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Dyamonde Daniel is excited about the local library?s poetry contest, and so is her friend Free. The prize is one hundred dollars?just think what they could buy with that much money! But when they find out that Damaris, one of their classmates, has been living in a homeless shelter, their ideas about what it means to be rich or poor start to change. And when they get to know Damaris, they realize the one who could use the prize money the most also happens to be the best poet in class. In this fantastic follow-up to Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel , Nikki Grimes tackles big issues like homelessness in a sensitive, kid-friendly way. Dymonde?s can-do attitude and lively spirit will endear her to readers.
95 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
February 2, 2023
I think this would be an excellent choice for beginning readers that are moving from picture books into reading chapter books. It was short, straightforward, and easy to follow along with. The chapters were short, and it didn't have tricky vocabulary that children should get stuck on. I really liked how the author provided a page before getting into the chapters to introduce the characters to give me that background knowledge before jumping in. It also depicted a deep meaning that some children may live in a shelter and get made fun of or bullied for. Did living in a shelter change the inside personality of Damaris? No. Was she ashamed of where she lived and kept it a secret from fellow classmates? Yes. Once she opened up to Dyamonde about her living situation, Dyamonde made sure not to laugh at her. Dyamonde supported Damaris the whole way through and suggested that Damaris write her poem for the contest about her experience. Spoiler alert... Damaris' poem about living in the shelter won first place! Overall, I would recommend this chapter book to second or third grade teachers to read aloud to their class or have students read individually.
October 6, 2013
Rich is a tale about the spunky and kind-hearted character, Dyamonde Daniel, and her quest to befriend her shy and mysterious classmate, Damaris. Dyamonde’s best friend, Free, is thrilled to enter a poetry contest in hopes of winning a big cash prize. Damaris, who never raises her hand for anything, also enters the contest. As Damaris’s living situation is revealed, Dyamonde and Free both learn a lesson about what it really means to be rich.
This book explores the themes of friendship and monetary value. Learning that not all of one’s classmates are in the same socio-economic situation can be surprising to children. Children have often not ventured outside of their own socio-economic circle. Valuing friends for their character and not their possessions is an important lesson to learn. It is also valuable for children to appreciate what they have in life. This book examines these themes through the eyes of third-graders. This allows young readers to relate these themes back to their own lives.
Black and white drawings introduce each chapter of this book, stirring images of the characters in the reader's mind. The drawings give a peek into what is going to come next. The audience of this novel is approximately 7-9 years of age. The reading level is a grade level equivalent of 3.5. I would use this book for a read aloud. I think it would be a good choice for a read aloud because I feel it would be valuable for all children to think about others in less fortunate economic situations. It would be a useful tool to get all children to reflect on what it means to be a good friend. I could tie this book in with social studies when we are learning about other cultures and incorporate a class service project.
This book won the BELA Award (Notable Books of the English Language Arts) in 2010. The criteria for this award is, “Must deal explicitly with language, such as plays on words, word origins, or the history of language; demonstrate uniqueness in the use of language or style; and invite child response or participation. In addition, these selected books must have an appealing format, be of enduring quality, meet generally accepted criteria of quality for the genre in which they are written,” (http://www.childrensliteratureassembl...). I do think this book meets the criteria of the award because I believe children would eagerly participate in response to this novel. I believe the words evoke compassion in the reader. The dialogue is authentic-sounding and playful. This book’s message will stand the test of time; for there will always be differences between classmates. The ability to accept others regardless of their outsides is a valuable skill to have.
This novel takes a commonplace issue and makes it relatable to third graders. There is too much emphasis on money, possessions, and glamour in our society. This book will take a reader out of his classroom and into Dyamonde’s for a closer look into what is important in life. Nikki Grimes does this while maintaining a light-hearted tone filled with playful banter between friends. It is worthy of a read at any age.
This book explores the themes of friendship and monetary value. Learning that not all of one’s classmates are in the same socio-economic situation can be surprising to children. Children have often not ventured outside of their own socio-economic circle. Valuing friends for their character and not their possessions is an important lesson to learn. It is also valuable for children to appreciate what they have in life. This book examines these themes through the eyes of third-graders. This allows young readers to relate these themes back to their own lives.
Black and white drawings introduce each chapter of this book, stirring images of the characters in the reader's mind. The drawings give a peek into what is going to come next. The audience of this novel is approximately 7-9 years of age. The reading level is a grade level equivalent of 3.5. I would use this book for a read aloud. I think it would be a good choice for a read aloud because I feel it would be valuable for all children to think about others in less fortunate economic situations. It would be a useful tool to get all children to reflect on what it means to be a good friend. I could tie this book in with social studies when we are learning about other cultures and incorporate a class service project.
This book won the BELA Award (Notable Books of the English Language Arts) in 2010. The criteria for this award is, “Must deal explicitly with language, such as plays on words, word origins, or the history of language; demonstrate uniqueness in the use of language or style; and invite child response or participation. In addition, these selected books must have an appealing format, be of enduring quality, meet generally accepted criteria of quality for the genre in which they are written,” (http://www.childrensliteratureassembl...). I do think this book meets the criteria of the award because I believe children would eagerly participate in response to this novel. I believe the words evoke compassion in the reader. The dialogue is authentic-sounding and playful. This book’s message will stand the test of time; for there will always be differences between classmates. The ability to accept others regardless of their outsides is a valuable skill to have.
This novel takes a commonplace issue and makes it relatable to third graders. There is too much emphasis on money, possessions, and glamour in our society. This book will take a reader out of his classroom and into Dyamonde’s for a closer look into what is important in life. Nikki Grimes does this while maintaining a light-hearted tone filled with playful banter between friends. It is worthy of a read at any age.
February 17, 2021
I loved this book. A poetry contest is introduced to the kids and there is 3 winners that will get their articles posted in the newspaper and the 1st place winner will win $100. One of the most important messages of this book is that it doesn't matter where you come from or how much money you have. This book teaches children that just because you can't afford to buy something that you want does not mean you are poor. Another important thing that we see is that second hand things are not just trash, everything has a story.
March 21, 2012
Dyamonde Daniels is truly a treasure! “Irrepressible” is often used to describe young characters. In this case it is wholly appropriate. Dyamonde lives with her mother in an apartment in the city. She is your average, happy third grader. She is outgoing, determinedly friendly and positive. She is one of the most delightfully honest, intelligent, joyful young role models for children I have ever come across.
There are three books in the series: Dyamonde Daniels, Rich, and Almost Zero. In each story Dyamonde encounters real-life problems. First, she must break through the barriers of a withdrawn and sullen boy in her class by extending her unconditional friendship. Next, she realizes a new friend lives in a shelter and must figure out how to deal with both her friend’s circumstances and her inability to change them. The third book shows Dyamonde discovering the difference between needs and wants when it comes to material possessions, as well as gratitude for what she does have.
The wonderful thing about all the Dyamonde Daniels stories is their ability to address serious, difficult issues without presenting hackneyed or contrived solutions. Instead they provide a realistic–and still positive–way to both talk about and live with circumstances as they are. They are thoroughly enjoyable reads without being the slightest bit “preachy.”
The books are also an easy read. I think they would be appropriate especially for 1st through 3rd graders. Although I have not yet had the opportunity to read them aloud to a class, I definitely have it on my list for next year!
There are three books in the series: Dyamonde Daniels, Rich, and Almost Zero. In each story Dyamonde encounters real-life problems. First, she must break through the barriers of a withdrawn and sullen boy in her class by extending her unconditional friendship. Next, she realizes a new friend lives in a shelter and must figure out how to deal with both her friend’s circumstances and her inability to change them. The third book shows Dyamonde discovering the difference between needs and wants when it comes to material possessions, as well as gratitude for what she does have.
The wonderful thing about all the Dyamonde Daniels stories is their ability to address serious, difficult issues without presenting hackneyed or contrived solutions. Instead they provide a realistic–and still positive–way to both talk about and live with circumstances as they are. They are thoroughly enjoyable reads without being the slightest bit “preachy.”
The books are also an easy read. I think they would be appropriate especially for 1st through 3rd graders. Although I have not yet had the opportunity to read them aloud to a class, I definitely have it on my list for next year!
October 8, 2013
Rich is a book about Dyamonde, a spirited young African American girl, and her best friend Free, who wishes he had more money. Dyamonde and Free are excited about a poetry contest at school, where the winner gets $100 and published in the newspaper. Free dreams of the ways he can spend the money if he wins, but Damaris, a quiet girl in class enters for a different reason. Dyamonde is determined to figure out why Damaris enters and learns that there's more to life than being rich in money...its also about being rich in family and friendship.
This book explains what it means to be poor and homeless in a way that is easy for young students to relate with. The author does a good job exploring Damaris' character and gives insights that help the reader be more sympathetic those in need. It also emphasizes the importance of friendship and how it can enrich your life, no matter how much money you have.
Rich would be ideal for 3rd graders, as it uses age appropriate language, illustrations and short chapters to tell the story. Each chapter has a different border on each page, which makes it easy to find your place in the book and know when a different chapter is about to begin. The charcoal illustrations give clues as to what will happen in the next chapter and give the students a visual to associate the text with.
Awards:
2010 CCBC Choices list
2010 NCTE Notable Book
This book explains what it means to be poor and homeless in a way that is easy for young students to relate with. The author does a good job exploring Damaris' character and gives insights that help the reader be more sympathetic those in need. It also emphasizes the importance of friendship and how it can enrich your life, no matter how much money you have.
Rich would be ideal for 3rd graders, as it uses age appropriate language, illustrations and short chapters to tell the story. Each chapter has a different border on each page, which makes it easy to find your place in the book and know when a different chapter is about to begin. The charcoal illustrations give clues as to what will happen in the next chapter and give the students a visual to associate the text with.
Awards:
2010 CCBC Choices list
2010 NCTE Notable Book
November 16, 2016
In this second book in the Dyamonde Daniel series, Dyamonde gets to know Damaris, a girl in her class who lost her home due to eviction and now lives in a shelter. The local library is running a poetry contest and Damaris loves to write poetry. Dyamonde knows that Damaris will win the contest if she just writes from her heart, but Damaris is afraid to tell people the truth about living in a shelter.
This is a good introduction to homelessness at an early elementary level. Dyamonde is a character to emulate as she gets to know the kids in her class and finds things she has in common with them, looking past first impressions.
This is a good introduction to homelessness at an early elementary level. Dyamonde is a character to emulate as she gets to know the kids in her class and finds things she has in common with them, looking past first impressions.
February 6, 2019
I loved listening to the audiobook Rich: A Dyamonde Daniel Book by New York Times bestselling author, Nikki Grimes. The main character, Dyamonde Daniel, is a spunky, African-American girl living in an apartment in New York City with her mom. In school one day she finds out about a local poetry contest where the winner can wish a cash prize of $100. Dyamonde has no interest but her best friend, Free, is hoping to get rich so he can buy all the videos games he wants! She also notices a quiet, mysterious girl named Damaris showed interest in the contest. After school that day they go on a “treasure hunt” at the second-hand shop and see Damaris walking into a homeless shelter. As the story unfolds they begin to rethink what it means to be rich or poor.
When I first found the book on the Database of Awards Winning Children’s Literature, I wasn’t sure exactly how to pronounce the main character’s name. As I was listening to the book being read aloud to me I realized how to correctly pronounce both Dyamonde and Damaris’ names. Although I listened to the book, this book would be an easy, series chapter book suitable for children ages 7 - 9 years old. The text was easy to read and would appeal to early readers since there are occasional sketched pictures dispersed throughout the book. Homelessness is a somewhat controversial topic, however, author Nikki Grimes addresses it in a way that makes readers understand that “there is more than one way to be rich”. This text would make a great read aloud in a primary classroom in order to break the stereotypes of homelessness.
When I first found the book on the Database of Awards Winning Children’s Literature, I wasn’t sure exactly how to pronounce the main character’s name. As I was listening to the book being read aloud to me I realized how to correctly pronounce both Dyamonde and Damaris’ names. Although I listened to the book, this book would be an easy, series chapter book suitable for children ages 7 - 9 years old. The text was easy to read and would appeal to early readers since there are occasional sketched pictures dispersed throughout the book. Homelessness is a somewhat controversial topic, however, author Nikki Grimes addresses it in a way that makes readers understand that “there is more than one way to be rich”. This text would make a great read aloud in a primary classroom in order to break the stereotypes of homelessness.
September 10, 2025
Absolutely wonderful!
September 9, 2020
Rich is a book that discusses many different topics. It talks about what it means to be rich and poor and what the real difference truly is. It also talks about homelessness, understanding, and a big part is about true friendship. Dyamonde Daniel is a girl who really cares about other people and wants to know everything. She understands the difference between what it truly means to be poor or rich. When she finds out one of her classmates is living in the shelter she automatically wants to know why. She wants to befriend Damaris. Her and her best friend Free are always together going on treasure hunts. Free really doesn’t understand the difference between what poor and rich really is and she tries to teach him. Free does not know about Damaris’s home life. The three become friends and do all sorts of things together. Free and Damaris both enter the poetry contest. Dyamonde encourages Damaris to tell her story in her poem but Damaris does not want to be laughed out. Throughout the story it talks about many important topics that many books do not. Many kids don’t know or understand these topics. Some kids may relate to this book and love it because it’s a book that they can relate too. The book has a lot to do with encouraging your friends to tell there truth and teaching friends the difference of many things they may not understand.
February 28, 2023
This was a very good book with a good message. I loved the message this book conveyed. The message I gathered from this book was it's okay to be different and you should never be ashamed of who you are or the circumstances you are in. At the beginning of the book, Dyamonde tried to open up Free's mind that just because his mom won't allow him to get a new video game does not mean he is poor. She tries to make Free understand that being poor means you may not have life essentials such as food to eat, or a roof over your head and Free has all those things. She also tries to get him to understand that you don't need to spend a lot of money to get cool interesting things. She asks Free if he wants to go on a treasure hunt to which Free agrees. They go to a shop that sells things for cheap that may have already been used. Free is not a fan of this, but Dyamonde tries to excite him by letting her imagination take control of where these things Amy has been at one point in time. Free begins to get interested as he is walking the aisles with Dyamonde waiting for her to be done. Free gets excited when he comes across a jar of marbles. He runs to Dyamonde with joy at the marbles he has discovered that are only 50 cents and agrees that he will be back to join Dyamonde next time she returns. This goes to show that you can find exciting things at a cheap price and doesn't always need expensive things.
This led to turning this into reality when Dyamonde notices a shy girl in her class. Dyamonde was curious to know why Damaris was so shy and quiet so she wanted to get to know her more. When Dyamonde was out shopping with her mom, she noticed Damaris and immediately tried to get her attention. She saw Damaris entering a shelter. When they returned to school Dyamonde asked Damaris why she lived in a shelter. Damaris denied it at first as she was ashamed and embarrassed to admit she lived in a shelter. With the help of Dynamonde being so understanding, she opened up that she does live in a shelter and explains to Dyamonde why. Dyamonde finds Damaris at lunch one day and offers her some food after noticing she doesn't have any lunch. Dyamonde then goes on to ask Damaris if she likes poetry after noticing she entered the contests. Dyamonde suggests to Damaris that she should write about living in a shelter because people love stories they can connect with. Dyamonde helps Damaris to understand that it's okay to be different from others. She lets Damaris know that you should never be ashamed of your circumstances in life and always be proud of where you're from. Damaris gets the courage to open up which ultimately leads her to win the contest.
This story conveyed that you should always be proud of where you come from and that it's okay to be different and not have everything.
This led to turning this into reality when Dyamonde notices a shy girl in her class. Dyamonde was curious to know why Damaris was so shy and quiet so she wanted to get to know her more. When Dyamonde was out shopping with her mom, she noticed Damaris and immediately tried to get her attention. She saw Damaris entering a shelter. When they returned to school Dyamonde asked Damaris why she lived in a shelter. Damaris denied it at first as she was ashamed and embarrassed to admit she lived in a shelter. With the help of Dynamonde being so understanding, she opened up that she does live in a shelter and explains to Dyamonde why. Dyamonde finds Damaris at lunch one day and offers her some food after noticing she doesn't have any lunch. Dyamonde then goes on to ask Damaris if she likes poetry after noticing she entered the contests. Dyamonde suggests to Damaris that she should write about living in a shelter because people love stories they can connect with. Dyamonde helps Damaris to understand that it's okay to be different from others. She lets Damaris know that you should never be ashamed of your circumstances in life and always be proud of where you're from. Damaris gets the courage to open up which ultimately leads her to win the contest.
This story conveyed that you should always be proud of where you come from and that it's okay to be different and not have everything.
November 22, 2021
A great chapter book for young kids!
February 23, 2022
I liked this book a lot. I think it did a good job of showing the reader the feelings and thoughts of all the characters involved. While reading this book I felt bad for Damaris and her situation because she probably made fun of it before or didn’t want anyone to pity her. I think the characters all went through things throughout the book to change the way they thought. However, I don’t think it had a very conclusive ending that was very abruptly and not well rounded. It just ended with Damaris winning the contest and that was it. I would’ve like to see how she spent the money that she won.
February 3, 2023
In this second book of the Dyamonde Daniel series, we see how the meaning of being rich can be defined in a variety of ways and what someone who truly is poor can be going through. In this second book we see how Dyamonde’s friend Free gives a definition of the word rich that many of us do when we can’t have everything we want, even if it is unreasonable. Free wants a new video game, and because he can’t have it, he defines himself as poor. Little do Free and Dyamonde know that one of their classmates, Damaris, is experiencing what someone who is poor truly experiences. Damaris, Dyamonde, and Free are all a part of the same English class in which a contest occurs where the grand prize is $100 for a first-place poem. We see Free’s ideas of rich and poor come back into play when money is mentioned, and he becomes determined to get first place to win the money. Meanwhile we see Dyamonde take an interest in Damaris, who is a shy girl who is always reading. When Damaris raises her hand to get a flyer for the contest, Dyamond begins to wonder if there is more to Damaris then she knows. We see her inquisitness lead to a new discovery about Damaris that shows Dyamonde how though she may not be rich, she is certainly not poor. As the friendship develops between Dyamond and Damaris, and through Damaris’s poem, we see how being rich is not always about money, but rather your friends and experiences you have with them. The illustrations of this book also give readers an insight into what the characters are doing and what might be about to happen next. I think this book is a great choice for students to see the reality of what being poor is, and how being a friend to everyone can make someone’s life tremendously better. I would have my students read this book and compare it to how they think of rich and poor before and after reading.
September 17, 2021
Being bullied at school for how a person dresses, their interests, and personality is already tough enough. Imagine how tough it must be for someone who is homeless. In this book, there is a strong message of friendship and kindness. Dyamonde Daniels is prime example of a selfless and kind classmate who is curious to know more about her classmates and wishes them well-being. Not only does she not judge her friends for what they don't have, but instead tries to find them happiness. After discovering that one of her newest friends, Damaris, is currently living in a shelter and is into poetry, she goes on a quest to find items that would make her feel at home. Damaris is scared that her secret of being in a shelter will cause her to be frowned upon. Dyamonde wanted Damaris to trust her and know that she was in fact safe to vent to her. Dyamonde invited Damaris to become a part of her friend group and encouraged her to write a poem for the class contest, in which she wins.
June 6, 2013
In a culture that seems to be reviewing the legitimacy of the Civil Rights era and Affirmative Action in universities and the work place, Nikki Grimes "Rich" tackles a topic which is more relevant in 2013: homelessness. If one could make the argument that American culture has went from one in which race has been supplanted by rigidity of class structures in America preordaining the fate of U.S. children, then Nikki Grimes book is very well timed to discuss this uncomfortable topic. The author presents in children's voices that family, community, and education are the means by which poor children, of all colors and class backgrounds, can break free from their humble beginnings to a brighter future. Along the way, Grimes and illustrator R. Gregory Christie remind us that family and community and the relationships we foster and grow and not money are ultimately what makes us rich in this life. It is this value and point that the author drives home in this series book where Dyamonde Daniel meets homeless school mate Damaris Dancer.
This short novel is eminently readable and relatable to children. The characters: Dynamonde, Charlie, Free, Mrs. Cordell, and Damaris would be instantly recognizable to 3-5th graders. The kids fight, scheme, squabble, and laugh with each other. The drawings are R. Greogry Christie have a squiggly movement of line that matches the unbounding and rebounding energy that each character has with each other. Mrs. Cordell has announced there will be a poetry contest with the winner getting their poem and photo along with a story about them in the local paper. Of course, all of Mrs. Cordell's students have that competitive desire to be the best and win, and we hear Dynamonde and her best friend Free bantering in comic poetic discourse about why THEY will clearly win. It is a light hearted and genuine moment.
Meanwhile, Dynamonde notices that Damaris a shy girl barely raises her hand enough to catch Mrs. Cordell's attention. Damaris has never raised her hand let alone talk, so naturally Dynamonde's curiosity takes over. Who is this girl. After showing Free, the pleasures of clothes and strange items at the thrift store, we see Dynamonde finally convince Free of the advantages of bargain shopping. Dynamonde sees Damaris twice come out of a building, and upon the second time she recognizes Damaris and the words- shelter. The story moves forward in short chapters from there, and the reader hears Damaris' story of how she and her family became homeless, and the embarrassment that comes from extreme poverty. Eventualy Free, Charlie, and Mrs. Cordell will hear the real story of Damaris' secret living conditions and the authentic gift that Damaris brings to the class. Grimes short chapter book is a lesson in not judging a book by its cover and seeing how individuals can not help prevent alienation but draw those in most need back into a community through caring assistance. In an era, where poverty is even more present and yet seemingly hidden from American eyes, "Rich" reminds students that giving and caring grows the spirit and the mind while breaking the isolation of one individual. It is a lesson well taken, and one that needs to be told in the classroom.
This short novel is eminently readable and relatable to children. The characters: Dynamonde, Charlie, Free, Mrs. Cordell, and Damaris would be instantly recognizable to 3-5th graders. The kids fight, scheme, squabble, and laugh with each other. The drawings are R. Greogry Christie have a squiggly movement of line that matches the unbounding and rebounding energy that each character has with each other. Mrs. Cordell has announced there will be a poetry contest with the winner getting their poem and photo along with a story about them in the local paper. Of course, all of Mrs. Cordell's students have that competitive desire to be the best and win, and we hear Dynamonde and her best friend Free bantering in comic poetic discourse about why THEY will clearly win. It is a light hearted and genuine moment.
Meanwhile, Dynamonde notices that Damaris a shy girl barely raises her hand enough to catch Mrs. Cordell's attention. Damaris has never raised her hand let alone talk, so naturally Dynamonde's curiosity takes over. Who is this girl. After showing Free, the pleasures of clothes and strange items at the thrift store, we see Dynamonde finally convince Free of the advantages of bargain shopping. Dynamonde sees Damaris twice come out of a building, and upon the second time she recognizes Damaris and the words- shelter. The story moves forward in short chapters from there, and the reader hears Damaris' story of how she and her family became homeless, and the embarrassment that comes from extreme poverty. Eventualy Free, Charlie, and Mrs. Cordell will hear the real story of Damaris' secret living conditions and the authentic gift that Damaris brings to the class. Grimes short chapter book is a lesson in not judging a book by its cover and seeing how individuals can not help prevent alienation but draw those in most need back into a community through caring assistance. In an era, where poverty is even more present and yet seemingly hidden from American eyes, "Rich" reminds students that giving and caring grows the spirit and the mind while breaking the isolation of one individual. It is a lesson well taken, and one that needs to be told in the classroom.
February 22, 2022
There is more than one way to be rich. Money does not mean you are rich, according to the theme in the book. People can be happy regardless of money. Dyamonde Daniel is a very wise third grader who has a positive outlook on most things. She has a way of thinking. Shes an "outside the box" thinker. Instead of looking at things in one point of view she always tries to think of things from others point of view. Dyamonde has a great imagination, and she is a little nosey. The book is about Dyamonde, her friend Free, and Damaris. Dyamonde sees Damaris always alone and always reading a book. Damaris lives in a shelter and was ashamed to let anyone know. Dyamonde never judged anyone, and they became good friends. Free always was outspoken and had no regards for others feelings. He was a "blabber mouth." Dyamonde gave Damaris a pep talk about home and love. Damaris wins a poetry contest. It's a good story about accepting people no matter where they live or what they have. We can all be friends.
August 29, 2013
Bravo to Grimes for addressing some tougher topics so matter-of-factly and non-pityingly (this is not trauma lit) in a beginning chapter book that she makes it look easy. The first: one many might not think of as a tough topic, but one that I know is fraught with meaning for many who have grown up poor: shopping in secondhand stores. Dyamonde enjoys it, calls it treasure hunting, and can't imagine why you wouldn't want your clothes to have a past; her best friend, Free, is skeptical, but comes around after finding his idea of a treasure (not clothes, but a jar of marbles for 50 cents). The second: the fact that some schoolkids live in shelters, like Grimes's character Damaris, who runs from Dyamonde the day Dyamonde sees her walking out of a homeless shelter. Dyamonde's a thoughtful kid, while at the same time a direct one, never pretending away something she's observed. As she was at getting Free to open up about his anger in book one, in "Rich" Dyamonde's a natural at finding a way that feels safe for Damaris (who's tired of hiding but averse to anyone feeling sorry for her) to talk about her current life at the shelter. I liked this second book in the Dyamonde Daniel series even better than the first.
November 25, 2014
Best friends, Free and Dyamonde notice an add for a poetry contest with $100 as its top prize. Free is determined to win since he wants nothing more than to spend it on a new video game. Dyamonde has no interest whatsoever in entering.
During class and lunchtime, they notice a lonely girl, Damaris, who is quiet and seems to have a secret. One day, Dyamonde sees Damaris on the street and waves to her, but she quickly runs away...and into a building with "SHELTER" on the door. Now, she knows Damaris's secret. When Dyamonde tries to comfort her with words of kindness and friendship, Damaris finally smiles.
The three become inseparable and they find out that Damaris is a talented poet...and encourage her to enter the contest. But, what is even more significant is that Damaris writes about HOME and what it means to her now that she has lost her favorite place.
Rich: A Dyamonde Daniel Book is a book about friendship, homelessness, and what really makes one rich. An easy, early chapter book to ignite some discussion and reflection.
During class and lunchtime, they notice a lonely girl, Damaris, who is quiet and seems to have a secret. One day, Dyamonde sees Damaris on the street and waves to her, but she quickly runs away...and into a building with "SHELTER" on the door. Now, she knows Damaris's secret. When Dyamonde tries to comfort her with words of kindness and friendship, Damaris finally smiles.
The three become inseparable and they find out that Damaris is a talented poet...and encourage her to enter the contest. But, what is even more significant is that Damaris writes about HOME and what it means to her now that she has lost her favorite place.
Rich: A Dyamonde Daniel Book is a book about friendship, homelessness, and what really makes one rich. An easy, early chapter book to ignite some discussion and reflection.
May 8, 2014
Listening to the audio book Rich by Nikki Grimes was an excellent way to read this story. Diamond shares with Free that life doesn't always have to be about money. Free isn't too excited by this concept especially since he really wants a new video game. During school one day, they hear about a poetry contest where the first place winner can win $100. Free thinks this is an excellent way for him to be able to earn some $. Diamond befriends Damaris who loves poetry and also enters the contest. Diamond shares a secret with Damaris and promises to not tell anyone else until Damaris decides to share it with the whole world. Diamond, Free and Damaris learn throughout their poetry contest adventure that life isn't always about money and things, it is also about having family and friends. Appropriate book for grades 3-8 and would provide a great book discussion for kids to have in regards to how important money is to us.
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December 18, 2016Grade level: 3rd -5th
Awards: None
Summary: Dyamonde and Free and very ethusicatic about an upcoming poetry contest that has a one hundred dollar cash prize. The two friends come together to discuss a larger issue that a classmate is dealing with, homelessness.
Review: I really like how this book approaches the subject of being homeless in a sensitive and delicate way. I have really enjoyed reading most of the books in this series. The illustrations are perfect how they capture emotions and the characters personalities.
Possible uses: discussion about being homeless or people living in poverty and would also be great when discussing the importance of having positive friends and establishing authentic friendships
Awards: None
Summary: Dyamonde and Free and very ethusicatic about an upcoming poetry contest that has a one hundred dollar cash prize. The two friends come together to discuss a larger issue that a classmate is dealing with, homelessness.
Review: I really like how this book approaches the subject of being homeless in a sensitive and delicate way. I have really enjoyed reading most of the books in this series. The illustrations are perfect how they capture emotions and the characters personalities.
Possible uses: discussion about being homeless or people living in poverty and would also be great when discussing the importance of having positive friends and establishing authentic friendships
May 5, 2014
Dyamonde and Free are in the same 3rd grade class and are best friends. Free always says he’s poor, just because he can’t get a new video game every week. Dyamonde tries to explain what “poor” really means to Free, but it doesn’t work. Therefore, when their teacher announces that there will be a poetry contest sponsored by the library, Free can’t resist entering it, especially because there is a hundred dollar prize for the winner. Another classmate enters too: Damaris. She actually lives in a shelter with her mom so the prize money would really mean a lot to her. This is a good read-aloud for a classroom teacher; It teaches children about respecting others that are different.
August 2, 2010
3rd grade and up. Dyamonde solves a mystery and finds out what her classmate Damaris is hiding--Damaris and her mom are living in a homeless shelter after her mom lost her job. There are a lot of people who have to live in shelters for a variety of reasons and this book is good for letting the reader know that being poor doesn't have to be shameful, and kids living in difficult situations don't have to be ashamed, and that the kids' abilities and talents may be quite different from any stereotype out there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2018
Dyamonde is a caring, African-American girl who is very friendly and optimistic. She is excited about the poetry contest and the big prize! Dyamonde soon finds out about the challenges her classmate has faced and the importance that money could play in her life. Nikki Grimes helps young readers explore the idea of being homeless and the meaning of being "rich". One of my 4th grade girls, who reads at a 2nd grade level, loved this whole series! She was happy to finally find a main character "like her". Great for students who are ready to start reading chapter books!
May 1, 2012
Themes: Poetry, Friendship, Homelessness
Characters: Dyamonde Daniel, Reed "Free" Freeman, Damaris Dancer
Great book to enjoy during National Poetry Month. It an excellent "Kids Today" genre book. The characters explain the differences of the meaning poor which can be understand by the young readers. I enjoyed the treasure hunt at the store Second Time Around.
Reviewed from a library copy.
February 1, 2014
This was a cute early chapter book that addressed topics like poverty, poetry and friendship. I found the voices of the characters to be a bit forced for some reason, they didn't remind me of real kids. I also wanted there to be more to the ending. There was so much build up to the poetry contest and then it was wrapped up in a few quick pages. I did like the topics that were introduced and this could lead to a great discussion with young students if the book was used for a read aloud.
June 24, 2014
A short, sweet beginning chapter book about a girl and her friends at school, who discover that one of the other children at school is homeless and lives in a shelter. When Dyamonde befriends Damaris and encourages her to write a poem in a contest, their friendship strengthens. Very good for students ready for chapter books in second but still suitable for older readers who may be struggling to read. Well done.
December 17, 2014
A good easy chapter book with great characters - Dyamonde Daniel, her friends and mother spark right off the page. Like all Grimes's writing, Rich is compact, and it doesn't drag like most books of a similar reading level. The illustrations are very evocative and it's nice to read a book where everyone acts like real (albeit really nice) people, with a succinct non-preachy lesson. Nice 2nd-3rd-4th grade read. Bluestem nominee 2015.
November 24, 2009
I liked this book for what it was...a transitional chapter book that features an African American girl in New York City. She befriends a young girl (Damaris? I can't remember the name) who seems to keep to herself. Dyamonde finds out she lives in a shelter and manages to lift her spirits.
I didn't like the internal illustrations very much - too rough.
I didn't like the internal illustrations very much - too rough.
April 8, 2011
Awesome book for students to read to understand what it means to be a part of a certain social economic class. I really love this book because a little girl name Dyamonde, who is from a nice home, becomes good friends with another little girl who lives in a shelter with her mom and siblings. Students will learn to be appreciative of the things they have after reading this story.
April 30, 2014
This is the second in the Dyamonde Daniel series, a collection of short and quick chapter books (I read it to Lexi in one sitting) about an in-charge girl. In this edition she makes a new friend who lives in a shelter and explores poetry (Dyamonde's friends explore poetry, she'd rather do math). I wasn't expecting another book exploring homelessness, but this one does it with dignity and grace.
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