About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with feelings of not being enough for their parents, or when they are captivated by stories of resilience against unfair treatment. Diamond is a Victorian era story that explores the harsh realities of a child being sold to a circus by her desperate, penniless family. Despite the cruelty of her new master, Diamond discovers her own worth and the power of chosen family among her fellow performers. It is a poignant look at finding one's spark in the darkest of circumstances. While the historical setting is vivid and the circus world is exciting, the book addresses heavy themes of child labor and parental abandonment. Parents will find it a valuable tool for discussing inner strength and the importance of loyalty. It is best suited for children aged 9 to 13 who enjoy historical fiction with high emotional stakes and a protagonist who survives through grit and talent.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
DISTRESS: The scene where Diamond's father sells her to a stranger is emotionally heavy and may cause distress regarding parental abandonment. There are depictions of physical punishment and verbal abuse from the circus master, Beppo, who treats Diamond as property rather than a child. CONVERSATION: Be prepared to discuss the historical context of child labor and the lack of children's rights in the 19th century. Children may also need help processing the idea that Diamond's parents felt they had no choice but to sell her due to poverty.
Ideal Reader
A middle-grade reader who enjoys Victorian history or gymnastics, specifically one who appreciates stories about overcoming adversity and finding self-worth independent of one's original family.
Parent Prep
It is helpful to read the first few chapters together to provide context for the Victorian setting and the severity of the family's poverty. A parent hears their child expressing fear that they are a disappointment or asking if a family could ever truly give up a child.
Age Experience
Younger readers will focus on the circus atmosphere and the 'mean' master, while older readers will better grasp the systemic issues of poverty and the emotional weight of Diamond seeking validation from a family that initially rejected her.
What Makes It Special
Wilson excels at taking a familiar 'orphaned' trope and grounding it in gritty, realistic historical detail that doesn't shy away from the hardships of the time while maintaining a child's perspective.
Read plot summary
Set in the Victorian era, Diamond is a prequel to Jacqueline Wilson's Hetty Feather series. Born into extreme poverty to parents who wanted a son, Diamond is sold to Tanglefield's Travelling Circus. There, she endures the harsh discipline of Beppo, a cruel master, while developing her natural acrobatic skills. She finds a mentor and friend in Emerald Star, the ringmaster, and eventually must decide how to reclaim her own life.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Diamond's father sold her because they were penniless. Do you think he believed he was helping her or just helping himself?
2
Emerald Star becomes a hero to Diamond. What qualities does Emerald have that make Diamond feel safe and inspired?
3
The circus master, Beppo, treats Diamond like an object. How does Diamond keep her spirit alive even when she is being mistreated?
4
If you were in Diamond's position, which friend at the circus would you trust the most and why?
5
How does Diamond's natural gift for acrobatics change the way she sees herself throughout the story?
