Book review: Diamond by Jacqueline Wilson

Another fine tale from former children’s laureate Jacqueline Wilson. Diamond wasn’t always a star.

Born to penniless parents who longed for a strong, healthy son, she was a dainty, delicate daughter and a bitter disappointment. Discovering she has an extraordinary gift for acrobatics, Diamond uses her talents to earn a few pennies, but brings shame on her family. Then a mysterious, cruel-eyed stranger spots her performing and makes a deal with her father and Diamond is sold for five guineas, and is taken to become an acrobat at Tanglefield’s Travelling Circus.