Almost Zero

K-Gr 5—Dyamonde Daniel covets something she sees on a friend at school: high-top red sneakers. She's advised to ask—no, TELL—her mom that she needs them and that, furthermore, it's her mom's job to get her what she needs. Her mom tells her she'll give that some consideration, but unfortunately for Dyamonde, her mom concludes that she will indeed supply her daughter with what she needs, but only what she needs…removing all the extra clothes in her bedroom! After wearing her only outfit—now stained—for three days, Dyamonde's heart goes out to a classmate who lost everything in a fire. She organizes her school and neighborhood to come together and donate clothes to the family. Not only are her own clothes returned to her so that she may donate some, but many lend a hand in various ways. Teaching a wonderful lesson without being didactic is only one of Grimes's talents. Narrating is another. Her pacing, diction, and intonation are perfect and will allow listeners to just fall into the story.—Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI