The Diamonds    by Ted Michael Order:  USA  Can Delacorte, 2009 (2009) Softcover     Reviewed by Lyn Seippel Marni Valentine's boyfriend Jed breaks up with her on the TV broadcast of the school's morning announcements. He even has his new girl friend waiting in the background. Marni couldn't be more shocked, hurt, and angry, but she's still a Diamond, one of the four most popular girls at private Bennington High School. She and her best friends aren't going to take Jed's disrespect lying down. During AP Government, with the permission of their teacher, Queen Diamond Clarrisa Von Dyke charges Jed with intentional heartbreak and the jury of his fellow classmates find him guilty. The punishment is no PDA (public displays of affection) on or around school property for the rest of the school year. Soon afterwards, the Diamonds take over the school's mock trial system and hand out punishment to anyone who offends them. Marni's not as into it as her friends are, but she likes the ultra-popularity her position as a Diamond gives her so she's not likely to drop out. Then she falls from grace. She finds herself on trial and her punishment means no longer being a Diamond. She is now a pariah. Does she deserve her fate? And do the other Bennington students who are on the receiving end of the Diamond Court deserve theirs? The extremes this school clique go to without faculty intervention are unbelievable, but once you start reading The Diamonds, you're not likely to stop until the end. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews