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Dyamonde Daniel #1
Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel
Dyamonde Daniel may be new in town, but that doesn't stop her from making a place for herself in a jiffy. With her can-do attitude and awesome brain power she takes the whole neighborhood by storm. The only thing puzzling her is the other new kid in her class. He's awfully grouchy - but Dyamonde's determined to get to the bottom of his frowning attitude and make a friend. Readers will fall in love with Dyamonde Daniel, the spirited star of a new series by Nikki Grimes. With her upbeat, take-charge attitude, Dyamonde is a character to cheer for - and the fun, accessible storytelling will hook kids from the first page.
74 pages, Hardcover
First published February 29, 2000
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April 21, 2009
Early chapter books are a pistol. You'd think they were printed on pages of silver and gold the way publishers dole them out on their lists. For those kids transitioning from early readers to 200+ page tomes, early chapter books are hugely important. So when I find a good one I latch onto it my teeth, lock my jaw, and don't let go. Sadly, of these books I could probably count on one hand the number of early chapter readers that star characters that are contemporary African-Americans. Let's see, books by Ann Cameron, Karen English, and now Nikki Grimes. Meet Dyamonde Daniel. You'll be happy that you did.
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. What she really wants and needs is a best friend, and there don't appear to be any takers in her new school. Then, one day, another new kid comes to her class, and his name is Free. The problem? Free is just the grumpiest, mopiest, rudest kid Dyamonde has ever met. Before she knows it, she's interested in what his problem is. And in a mere 74 pages she has not only cheered him up, she's found herself an unexpected new friend.
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. 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. Dyamonde has slept on the couch ever since her parents split up and her mom had to move to Washington Heights. The book deals with issues like unemployment, divorce, lack of apartment space, and having to move in with relatives. At the same time, this is not an "issue book". It's having too much fun to wallow in any misery. It does things that other books for this reading level fail to do too. I mean, when was the last time you read an early chapter reader that discussed whether or not a name like "Reed" was the kind of name you'd see on a black kid? We need books with different points of view in our collections. In this way, Dyamonde delivers.
I hate the term "sassy". This is unfortunate when I read books like Sassy: Little Sister Is Not My Name. It would also be a problem here. That is, if Grimes ever pulled that word out of her repertoire. But as it happens, the term is never invoked. Dyamonde may be outspoken and sometimes on the cusp of rude, but that pseudo-cute word "sassy" would rob her of her power if you ever used it on her. She's extraordinary, super smart, and observant. Far preferable, I assure you.
For such a slim little book, Grimes manages to tell a succinct, smart story with plenty of character development and change. Some of the writing choices struck me as surprising, though. For example, the point of view pulls a sudden switcheroo roundabout page 44, which I thought was interesting. Most of the book is written from Dyamonde's perspective, but at least once we suddenly make a leap into Free's noggin as well. It's a bit peculiar, and wholly unexpected though it's not the last time we get a peek into his brain. I suspect it's Ms. Grimes's way of getting to the nut of the matter in as short a time as possible. Kids won't notice it much, but for adults it may prove to be blink-worthy.
Now let me tell you a little something about Ms. Nikki Grimes. First off, her fans are dedicated souls, each and every one. I had a mother in my library the other day that was desperate for Nikki Grimes books beyond The Road to Paris. Anything would do. I ended up having to hand her some Sheila Moses and Jackie Woodson instead since Ms. Grimes has only written a couple middle grade novels. I suppose that had the opportunity presented itself I could have mentioned Dyamonde Daniel though this series is a bit young for the kid ready for Paris.
Now, I'll admit to you that when it comes to interior illustrations there are some artists that do it for me and some that don't. And while I respect R. Gregory Christie, his pictures just aren't the ones I instantly gravitate to when I read a book. So I don't feel qualified to critique his work here. I'll just say that the book is filled with his interior pictures, and that he'll often illustrate a chapter opening with images of what's to come within that chapter.
With its petite size, Grimes packs a wallop of a punch with the opening of this series. Sweet and short with a point of view and voice you aren't liable to find anywhere else. The first sentence in this book is right on the money. "Dyamonde Daniel was a gem waiting to be discovered." Find her on your own.
For ages 7-10.
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. What she really wants and needs is a best friend, and there don't appear to be any takers in her new school. Then, one day, another new kid comes to her class, and his name is Free. The problem? Free is just the grumpiest, mopiest, rudest kid Dyamonde has ever met. Before she knows it, she's interested in what his problem is. And in a mere 74 pages she has not only cheered him up, she's found herself an unexpected new friend.
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. 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. Dyamonde has slept on the couch ever since her parents split up and her mom had to move to Washington Heights. The book deals with issues like unemployment, divorce, lack of apartment space, and having to move in with relatives. At the same time, this is not an "issue book". It's having too much fun to wallow in any misery. It does things that other books for this reading level fail to do too. I mean, when was the last time you read an early chapter reader that discussed whether or not a name like "Reed" was the kind of name you'd see on a black kid? We need books with different points of view in our collections. In this way, Dyamonde delivers.
I hate the term "sassy". This is unfortunate when I read books like Sassy: Little Sister Is Not My Name. It would also be a problem here. That is, if Grimes ever pulled that word out of her repertoire. But as it happens, the term is never invoked. Dyamonde may be outspoken and sometimes on the cusp of rude, but that pseudo-cute word "sassy" would rob her of her power if you ever used it on her. She's extraordinary, super smart, and observant. Far preferable, I assure you.
For such a slim little book, Grimes manages to tell a succinct, smart story with plenty of character development and change. Some of the writing choices struck me as surprising, though. For example, the point of view pulls a sudden switcheroo roundabout page 44, which I thought was interesting. Most of the book is written from Dyamonde's perspective, but at least once we suddenly make a leap into Free's noggin as well. It's a bit peculiar, and wholly unexpected though it's not the last time we get a peek into his brain. I suspect it's Ms. Grimes's way of getting to the nut of the matter in as short a time as possible. Kids won't notice it much, but for adults it may prove to be blink-worthy.
Now let me tell you a little something about Ms. Nikki Grimes. First off, her fans are dedicated souls, each and every one. I had a mother in my library the other day that was desperate for Nikki Grimes books beyond The Road to Paris. Anything would do. I ended up having to hand her some Sheila Moses and Jackie Woodson instead since Ms. Grimes has only written a couple middle grade novels. I suppose that had the opportunity presented itself I could have mentioned Dyamonde Daniel though this series is a bit young for the kid ready for Paris.
Now, I'll admit to you that when it comes to interior illustrations there are some artists that do it for me and some that don't. And while I respect R. Gregory Christie, his pictures just aren't the ones I instantly gravitate to when I read a book. So I don't feel qualified to critique his work here. I'll just say that the book is filled with his interior pictures, and that he'll often illustrate a chapter opening with images of what's to come within that chapter.
With its petite size, Grimes packs a wallop of a punch with the opening of this series. Sweet and short with a point of view and voice you aren't liable to find anywhere else. The first sentence in this book is right on the money. "Dyamonde Daniel was a gem waiting to be discovered." Find her on your own.
For ages 7-10.
June 27, 2020
Nikki Grimes does it again! Another great book for students. This is about a sassy, confident little girl who is new in town. I think that it would be a terrific read for Gr 2-4 students. It is short as well so would definitely appeal to reluctant readers as well.
I believe that this is a series, so more to look forward to!
I believe that this is a series, so more to look forward to!
October 3, 2019
This is a cute short book. Dyamonde is an outspoken little thing lol.
October 22, 2017
In her search to find a new best friend and make the best of a tough situation, Dyamonde Daniels helps bring the antagonist Free out of his shell and into her sunshine. Dyamonde, a sassy, smart, and lively third grader shows what it takes to survive being the new kid, to be yourself and stand up for what's right. In defending fellow classmates from the wrath of Free, she starts to peel away his tough exterior and get to the source of his anger, which is sadness. Watching their friendship bloom and find similarities in each other is a breath of fresh air. Dyamonde overcomes her parents'divorce, moving, starting a new school, and making new friends with poise, wit and tenacity.
January 27, 2020
74 pages. Great story with lots of humor. Dyamonde is a feisty little 3rd grader who is fairly new in town. She longs for a best friend. She meets a new boy named Free who has a grouchy attitude all the time. She has to find out why he is so angry all the time. This realistic fiction book is full of situations kids can relate to. I think boys and girls will like it. Since there is a girl on the cover, boys may not go for it, but they should. I love the character of Dyamonde! She is fun and speaks the truth. She is direct. We need more of that. Bravo! Highly recommended for Grades 3-4.
January 18, 2015
This book was a lot of fun as an early reader. Dyamonde is a fantastic character, full of feeling (parent's divorce, moving away from friends) but also full of force. She's spunky as all get out. I want to be her friend. :)
April 3, 2018
It’s so hard (for me anyways) to find a decent early reader..let alone with a PoC main character, and decent writing.. and that’s not offensive ! Ah. Of course, Nikki would be the one to do it. Hard to LOVE this book as an adult level-wise because there’s only so much.. but I’m so very grateful this one exists and I’m glad to be able to use it with my early reader crew. Oh, AND — it’s the start of series. So if you get them hooked in the first one, you’ve basically struck teacher-gold!
Thank you , Nikki!
Thank you , Nikki!
August 30, 2018
My 3rd grade class enjoyed this story about friendship and finding your place in a new school or when facing change. Dyamonde is intelligent, spunky and courageous.
December 21, 2022
Great to teach with Because of Winn Dixie! A quick but effective read aloud
May 29, 2024
reading this with my 3rd graders and it’s so wholesome I can’t wait to discuss it with them
February 2, 2024
Fine book for guided reading with 3rd graders. Souadou and Emani loved it but Mason did not.
June 9, 2014
Dyamonde recently started a new school. She lives in a new apartment with her mom. She's getting the hang of things, but what she really wants is a new friend. Along comes Free, another new student, but he happens to be one of the most cranky, moody, grouchy people Dyamonde has ever met. But she's not giving up until she knows what's going on with Free.
I'm thrilled to have found Dyamonde Daniel. She is super smart, observant, and not afraid to speak her mind. Overall, she's brilliant. It's very difficult to find good, quality "midway" books for those transitioning from leveled readers to traditional (whatever that means) chapter books. It's even more difficult to find them representing a diverse population. And I'm not just talking about race, I'm talking about all the other issues that are brought up in this book that aren't made into "issues" for Dyamonde. I'm also talking about divorce, income, city living, new school, finding friends, paying attention to others, and more. All packed into a slim package.
Make way, here comes Dyamonde Daniel. You'll be glad you did.
Recommended, grades 2 and up.
I'm thrilled to have found Dyamonde Daniel. She is super smart, observant, and not afraid to speak her mind. Overall, she's brilliant. It's very difficult to find good, quality "midway" books for those transitioning from leveled readers to traditional (whatever that means) chapter books. It's even more difficult to find them representing a diverse population. And I'm not just talking about race, I'm talking about all the other issues that are brought up in this book that aren't made into "issues" for Dyamonde. I'm also talking about divorce, income, city living, new school, finding friends, paying attention to others, and more. All packed into a slim package.
Make way, here comes Dyamonde Daniel. You'll be glad you did.
Recommended, grades 2 and up.
October 28, 2018
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+.
October 20, 2012
I love this character and her presence in children's within children's literature does my heart good. And this is not to take away one thing from Marty McGuire or Ivy and the Bean or even Junie B. Jones, but Nikki Grimes gives us a plucky, third grade protagonist who has known the pain of divorce and being without many economic resources, but yet she finds her way around school, makes friends, and she has inclusion and empathy on her radar. Dyamonde seeks to understand the actions and feelings of others and I think this could be celebrated as a "Choose Kind" title.
August 4, 2014
Smart, funny beginning chapter book that I'll be suggesting for fans of Junie B Jones. Recommended to me by Emily, who also made this great Beginning Chapter Books Whose Lead Characters Are POC booklist. My next project: to read/order a lot of those books for my library!
August 13, 2009
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.
February 2, 2014
This is a story of a girl who is just a nice person. It's great to read books with nice characters.
Read
September 22, 2014Awesome! I love this series. It has a great message for kids.
February 24, 2015
A solid chapter book with a smart relatable heroine.
July 6, 2017
Categories/Genres for this class fulfilled by this book: Middle Grade Realistic Fiction
Copyright date: 2009
Estimate of age level of interest: 7-9 years
Estimate of reading level: 3rd Grade
Brief description: Dyamonde Daniel is new to town and there is another new child at the school who she tries to befriend.
Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book.
Realistic fiction consists of books that focus on real life either today or in the past. It has a story that could actually happen to a person and typically revolves around the main character trying to find his or her place in a group of friends, family, or society. Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel is a story about a girl who moves from Brooklyn to Washington Heights. She is going to a new school and has to make new friends. Along the way she also tries to befriend a boy, Free, who is also new the school. Realistic fiction also encourages readers to get a better understanding of life and the problems that people face day to day and, in turn, can introduce children to perspectives that may be new to them and encourage empathy. Dyamonde has a difficult time getting to know Free and feels like he is rude. She has to dig deep to find out why he is acting this way and learns that Free is concerned that his father does not have a job and he might move again. Dyamonde Daniel is also considered a middle grade novel in that its main character is a third grader and the focus is on the her struggle to make new friends and how move affects her immediate world.
In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience?
This book is perfect for second, third, and fourth grade readers! It is part of a series and that is always intriguing for readers at this age level. They will enjoy following the characters along from book to book. Middle elementary children will be able to make connections to Dyamonde and Free. Everyone has had to make new friends at times and knows how difficult and lonely that can be. Also, children who have moved to a new town and school with be able to relate to the emotions of the characters. Realistic fiction can be used to help children to understand that they are not the only ones who might have been through a certain situation, like starting over in a new place. Readers will also enjoy Dyamonde’s spunky attitude and will be intrigued to find out why Free acts the way he does.
Awards: None Found
Citations for published reviews:
Booklist, May 2009
Horn Book Magazine, October 2009
Kirkus Reviews, April 2009
School Library Journal, July 2009
New York Times, August 2009
Copyright date: 2009
Estimate of age level of interest: 7-9 years
Estimate of reading level: 3rd Grade
Brief description: Dyamonde Daniel is new to town and there is another new child at the school who she tries to befriend.
Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book.
Realistic fiction consists of books that focus on real life either today or in the past. It has a story that could actually happen to a person and typically revolves around the main character trying to find his or her place in a group of friends, family, or society. Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel is a story about a girl who moves from Brooklyn to Washington Heights. She is going to a new school and has to make new friends. Along the way she also tries to befriend a boy, Free, who is also new the school. Realistic fiction also encourages readers to get a better understanding of life and the problems that people face day to day and, in turn, can introduce children to perspectives that may be new to them and encourage empathy. Dyamonde has a difficult time getting to know Free and feels like he is rude. She has to dig deep to find out why he is acting this way and learns that Free is concerned that his father does not have a job and he might move again. Dyamonde Daniel is also considered a middle grade novel in that its main character is a third grader and the focus is on the her struggle to make new friends and how move affects her immediate world.
In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience?
This book is perfect for second, third, and fourth grade readers! It is part of a series and that is always intriguing for readers at this age level. They will enjoy following the characters along from book to book. Middle elementary children will be able to make connections to Dyamonde and Free. Everyone has had to make new friends at times and knows how difficult and lonely that can be. Also, children who have moved to a new town and school with be able to relate to the emotions of the characters. Realistic fiction can be used to help children to understand that they are not the only ones who might have been through a certain situation, like starting over in a new place. Readers will also enjoy Dyamonde’s spunky attitude and will be intrigued to find out why Free acts the way he does.
Awards: None Found
Citations for published reviews:
Booklist, May 2009
Horn Book Magazine, October 2009
Kirkus Reviews, April 2009
School Library Journal, July 2009
New York Times, August 2009
July 17, 2026
I really enjoyed reading Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel by Nikki Grimes. The story begins with Dyamonde Daniel and her mother moving into a new apartment after her parents separated. Even though Dyamonde misses her old neighborhood and friends, she stays positive and looks forward to meeting new people. On the first day of school, she notices a quiet boy named Free sitting by himself. While the other students think he is strange because he never smiles or talks much, Dyamonde feels sorry for him and wants to become his friend. She keeps trying to include him in conversations and games, even when he ignores her.
As the story continues, Dyamonde learns that Free lives with his aunt and uncle because his father passed away and his mother is unable to care for him. She realizes that he is not unfriendly rather he is carrying a lot of sadness and has a hard time trusting others. Instead of giving up, Dyamonde continues treating him with kindness and patience. She slowly earns his trust, and by the end of the story, Free begins to open up and accepts her friendship. Their friendship shows that people may act differently because of experiences we cannot see, and that kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.
As a reader, I really liked Dyamonde’s character because she never judged Free before getting to know him. She showed empathy, patience, and respect even when others did not understand him. The story felt realistic and reminded me that everyone has a different story, so we should not make assumptions about people. I personally can relate to that. My favorite part was seeing Free slowly become more comfortable around Dyamonde because of her kindness. The book sends a positive message about friendship, compassion, and accepting others for who they are.
As a future elementary teacher, I would use this book during a reading lesson or a social-emotional learning unit about friendship, empathy, and inclusion. After reading the story, I would have students discuss why Dyamonde kept trying to be Free’s friend and how her actions helped him feel accepted. Students could also create a character map, compare Dyamonde and Free, or write about a time they welcomed someone who was new. I think this book would help students understand the importance of kindness, patience, and looking beyond first impressions while encouraging a welcoming classroom community.
As the story continues, Dyamonde learns that Free lives with his aunt and uncle because his father passed away and his mother is unable to care for him. She realizes that he is not unfriendly rather he is carrying a lot of sadness and has a hard time trusting others. Instead of giving up, Dyamonde continues treating him with kindness and patience. She slowly earns his trust, and by the end of the story, Free begins to open up and accepts her friendship. Their friendship shows that people may act differently because of experiences we cannot see, and that kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.
As a reader, I really liked Dyamonde’s character because she never judged Free before getting to know him. She showed empathy, patience, and respect even when others did not understand him. The story felt realistic and reminded me that everyone has a different story, so we should not make assumptions about people. I personally can relate to that. My favorite part was seeing Free slowly become more comfortable around Dyamonde because of her kindness. The book sends a positive message about friendship, compassion, and accepting others for who they are.
As a future elementary teacher, I would use this book during a reading lesson or a social-emotional learning unit about friendship, empathy, and inclusion. After reading the story, I would have students discuss why Dyamonde kept trying to be Free’s friend and how her actions helped him feel accepted. Students could also create a character map, compare Dyamonde and Free, or write about a time they welcomed someone who was new. I think this book would help students understand the importance of kindness, patience, and looking beyond first impressions while encouraging a welcoming classroom community.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 17, 2021Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel by Nikki Grimes was such an amazing and cute book for children to read! This book is about a sassy but brilliant little girl who is fairly new in town. She is desperate for a best friend, but there does not seem to be anyone to fit that spot for her at her new school. One day, another new kid comes into her classroom, and he goes by the name Free. There is a big problem with this new kid Free, he is very rude and always seems grumpy towards everyone around him. Dyamonde comes to find out that she is actually interested in Free and wants to know more about him and why he acts this way towards others. Throughout the rest of the story she seems to cheer him up a lot more and even unexpectedly found herself her new best friend. This would be an amazing book for me to read and use in my future classroom to teach my students how to better adjust theirselves for school, and even how to not "judge a book by its cover". I could incorporate some great movement partner activities with my students and even other students in the school that will help teach them how to be kind and helpful to one another. I could challenge my students in my classroom to have at least five good deeds a day that they have done for someone before they leave school that day. Some examples could be holding the door for another student, complementing someones outfit, helping a teacher pass out materials without being asked, ect. I would want my students to take away as much knowledge from this story as they could to help make them better individuals and to be sure they know how to better transition theirselves and make others who are transitioning into school more comfortable.
July 16, 2026
Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel by Nikki Grimes is a great story for kids to learn about the power of friendship and how it can ease some of life’s greatest challenges. I listened to the audiobook, but this would still be a great read for 1st or 2nd grade students that are making the transition to chapter books. I feel like it’s definitely something they would enjoy and it would make their transition a lot smoother. One aspect of this book that I really like is that Grimes includes different types of family dynamics contrary to what you typically find in children’s books. This allows more kids to feel seen and represented in literature, and to be able to connect to someone similar to them. I also like how the author has the main character, Dyamonde, deal with common childhood struggles, such as the effects of divorce and finding new friends, and then finding a friend like Free who has dealt with similar problems. This part of the story can provide hope and encouragement to readers who may be in the same kind of situation.
From a teacher’s perspective, I could definitely see myself incorporating this book into some of my future lessons. There’s multiple ways to tie in this book, especially when it comes to teaching students how to describe a character’s traits and feelings, explain how supporting details contribute to main ideas, and draw conclusions. Both Dyamonde and Free deal with big feelings, but the language is still simple enough that it can be easily understood. Outside of this, it would still be a great book just to have on hand for yours students to read for pleasure.
From a teacher’s perspective, I could definitely see myself incorporating this book into some of my future lessons. There’s multiple ways to tie in this book, especially when it comes to teaching students how to describe a character’s traits and feelings, explain how supporting details contribute to main ideas, and draw conclusions. Both Dyamonde and Free deal with big feelings, but the language is still simple enough that it can be easily understood. Outside of this, it would still be a great book just to have on hand for yours students to read for pleasure.
July 15, 2026
I really enjoyed reading Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel. The story follows Dyamonde, a confident and kind third grader who has just moved to a new neighborhood. Even though she's excited about her new home, she has a hard time making friends at first. She eventually meets a quiet boy named Free, who seems angry and distant. Instead of giving up on him, Dyamonde takes the time to get to know him and learns that there is more to his story than she first realized. I liked seeing how patient and understanding she was, and I thought the friendship that developed between them felt realistic. The characters were easy to connect with, and the story showed that everyone is dealing with something, even if we can't always see it. It was a quick read, but it had an important message about kindness, empathy, and not judging others too quickly.
As a future teacher, I think this would be a great book to use in an elementary classroom, especially in grades 3–5. It would lead to meaningful discussions about friendship, empathy, making new students feel welcome, and understanding that everyone has different experiences. Students could write about a time they made a new friend or create character maps comparing Dyamonde and Free. This book would also fit well into lessons on social-emotional learning and character education because it encourages students to show kindness, be inclusive, and look beyond first impressions.
As a future teacher, I think this would be a great book to use in an elementary classroom, especially in grades 3–5. It would lead to meaningful discussions about friendship, empathy, making new students feel welcome, and understanding that everyone has different experiences. Students could write about a time they made a new friend or create character maps comparing Dyamonde and Free. This book would also fit well into lessons on social-emotional learning and character education because it encourages students to show kindness, be inclusive, and look beyond first impressions.
July 16, 2026
Author: Nikki Grimes
Title: Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel
Reader’s Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book because I liked the main character, Dyamonde Daniel, a lot. Dyamonde is a confident, smart, and kind 3rd-grade student who tries to make others feel included and cared about. In the book, when Dyamonde first meets Free, she asks him to sit with her for lunch, even though she thinks he's rude, because she knows what it feels like to be the new student. I always enjoy reading books about inclusion and friendship, so this book made me smile because both Free and Dyamonde found friendship in one another.
I think this book could be used in the classroom to help teach your students about empathy and showing kindness to others. In this book, Dyamonde had empathy for Free because she had been in his shoes before- being the new student at school and not having any friends. Because of this, she tries to include him, and eventually they become friends. This book could be a great way to help your students understand what it means to be empathic and its importance by hearing about how Dyamonde does it.
Nikki Grimes
Title: Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel
Reader’s Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book because I liked the main character, Dyamonde Daniel, a lot. Dyamonde is a confident, smart, and kind 3rd-grade student who tries to make others feel included and cared about. In the book, when Dyamonde first meets Free, she asks him to sit with her for lunch, even though she thinks he's rude, because she knows what it feels like to be the new student. I always enjoy reading books about inclusion and friendship, so this book made me smile because both Free and Dyamonde found friendship in one another.
I think this book could be used in the classroom to help teach your students about empathy and showing kindness to others. In this book, Dyamonde had empathy for Free because she had been in his shoes before- being the new student at school and not having any friends. Because of this, she tries to include him, and eventually they become friends. This book could be a great way to help your students understand what it means to be empathic and its importance by hearing about how Dyamonde does it.
Nikki GrimesJune 19, 2021
This book is a great read! Dyamonde Daniel is a third grader with wild hair and is "skinnier than a toothpick". She is completely unstoppable and even though she is young, she has tons of wisdom from her own life experiences. Not only is this book funny, but it provides insight on how to move on and get over certain situations that don't matter. Dyamonde has gone through a lot, but she was always a tough cookie. I have personally experienced my parents going through a divorce, along with a lot of issues Dyamonde dealt with. This helped me relate my issues to hers and enhancing the overall entertainment from the book. I definitely recommend reading this book!
As a future teacher, this book provides an entertaining and informative story to children. The author dealt with issues arising from divorce very well. I will definitely read this story to my students, providing them with insight and a better understanding of how other kids deal with this complicated situation. The main concept of this book is a great way for my students to understand some of life's unfortunate and complicated experiences. Not only does this book tell an incredible story, but it also catches an eye for entertainment and it has a catchy story that a lot of kids can relate to. Overall, it provides students with the ability to handle the ups and downs in more positive ways.
As a future teacher, this book provides an entertaining and informative story to children. The author dealt with issues arising from divorce very well. I will definitely read this story to my students, providing them with insight and a better understanding of how other kids deal with this complicated situation. The main concept of this book is a great way for my students to understand some of life's unfortunate and complicated experiences. Not only does this book tell an incredible story, but it also catches an eye for entertainment and it has a catchy story that a lot of kids can relate to. Overall, it provides students with the ability to handle the ups and downs in more positive ways.
July 17, 2026
Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel by Nikki Grimes is a very cute book about a sassy girl that just moved to a new neighborhood. Dyamonde makes a friend with her new neighbor, Free. Free is a shy and reserved boy. Dyamonde learns that Free has a difficult home life, so she treats him with kindness in order to make him feel comfortable around her. Her kindness strengthens their new friendship. This book is a great story about friendship, kindness, and not judging people before understanding what they struggle with.
As a future teacher, I could use this book in an English Language Arts lesson to teach my students about drawing inferences. I could have my students infer about why they think Free acts shy and reserved before the story mentions his difficult home life. I would have them identify the evidence they used from the text to support their inference. When we finish reading the book, the students would compare their inferences to the description of Free's home life in the book. We could finish the lesson by having a group discussion about how the evidence they gathered from the text helped them draw inferences about Free's behavior.
As a future teacher, I could use this book in an English Language Arts lesson to teach my students about drawing inferences. I could have my students infer about why they think Free acts shy and reserved before the story mentions his difficult home life. I would have them identify the evidence they used from the text to support their inference. When we finish reading the book, the students would compare their inferences to the description of Free's home life in the book. We could finish the lesson by having a group discussion about how the evidence they gathered from the text helped them draw inferences about Free's behavior.
November 16, 2016
Dyamonde Daniel is a girl with a lot of smarts and energy, but she's lacking one important thing: a best friend. She and her mother recently moved and Dyamonde started at a new school. When a kid even newer than her joins her class, Dyamonde is surprised to see how rude he is to everyone. She senses that there's more to this kid Free than meets the eye and she's determined to get to the bottom of it. It turns out that Dyamonde and Free have more in common than she ever thought they would.
This is a rather slight story, but one with a positive message of getting to know people before you judge them and finding common ground on which to build a friendship. There is a *severe* shortage of early chapter books written by people of color and also with protagonists of color, so this is definitely a series to know about. It's a series that can be useful in starting discussions and teaching about bullying and creating a safe place.
This is a rather slight story, but one with a positive message of getting to know people before you judge them and finding common ground on which to build a friendship. There is a *severe* shortage of early chapter books written by people of color and also with protagonists of color, so this is definitely a series to know about. It's a series that can be useful in starting discussions and teaching about bullying and creating a safe place.
November 13, 2017
Dyamonde Daniel is new in town and so is Free, a grumpy, rough around the edges boy. Dyamonde is determined to find out why the new kid is a bit of a bully. The author organizes this book by tying something that was said in the beginning of the book and brings it out again at the end of the book. The character, Dyamonde, says that good things come in even numbers at the beginning of book. The character struggles to find a friendship until she starts to dig into why a bully, Free, is acting the way he is. After she starts talking more with Free, they soon find out they have a lot in common. In the end, Dyamonde references the even number when her and Free are friends. The author uses the idea trait that finding out more about a person before passing judgement can lead to wonderful friendships. As a mentor text, a teacher can use the conventions to teach their students how an author writes a character's thoughts in their head. There were many instances that the author used italics to show the character's thoughts. Have students write a short story, where they convey a character's thoughts in their head.
Grade Level: 3 or 4
Reading Level: 3.7
Guided Reading Level: P
Grade Level: 3 or 4
Reading Level: 3.7
Guided Reading Level: P
April 23, 2020
This is a very good early chapter book for children. This story is about Dyamonde Daniel, a skinny third-grade girl with crazy hair. After her parents get divorced, Dyamonde and her mom move to a new town. Dyamonde is funny and smart, but she is at a new school and without a best friend. When Free comes to her class, the cheerful young girl takes on the challenge of getting to know the grumpy other new kid...and he just so happens to become her new best friend.
I've given this book 5 stars because it supports a character not usually represented in early chapter books. Growing up, I never saw African-American children represented in a book of this style (such as Junie B. Jones or the now popular Amelia Bedilia). This book discusses issues such as divorce, unemployment, and unconventional living situations, which are all a reality for many families today. Although it addresses these issues, it is not a book of sorrow or despair.
I've given this book 5 stars because it supports a character not usually represented in early chapter books. Growing up, I never saw African-American children represented in a book of this style (such as Junie B. Jones or the now popular Amelia Bedilia). This book discusses issues such as divorce, unemployment, and unconventional living situations, which are all a reality for many families today. Although it addresses these issues, it is not a book of sorrow or despair.
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