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Make Way for Dyamonde Daniel



Last updated Thursday, June 24, 2021

Author: Nikki Grimes
Illustrator: R. Gregory Christie
Date of Publication: 2009
ISBN: 978-0399251757
Grade Level: 3rd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jun. 2021

Synopsis: 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.

Note to readers:
•  Characters from The World of Dyamonde Daniel can be found on pages 8-10.
•  Discussion Questions can be found on page 69.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Can you guess what Dyamonde Daniel’s favorite subject is?
•  Do you have a favorite subject in school?
•  Have you been the new student at school? Or have you tried befriending a new student at school?

Vocabulary

•  Mumbled – say something quietly, making it difficult for others to hear.
•  Sturdy – strong enough to withstand rough work or treatment.
•  Clenched – of the fingers or hand, closed in a tight ball. Of the teeth, pressed tightly together.
•  Glare – stare in an angry or fierce way.
•  Grouchy – irritable and bad-tempered; grump; complaining.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Do you miss sitting with your friends at lunch? What do you usually eat for lunch?
•  Have you stood up for one of your classmates before? Or have you had a classmate stand up for you in the past?
•  Do you have a nickname? Is it a name only family calls you by?
•  Do you like to share your favorite book, sports, color, and what you collect with your friends at school?
•  Have you had to say goodbye to a friend before?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a picture of you and your friends from school and write a short description of what you like to do together.
•  It's Father's Day later this month! (June 20th) Using the whiteboard, draw a Father's Day Card. Or, draw a Father's Day card for you grandfather, father, uncle, or someone who has been like a father to you.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/june-2021-friendship-fun/

Special activities:
•  Volunteers can read jokes to the students (Dyamonde likes to say, “Hay is for horses” after someone says “Hey!”): https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/parenting/g28581033/best-jokes-for-kids/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!