Common Sense Media Review
By Cristina Carvajal
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teens track a suspected murderer in fast-paced adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In DIAMOND PARK friends Flaco, Magaña, Tiny and Susi find themselves in a midst of a murder mystery when they least expect it. After taking the bus from their Houston neighborhood to Diamond Park to buy a used 1959 Impala convertible, Susi ends up holding a knife, covered in blood, where a murder has just been committed. After Tiny is forced to leave Houston to avoid ICE, Flaco and Magaña must put their fears aside and embark in an unlikely adventure to find the man they believe to be the killer.
Is It Any Good?
This thrilling adventure makes for a beautiful read. Through his cast of well-crafted characters, author Phillippe Diederich infuses Diamond Park with heartwarming moments and life lessons that are sure to stay with readers long after they finish the novel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how to realistically pursue one's dreams. In Diamond Park, Flaco struggles with choosing between pursuing a stable, traditional job as a doctor or following his dream to be an artist. How can we bridge the distance between these two seemingly opposite directions?
How can we cultivate through friendship? Flaco and Magaña risk it all to help their friend Susie and later Flaco reflects on what a true friend Magaña turned out to be. How can one find and, most importantly, be a true friend to others?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Literary Fiction
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Empathy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Dutton Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : March 8, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 288
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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