It does things that other books for this reading level fail to do too. It’s having too much fun to wallow in any misery. At the same time, this is not an 'issue book'. The book deals with issues like unemployment, divorce, lack of apartment space, and having to move in with relatives. Dyamonde has slept on the couch ever since her parents split up and her mom had to move to Washington Heights. What I like about Dyamonde Daniel is that this isn’t a story about some girl who lives in the suburbs and has her own room and puppy. I don’t mean to make broad generalizations, but when reading early chapter books there are certain ideas and themes that just don’t make an appearance all that often. And in a mere 74 pages she has not only cheered him up, she’s found herself an unexpected new friend. Before she knows it, she’s interested in what his problem is. The problem? Free is just the grumpiest, mopiest, rudest kid Dyamonde has ever met.

Then, one day, another new kid comes to her class, and his name is Free. What she really wants and needs is a best friend, and there don’t appear to be any takers in her new school. She’s a third grader with 'wild-crazy hair' and who happens to be 'skinnier than half a toothpick.' She’s also brilliant and fun, but Dyamonde Daniel has a definite problem on her hands.

Make way for dyamonde daniel