Friendship…we all know how important it is throughout our lives to have good friends — great friends — the kind of friends who will stand beside you through thick and thin, the good times and the bad. Some people are fortunate enough to find that kind of friendship at a young age and keep that friend or friends throughout their lives.
Friendship that lasts a lifetime often has its roots in a challenge or conflict that one person is facing. That new friend, who will eventually be there to stand the test of time, shows up when you least expect it and turns a tough situation into one you can get through with less trauma than you imagined.
This is exactly what happens for Nic Nelson when he moves to a new town to start his new life in a new neighborhood and a new school. Nic’s dad has died unexpectedly in an accident. In order to distance them from the painful reminders of the tragic loss of his dad, Nic’s mom decides to move them to a new home in a town where he doesn’t know anyone. Making new friends isn’t always easy, let alone when you’re recovering from the loss of a parent and you’re the new kid in town.
Eating alone in the cafeteria each day at school, Nic has yet to attract any new friends. However, he has gotten the attention of Johnny and his gang, who have decided to make life miserable for Nic. As Nic prepares to play pinball one day, Johnny decides to make his presence known and begins antagonizing him. Luckily for Nic, however, the stars have aligned to turn this tough situation into an opportunity for friendship, as I described in the first couple paragraphs.
Friendship turns up for Nic in the form of Kevin Becker, one of the two people who come to Nic’s rescue at the pinball arcade. From the start, Kevin does what good friends do … he makes Nic feel accepted … and also introduces Nic to a larger circle of soon-to-be friends. In addition to Kevin, Dante, Herbert, Philip, and Cindy become the friends Nic truly needs at this point in his life.
When work needs to be done, Nic’s new friends are there to help. When confidences are shared, they’re kept. When teamwork and camaraderie are needed to overcome a hostile foe, Nic’s friends are up to the task. When adventure and mysteries are uncovered, the friendships are strengthened.
There is no getting around the fact that friendship fulfills an important role in our lives; and in Nic Nelson and the Diamonds of Denmark, the friendships cultivated by Nic, Kevin, and the others are endearing, strong, and supportive. I think you’ll enjoy reading about their escapades, which deepen their friendships while conquering their adversaries