A 2019 NEWBERY HONOR BOOK
*A Walter Dean Myers Honor Winner
*An ALA Notable Book
*A Malka Penn Award Recipient
*A New York Times Editor’s Choice Pick
*A Junior Library Guild Selection
*Named a Best Book of the Year by Amazon, Kirkus Reviews, The New York Times, NPR, School Library Journal, and The Washington Post.

“A gripping, nuanced story of the human cost of conflict appropriate for both children and adults.”
–Kirkus, starred review

In the vein of Inside Out and Back Again and The War That Saved My Life comes a poignant, personal, and hopeful tale of India’s partition, and of one girl’s journey to find a new home in a divided country

It’s 1947, and India, newly independent of British rule, has been separated into two countries: Pakistan and India. The divide has created much tension between Hindus and Muslims, and hundreds of thousands are killed crossing borders.

Half-Muslim, half-Hindu twelve-year-old Nisha doesn’t know where she belongs, or what her country is anymore. When Papa decides it’s too dangerous to stay in what is now Pakistan, Nisha and her family become refugees and embark first by train but later on foot to reach her new home. The journey is long, difficult, and dangerous, and after losing her mother as a baby, Nisha can’t imagine losing her homeland, too. But even if her country has been ripped apart, Nisha still believes in the possibility of putting herself back together.

Told through Nisha’s letters to her mother, The Night Diary is a heartfelt story of one girl’s search for home, for her own identity…and for a hopeful future.

About the Author

Veera Hiranandani is an acclaimed American author celebrated for her deeply moving books for children and young adults that explore themes of identity, family, history, and belonging. Drawing inspiration from her own multicultural heritage, she creates memorable characters who navigate complex emotional and cultural landscapes with courage and compassion. Her award-winning novel The Night Diary, set during the Partition of India in 1947, received widespread critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of displacement, resilience, and hope through the eyes of a young girl. Hiranandani's writing is known for its lyrical style, historical authenticity, and emotional depth, making her works resonate with readers across generations. In addition to writing fiction, she has contributed to children's publishing as an editor and educator, encouraging young readers to appreciate diverse voices and perspectives. Through her compelling storytelling, Veera Hiranandani continues to inspire empathy, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of history, culture, and the shared human experience.