The Night Diary

 

Bibliography
Hiranandani, Veera, 2018. THE NIGHT DIARY. New York, NY. ISBN 9780735228528.

Plot Summary
Hiranandani writes the story of young Nisha, who has been gifted a beautiful diary for her 12th birthday in 1947. She finds that she truly enjoys writing down her feelings, addressing each entry to her late mother, who died during childbirth with Nisha and her brother Amil. Nisha begins to write of how the British has freed India, dividing the country into Pakistan and India. This divide has created a rift between the two religious groups, the Muslims and Hindus/Sikhs. Nisha feels conflicted as she is half-Hindu, half-Muslim, wondering where that will leave her family. As the Partition begins to take over her country, Nisha wonders how she will overcome another tough loss; the loss of her homeland. Her powerful voice and journey can be read through her diary entries.

Critical Analysis
Beginning the story, readers learn of how Nisha gains this diary and begin to understand why each entry is addressed to her mother. To learn how early in life Nisha and her family lost her mother, is truly heartbreaking. But Nisha remains strong during difficult times and writes of her daily life. At the time of 1947, India has just been freed from the British, which results in the country being divided into Pakistan and India. What Nisha begins to see is that not only have the countries divided but religious beliefs have as well, as Muslims and Hindu begin to demand separation. Nisha is confused, as they all used to coexist peacefully in her town. However, Nisha begins to question where she falls in this rift, as her mother was Muslim and both father and grandfather are Hindu. Her father explains to the kids the upside of India regaining their freedom and the downside, which is their town becoming part of Pakistan, the land of Muslims. Soon, in order to leave the riots, violence, and confusion, they must embark on a long, difficult journey to New India to live with Rashid Uncle. Throughout the book, many of India and Pakistan's culture and traditions is shared. Hiranandami writes a powerful, authentic story of a family and country being divided, from the point of view from a young girl. The true beauty in this story is of how Nisha begins to find her voice and her place in this confusing world. 

Review Excerpt(s)
Newbery Honor Book
Starred review in SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "This rich, compelling story, which speaks to the turbulence surrounding India's independence and to the plight of refugees, should be in all libraries serving middle school readers."
Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "A gripping, nuanced story of the human cost of conflict appropriate for both children and adults."

Connections
- For young readers interested in learning about the details and aftermath of the divide of India into two countries; Pakistan and India. Much of India's culture, history, and descriptions of refugees is shared in this story.
- For readers who enjoy reading books in a diary format, reading the thoughts of a quiet, young girl forced to quickly transform into a strong, powerful woman. 
- Similar book recommendations:
Hiranandani, Veera. AMIL AND THE AFTER. ISBN 9780525555063
Hiranandani, Veera. HOW TO FIND WHAT YOU'RE NOT LOOKING FOR. 9780525555056
Senzai, N.H. SHOOTING KABUL. ISBN 9781442401952

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