE: This is a realistic fiction book with a black main character who seems to be in a predominantly black environment, and there is no mention of racism. While this is an important topic, it is nice to have a book about a child of color in which her color is not important to the story.
kristenremenar's review against another edition
4.0
Nice beginners' chapter book. Dyamonde is a strong, independent chick - not sassy, not silly, not over-the-top, just a smart, cool little girl who speaks her mind and doesn't let what other people think (a boy for a best friend?) stop her. Short chapters, believable situations. Nice.
sara_hudson's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book for the hole it fills. It is an illustrated chapter book aimed at readers who are rarely served by this category of books. Dyamonde is spirited, knows her own mind, and speaks it. A refreshing change for the shy girl trying to find her voice motif in so many other books in this category. The writing is snappy and the illustrations have an edge to them - making the whole book feel appropriate for older elementary school readers. I am thrilled that those readers have something pitched to them that isn't cute or young feeling.
antisocial_auntie's review against another edition
4.0
Saw this was one of the 3rd Grade Reading Challenge books so checked it out. Solid story, believable voices and situation, no talking down to the reader.
thowell's review against another edition
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.
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.
fallingletters's review against another edition
4.0
Annotation written Jan. 2018 for a course on children's literature.
Smart and confident third grader Dyamonde Daniel has just moved across New York City with her mom after her parents divorced. Now she’s attending a new school, wondering how long it’ll be before she makes new friends. When another Black student, Free, joins her class, she wonders why he’s such a grumpy bully - but she doesn’t let him get away with it. With a positive focus on friendship, Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel also casually explores how divorce and unemployment can affect children. The comprehensive themes yet accessible storyline make this a strong beginner chapter book. Age 6+.
Smart and confident third grader Dyamonde Daniel has just moved across New York City with her mom after her parents divorced. Now she’s attending a new school, wondering how long it’ll be before she makes new friends. When another Black student, Free, joins her class, she wonders why he’s such a grumpy bully - but she doesn’t let him get away with it. With a positive focus on friendship, Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel also casually explores how divorce and unemployment can affect children. The comprehensive themes yet accessible storyline make this a strong beginner chapter book. Age 6+.
megatsunami's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyed this early chapter book with a smart, tough, perceptive young main character who sees through a classmate's "mean" attitude and wonders what he is so mad about. I liked that although the main characters have gone through things like divorce, parent being unemployed, etc., the main focus still stays on the friendship plot.
zoes_human's review against another edition
lighthearted
3.0
Between her parents divorcing, moving to a different apartment, and being at a new school Dyamonde Daniel has a lot on her plate, but she simple has to figure out what's going on with the new Rude Boy. A great early reader story about problem-solving, coping with new situations, and making friends. Suitable for ages 7 to 9.