The Diamond in the Window

A couple of months ago, my 28 year old son Christopher called me and asked about some long forgotten books of his. He is mentoring some young children who are not book lovers and thought that some of his most beloved books could change their minds about reading. I pulled the box filled with his childhood treasures down from the top shelf of his old closet. Insided, I found not only rusting Hot Wheels and baseball cards, but the book, "Diamond In The Window". I caught my breath, for suddenly I was again a young mother reading to her 9 year old son. I admit to having forgotten about this story through the intervening years, but the moment I looked at the cover, the images came flooding back. Not only did the images come back, but I was immediately compelled to read this book once again. Even after a span of nearly 20 years, between the first time I read this book to now, I can honestly say that this is one of the best children's stories I have ever read. The story revolves around a brother and sister who discover a riddle that mysteriously appears in the attic window of their home. The riddle leads them to another dimension and some long...and very lost relatives. It is up to the children to solve the ever evolving riddle that will bring their relatives back to the present...and in the process, save the entire family from ruin and disgrace.Well, I contacted my son and told him about my "discovery" and mailed him the book. He called the other day to let me know that the book had worked the miracle he was after. After he received it, he began each Saturday morning by reading a portion of the story to the children he mentors. By the third Saturday, the kids were so hooked they insisted that Christopher take them to the library so they could get their own copy of the book and finish reading it! Not only did they finish "Diamond In The Window", but have been back twice to the library to check out more books! This then, is a book I can heartily recommend for any kid at heart...no matter their age...even a 51 year old mother and a 28 year old son. Buy it. You won't regret it.

As a child, I checked this book out of my neighborhood library time after time. When in my twenties, I was determined to find the book again. Though I'd forgotten the exact title and author's name, I returned to that same library, found the librarian I remembered from my childhood, and she recalled the title and author. Now, at the ripe old age of 43, I read "The Diamond in the Window" at least once every year, have given copies as gifts and will continue to read this favorite as long as I'm able. I also had the honor of meeting the author and having her autograph a copy for my daughter, who also loves the book.

The Diamond in the Window is the start of Jane Langton's Concord series (for children, unlike much of her writing). It is, without question, one of the true classics of children's literature, fit to stand next to E. Nesbit, Edward Eager, and J.K. Rowling. In The Diamond in the Window, Eleanor and Edward discover a boarded up room in their attic - and with it, a family mystery. Their Uncle Ned and Aunt Nora disappeared, years ago, from that attic room, and a few days later, so did a houseguest. While investigating the disappearances, they find a poem written on the stained glass window of the attic, which leads them to adventure and treasure.One of Langton's great strengths is the amount of adult references she can pack into a book without alienating her child audience. Diamond is full of Transcendentalism and the history of Concord, but the information is presented in a way that makes it accessible to readers of all ages. This is an ideal book for reading aloud to an older kid (6 - 10) - sure to promote discussion, and able to hold interest for both adults and children.

A watershed event occured for me this weekend when my daughter asked about this book as I put it securely in a place of honor on a new bookshelf. I was lucky enough to find an older hardbound last year with the classic 'orange' cover. I explained the story in general and told her she could read this copy, just take very good care of it. She has begun to read the book and I am almost envious as she discovers the mystery of the riddle. I recall the summer that I had the good fortune to check this out from the library for the summer reading club. I clearly remember reading it in my back yard on the evening of the summer solstice. Every time I read the poem etched in the window, I still get shivers... 'transcendental treasures, which of them is best?' The whole series! My collection of the Hall books is near complete, with only "The Fledgling" to be added. Jane Langton, you are much loved by this reader's family! OUT KNAHT!