Author: Cooney, Caroline B.
Title: Diamonds in the Shadow
Publisher: Delacorte Press Date: Sept. 2007 ISBN: 978-0385732611
Price: $16.99 #of pgs: 228 Call number: FIC COO
Annotation: Diamonds in the Shadow introduces you to two families: The Finches who live in suburban Connecticut. They are good people, but naïve about the task they about to undertake. You will also meet the battle-scarred Amabo family of African refugees who are temporarily living with the Finches. These two families come together as the Finches agree to host the church-sponsored family from Sierra Leone. At first skeptical, teenage Jared warms quickly to the Amabos, especially to Mattu who is adjusting well to American life. The two boys bond quickly. On the other hand, sixth grader Mopsy loves her new friend Alake. However, as hard as Mopsy tries, Alake does not respond to anything Mopsy says or does, and has chronic nightmares. To confirm a growing suspicion about the family, Jared and Mopsy snoop through a box that is supposed to be the remains for Matte’s grandparents and discover uncut diamonds. They begin noticing how this family doesn’t really seem to act like a family at all. While the Amabos are adjusting to their new life and happy to escape their terrible past, a killer lurks closely watching their every step. Suddenly, both families find themselves in terrible danger.
Strength: Incredible plot! Great characters! A story that you will not want to end! Grabs
you at the end!