Customer Reviews

Rich: A Dyamonde Daniel Book

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As a very smart and even more vocal third-grader, Dyamonde Daniel had a knack for finding adventures and treasures in unlikely places. The secondhand store was one of her favorite places to find little treasures, so she took her best friend Free there for a visit. He had complained about being poor after his dad lost his job, but Dyamonde knew he had a lot to learn about poverty, including the stories behind how some of those items wound up at the thrift store.

Even Dyamonde had a lesson to learn about being poor and rich, and it came from the very quiet girl in their class who never raised her hand until the day the teacher asked which students wanted to enter a poetry contest that offered a $100 grand prize. This girl never ate anything at lunchtime and she lived in an unfamiliar building close to the secondhand store. She had a story to tell, and Dyamonde took it upon herself to coax the story out.

Acclaimed author Nikki Grimes has delivered another winning combination of spunky characters, a sweet story, and powerful lessons. This short novel offers a nice opportunity to discuss how children are affected by difficult economic circumstances and how they can find support in the community. The book should charm and inspire a wide readership.

This is the second book in the Dyamonde Daniel early chapter series by award winning author Nikki Grimes. The first book Make Way by Dyamonde Daniel came out earlier this year.

The local library is sponsoring a poetry contest. The winner gets a check for a hundred dollars. Poetry isn't Dyamonde's thing so she won't enter the contest. Though her best friend Free is exicted and will try to win the cash prize. Dyamonde took the time to notice the other students who signed up for the contest. One girl is particular caught her attention, Damaris Dancer. Dyamonde, is determined to learn more this shy girl, who finally raised her hand. Dyamonde learns Damaris secret by accident while out shopping with her mom. Damaris's family lives in a shelter.

After Dyamonde promises not to tell the two become good friends. Dyamonde surprises Damaris with a book of poems. Eloise Greenfield's "Honey I Love" ( I did a little squeal when I saw this. Kudos to the author for seamlessly slipping in this wonderful classic) Free gets along very well with Damaris as well. The three have great friendship chemistry. One of the books strengths is the dialogue between the friends.

Dyamonde convinces Damaris to write a poem about living in a shelter. Damaris wins the contest. There is more to Rich, than Dyamonde having a new friend who happens to live in a shelter. This is a wonderful series. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, and with this follow up book I've discovered new things to love. Ages 7up

In this second installment of the Dyamonde Daniel series, author Nikki Grimes shares with us another one of Dyamonde's adventures. Dynamic and outgoing, Dyamonde has a knack for finding treasures and making friends.

In this episode, Dyamonde takes her best friend, Free, to the secondhand store after Free complains he's poor. He wants something that costs $100, but his parents can't afford it as his dad just lost his job. Dyamonde tells him he's not poor, but he just can't buy everything he wants. Free finds that he has a lot to learn about poverty and treasures.

At first, Free is not too impressed with what he sees at the store. He asks, "Why would I want stuff other people threw away when I could buy something new?" Dyamonde responds, "...how do you know these things were thrown away?" She goes on to say, "It's not just old stuff, Free. Everything has a story. That's what makes it a treasure." Dyamonde visits the store about once a week. On this trip, she finds a wooden box for her rock collection. Free, despite his initial reluctance, spots a big jar of marbles and is now hooked on finding treasures.

When their teacher announces that the local library is sponsoring a writing contest with a first place prize of $100, Free is quick to raise his hand for an entry form. So does Damaris, the quietest girl in the class. Dyamonde knows why Free wants to win the contest, but she isn't sure about Damaris's participation. In fact, she doesn't know much about Damaris at all except that Damaris doesn't eat anything at lunchtime. Dyamonde wants to find out why, along with where Damaris lives. Of course, Dyamonde is determined to learn Damaris's story. And as she does, she also learns about homelessness and treasures of a different sort.

Damaris ends up writing a poem about home that redefines what "home" is, and Free pens one about nature. I won't tell you who wins the writing contest; you'll have to read the book to find that out.

This is a story about friendship, homelessness, poverty and being "rich" in things that can't be measured in dollars and cents. Nikki Grimes's writing style is fast-paced and dynamic, and her narrative rings true. I look forward to reading the next book in the Dyamonde Daniel series.

--- Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin