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Dyamonde Daniel #3
Almost Zero
Dyamonde really wants red high-top sneakers. Too bad they're so expensive! A classmate tells her it's her mom's job to give her what she needs, but when Dyamonde tries that argument, her mom teaches her a lesson by literally only giving her what she needs. Now Dyamonde is down to almost zero outfits! But then she finds out one of her friends has it much worse, and she's determined to do what she can to help. Coretta Scott King Award winner Nikki Grimes' third book starring the unstoppable Dyamonde Daniel will delight fans and new readers alike, with energetic storytelling, relatable situations and Dyamonde's spitfire personality.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published October 28, 2010
9 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 27, 2020
112 pages. Another episode in Dyamonde's life includes some home drama with mom over her attitude and a friend who has lost everything in a devastating house fire. Great realistic situations that kids can relate to. Humorous as well as serious lessons learned. Kids will enjoy this one. Highly recommended for Grades 3-4.
January 26, 2011
This is the first book I've read in the Dyamonde Daniel series for early readers (J/E) and I really enjoyed it. It's a different world from what many of the kid's in my neighborhood are familiar with and it has a great lesson to teach but not in a preachy way. Dyamonde wants some new red high-tops and when she demands her mother buy them her mother teaches her a lesson about the difference between wants and needs.
November 2, 2011
This book is about a little girl named Dyamonde Daniel who listens to some not so good advise from classmate and ends up losing most of her clothes as a punishment. However, Dyamonde learns a very important lesson and redeems herself in this cute, short chapter book. I won this book in a giveaway from www.mymcbooks.wordpress.com and I absolutely loved it. I really got it for my daughter because she can be a little bit of a diva at 5 years old. This book teaches self-lessness.
April 13, 2020
Dyamonde is a young African American girl with a growing personality. She is caring and unique but is still learning the lessons of life. When Dyamonde wants something another person has, she demands her mother buys it for her. Dyamondes mom, caught off guard, teaches Dyamonde the lesson of gratefulness by taking away most of Dyamondes belongings, leaving her with only what she needs. Dyamonde is upset until she learns that not everyone is as fortunate as she is. Dyamonde ends up sacrificing her own belongings to help people in need. This act of kindness allowed for Dyamondes true personality to shine through, and throughout her journey she finally learned her lesson.
I gave this book five stars because it was relatable, inspirational, emotional, and educational. The book is relatable because Dyamondes feeling of jealousy is something that everyone has experienced. The book is educational because it demonstrates to readers that life isn't fair, especially for those who are less fortunate. Lastly the book is inspirational because it opens readers eyes to things that are happening around them and inspires readers to take action because they too can make a difference.
I gave this book five stars because it was relatable, inspirational, emotional, and educational. The book is relatable because Dyamondes feeling of jealousy is something that everyone has experienced. The book is educational because it demonstrates to readers that life isn't fair, especially for those who are less fortunate. Lastly the book is inspirational because it opens readers eyes to things that are happening around them and inspires readers to take action because they too can make a difference.
May 10, 2017
Almost Zero is about an African-American third-grader Dyamonde Daniel. Dyamonde's classmate Tameeka has recently gotten new hightop sneakers and Tameeka tells Dyamonde that she should tell her mother that it is her mom's job is to buy her what she needs and that she needs new sneakers. Dyamonde goes home and demands to her mother that she needs these new shoes. Dyamonde comes home from school the next day and thinks her house was robbed. Her mother actually packed up her belongings and hide them and is only giving Dyamonde the bare necessities that she really needs. Dyamonde doesn't understand and is frustrated. Dyamonde doesn't understand the message behind what her mom did until one of her classmates friends house burns down. Dyamonde donates her clothes to her friend who is in real need. This is a great book for girls who are so hung up on materialistic items and making sure they have the best of everything. It also teaches the difference between wants and needs to young children. This is a great book and I give it a 5/5 stars!
January 24, 2024
This was the first Dyamonde Daniel book I read. I appreciated the character list at the beginning that gave a list of Dyamonde's friends and key characters in the story.
Dyamonde sees some cool high-top sneakers that her classmate has and immediately knows that she needs some too. When Dyamonde goes home and demands some from her mom, she quickly gets a lesson between needs vs wants. As she is learning that lesson, she learns that one of her classmates lost all of her possessions in a fire and quickly decided to redirect her effort to help her classmate.
An easy to read story with a positive message (that the child drives, not the adults), this is a good reading choice for all early elementary readers
Dyamonde sees some cool high-top sneakers that her classmate has and immediately knows that she needs some too. When Dyamonde goes home and demands some from her mom, she quickly gets a lesson between needs vs wants. As she is learning that lesson, she learns that one of her classmates lost all of her possessions in a fire and quickly decided to redirect her effort to help her classmate.
An easy to read story with a positive message (that the child drives, not the adults), this is a good reading choice for all early elementary readers
July 20, 2025
Wow! As a Christian who was thinking about prayer at the time of listening to the audiobook version of this title, I was struck with the thought that this book could be used as an example of how we are NOT to pray. We are not to pray in a way that is demanding that God, our Heavenly Father, meet all of our desires. Instead, we are to pray humbly and with thanksgiving to give us those things that we truly need. Usually, what we truly need is the attitude of Christ-like sacrificial love to show others God’s faithful love. The only thing that I didn’t like about this book is that even though Dyamonde repented of her greedy, demanding attitude, she never apologized for her sinful attitude.
October 3, 2019
Dyamonde’s mom is old school and reminded me of my grandma when it came to discipline. My uncle slammed his bedroom door hard once when he was mad and my grandma took the door off the hinges and burned it up 😂 Anyway Dyamonde learns a hard lesson about demanding and talking to her mom any kind of way. This book ended up being a positive lesson for Dyamonde. When you’ve been blessed pass it on ❤️
February 22, 2021
This story is all about the character diamond. Diamond wants a pair of red high top sneakers, because everyone else has the same pair. She just has to have them! So, she goes home from school to all to her mom about getting her the shoes. The way she goes about asking is not the best.
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June 27, 2022Not rating, as I am in no way the target audience for the book. I would certainly recommend it to my grandchildren under normal circumstances, but since they have been through a destructive middle of the night house fire, and this could be more triggering to them in this case.
December 30, 2023
I read this book because I assigned it to some of my 2nd graders and wanted to be able to have a good discussion about the book. Great lessons to be learned and we’ll be able to have a good discussion about character traits.
June 14, 2017
Nikki Grimes knows how to write a book!
April 19, 2018
A favorite chapter book series. Dyamond never disappoints.
October 27, 2019
This is good book because it is about a young girl fighting with her mom, something that a lot of children relate too.
February 16, 2020
Great read-My K,3&4th grader enjoyed the story and reminder it’s better to give than receive:) My daughter wants to read the other Dyamonde books now.
May 6, 2020
Cute story with a lesson.
June 24, 2020
Beautiful quotes: "better to give than to receive" p. 112; "mean was the most uncool thing in the universe" p.2; and "exactly what you need and nothing more" p.19
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July 29, 2022good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2024
Another great lesson learned
May 13, 2019
Dyamonde is such a great character. My favorite thing about her is that she's full of kind thoughts for others and at the same time has plenty of confident thoughts about herself and what she can accomplish. And she absolutely doesn't waste her time or energy worrying about what other kids might think once she's set her mind to doing something. The stories deal with important real life issues (like homelessness and divorce) but do so in a very thoughtful way. Recommended if you're looking for some solid realistic fiction for a young reader.
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February 22, 2017
When Dyamonde Daniel demands that her mother buy her an expensive pair of sneakers, her mother teaches her a lesson about what a person needs versus what they want. That lesson is driven home when Dyamonde's friend, Isabel, and her family lose everything in a fire and Dyamonde decides to help by having a clothing drive for the family.
Characters are in 3rd grade, multicultural, and from economically challenged households. There is reference to a friend who no longer receives allowance because her family can't afford it, that Dyamonde sleeps on a pull-out sofa bed, and that one friend lives in a shelter.
Series: Dyamonde Daniel
Characters are in 3rd grade, multicultural, and from economically challenged households. There is reference to a friend who no longer receives allowance because her family can't afford it, that Dyamonde sleeps on a pull-out sofa bed, and that one friend lives in a shelter.
Series: Dyamonde Daniel
December 19, 2016
Almost Zero is the third title in Nikki Grimes's chapter book series about African-American third-grader Dyamonde Daniel. As the book opens, Dyamonde's classmate Tameeka, who has recently gotten new hightop sneakers, explains that Dyamonde should be more forceful with her mother and make it clear that her mom's job is to buy her expensive clothing. Dyamonde uncertainly takes the advice, but her mother will have none of it. Dyamonde's punishment is to have all but the bare necessities taken from her and locked away, with the goal of helping her appreciate all that her mother provides for her. The message doesn't fully sink in, though, until another of Dyamonde's classmates suffers an unexpected tragedy, and Dyamonde is inspired to lead the campaign to help her family.
What impressed me the most about this book is Grimes's unique writing style. While the vocabulary, pacing, and simplicity of the story are certainly appropriate for the early chapter book genre, the writing is also quite skillful, and in places, even poetic. Many chapter books tend to sound alike, developing a generic chapter book voice, but Grimes has a unique tone and style that infuse Dyamonde and her friends with life and really help the story jump off the page. It was hard for me to relate to Dyamonde in some ways, but her personality shone through and drew me to her nonetheless.
The message of this book is certainly appropriate for kids struggling with materialism. I know many girls in elementary school who yearn to have the same clothes, cell phones, and other items as their classmates, and who think their own value is somehow tied up in their possessions. This book challenges that mindset, and brings home the importance of counting one's blessings and appreciating what one does have, instead of always wanting more. This series also brings some diversity to the chapter book genre, providing a window into a neighborhood many kids in urban areas will recognize as similar to their own. I also really appreciate the way Grimes takes on the serious issues kids today are worried about and presents them in a way that is appropriate for the age of her audience.
On a personal level, I didn't really connect with this book, but I still recognize the author's obvious talent with words, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to early chapter book readers, especially those who might see themselves in Dyamonde.
What impressed me the most about this book is Grimes's unique writing style. While the vocabulary, pacing, and simplicity of the story are certainly appropriate for the early chapter book genre, the writing is also quite skillful, and in places, even poetic. Many chapter books tend to sound alike, developing a generic chapter book voice, but Grimes has a unique tone and style that infuse Dyamonde and her friends with life and really help the story jump off the page. It was hard for me to relate to Dyamonde in some ways, but her personality shone through and drew me to her nonetheless.
The message of this book is certainly appropriate for kids struggling with materialism. I know many girls in elementary school who yearn to have the same clothes, cell phones, and other items as their classmates, and who think their own value is somehow tied up in their possessions. This book challenges that mindset, and brings home the importance of counting one's blessings and appreciating what one does have, instead of always wanting more. This series also brings some diversity to the chapter book genre, providing a window into a neighborhood many kids in urban areas will recognize as similar to their own. I also really appreciate the way Grimes takes on the serious issues kids today are worried about and presents them in a way that is appropriate for the age of her audience.
On a personal level, I didn't really connect with this book, but I still recognize the author's obvious talent with words, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to early chapter book readers, especially those who might see themselves in Dyamonde.
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 5, 2011
My Review: While hanging out with her friends at school one morning, Dyamonde saw Tameeka wearing a new pair of high-top sneakers. She asked if they came in red as it was her favorite color. When Tameeka told her yes and where she bought it, Dyamonde knew they were expensive. But Tameeka told Dyamonde to simply tell her mother that she needs the sneakers and that it is her job to buy her what she needs. Dyamonde did just that she demanded her mother buy her new sneakers.
When she came home from school the next day she was shock to find out that her house has been robbed. Only for her mother to inform her that wasn’t true that she packed up her things and took them away and since she is the mother she will provide Dyamonde what she needs. Dyamonde’s mother decided to give her one pair of pajamas, a set of underwear, one pair of shippers and a pair of pajamas. That's all the clothes her mom said she needed. When her friend Isabel’s house burned down Dyamonde wanted to help her by donating some of her clothes to her.
What a great book by Award-winning author Nikki Grimes, teaching children about the difference value between wants and needs, about selfless giving and helping others in need. Well written chapter book with pencil-like illustrations. I highly recommend this book.
FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way.
When she came home from school the next day she was shock to find out that her house has been robbed. Only for her mother to inform her that wasn’t true that she packed up her things and took them away and since she is the mother she will provide Dyamonde what she needs. Dyamonde’s mother decided to give her one pair of pajamas, a set of underwear, one pair of shippers and a pair of pajamas. That's all the clothes her mom said she needed. When her friend Isabel’s house burned down Dyamonde wanted to help her by donating some of her clothes to her.
What a great book by Award-winning author Nikki Grimes, teaching children about the difference value between wants and needs, about selfless giving and helping others in need. Well written chapter book with pencil-like illustrations. I highly recommend this book.
FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way.
December 13, 2010
Dyamonde Daniel’s friend has these really cool pink high tops, and Dyamonde really wants them, but in red. Red’s her favorite color. So her friend says that she should tell her mom to buy them for her. That’s what she does – she tells her mom nice, but she still tells her. After all it’s her mom’s job to give her the stuff she needs, right?
So Dyamonde decides to try the strategy that night. She steels her nerves, walks into the living room and announces, “Mom, I need some red high top sneakers.” It doesn’t go well.
The next day, Dyamonde comes home from school to find all of her clothes except a pair of pajamas and a pair of slippers gone! Her mom was moved by her speech alright – she decided that she does need to give Dyamonde everything she needs – a roof over her head, food to eat, and clothes to wear – but she doesn’t need to give her any more than what she needs. So she packed up all her clothes and took them away. When Dyamonde asks what she’s supposed to wear to school tomorrow, her mom tells her to wear the same thing she wore today…
So Dyamonde decides to try the strategy that night. She steels her nerves, walks into the living room and announces, “Mom, I need some red high top sneakers.” It doesn’t go well.
The next day, Dyamonde comes home from school to find all of her clothes except a pair of pajamas and a pair of slippers gone! Her mom was moved by her speech alright – she decided that she does need to give Dyamonde everything she needs – a roof over her head, food to eat, and clothes to wear – but she doesn’t need to give her any more than what she needs. So she packed up all her clothes and took them away. When Dyamonde asks what she’s supposed to wear to school tomorrow, her mom tells her to wear the same thing she wore today…
January 21, 2011
A good third grade chapter book. Following a classmate's directions, Dyamonde Daniel tells her mother that she, Dyamonde, needs a pair of expensive red high tops and that her mom should get them for her as her mom's job is to give her everything she needs. Dyamonde's mom responds by packing away virtually all Dyamonde's clothing since she only needs one outfit for school, etc. On the third day of wearing the same clothing, the class gets word that a classmate's apartment house burns down, leaving the classmate and her family with nothing. Dyamonde suddenly has a very explicit understanding of want vs. need.
This is the second book of this series that I've read. I like it. The story is told without any heavy morality, but the lesson is plain. Dyamonde and her mom and friends are likeable and real.
This is the second book of this series that I've read. I like it. The story is told without any heavy morality, but the lesson is plain. Dyamonde and her mom and friends are likeable and real.
October 27, 2011
Could Dyamonde learn to love giving as much as getting?
Well, this is the opening quest for the outspoken and charming young lady, and one lesson that she will forever remember ---- "Everything we have is a gift. I'm just pleased you've found it in your heart to share some of your gifts with others," are the profound words the author echoes for the readers to ponder. Some gifts we must learn to share, if not all, as we venture on this journey.
I treasure the simpe and delightful prose of this short novella, and hope this is one book my Mother/Daughter Bookclub members may consider reading. It's truy a gift!
Delightful and pleased,
Devoted Reader
Well, this is the opening quest for the outspoken and charming young lady, and one lesson that she will forever remember ---- "Everything we have is a gift. I'm just pleased you've found it in your heart to share some of your gifts with others," are the profound words the author echoes for the readers to ponder. Some gifts we must learn to share, if not all, as we venture on this journey.
I treasure the simpe and delightful prose of this short novella, and hope this is one book my Mother/Daughter Bookclub members may consider reading. It's truy a gift!
Delightful and pleased,
Devoted Reader
December 10, 2010
Dyamonde thinks she needs new red high-top sneakers. Her mom thinks Dyamonde WANTS new red high-top sneakers. And Mom is willing to go to extremes to teach Dyamonde the difference! This is a nice, easy chapter book series with a spunky heroine who likes to solve people problems rather than see anyone around her hurting. Readers who like Junie B, Clementine and Gooney Bird Greene will also like Dyamonde Daniel.
May 5, 2011
Part of the Dyamonde Daniel series. (Book 3 I think). I haven't read this but a co-worker brought it in since she never reviewed it and forgot about it (oops, I've done that too). So it's from fall 2010. If you have others in the series you'll want this one. If you don't have the series you may want to consider it since they are fun, enjoyable books good for 2-4th grade. AM
September 14, 2011
A great first chapter book for the elementary set! Great lessons about wants versus needs and the value of giving. The illustrations and characters are delightful. My only beef is that some plots threads could have been flushed out just a bit more. This would be a great read aloud for the classroom or the home!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews