The Night Diary facts for kids
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| Author | Veera Hiranandani |
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| Cover artist | Kelley Brady |
| Language | English |
| Set in | 1947, Pakistan / India |
| Publisher | Penguin Random House |
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Publication date
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March 6, 2018 |
| Pages | 272 |
| Awards | 2019 Newbery Honor |
| ISBN | 9780735228528 |
The Night Diary is a powerful story written by American author Veera Hiranandani. It's a young adult novel published by Penguin Random House in 2018. The book takes place in 1947, a very important time when India became independent. This led to the division of India and the creation of Pakistan. The story is told through diary entries by a 12-year-old girl named Nisha. She has just celebrated her twelfth birthday with her twin brother, Amil.
Contents
About the Author, Veera Hiranandani
Veera Hiranandani grew up in a small town in Connecticut, USA. Her family background is a mix of cultures. Her mother is Jewish-American, and her father comes from a Hindu family in India. Veera was raised learning about both cultures.
She studied writing at Sarah Lawrence College. Before becoming a full-time author, she worked as a book editor for six years. Today, she teaches creative writing. She lives in New York with her family and is currently working on her next book.
The Story of The Night Diary
The Night Diary is set during the time when India was divided into two countries. The story is told from the point of view of Nisha, a 12-year-old girl. The book begins on July 14, 1947. This day is Nisha and Amil's twelfth birthday. Their father gives Nisha a piece of gold jewelry that belonged to her mother. Amil receives a book of stories from the Mahabharata. This day is also a sad anniversary, as it marks their mother's death during childbirth.
Nisha lives with her father, who is a doctor, her twin brother Amil, and their grandmother Dadi. Their cook, Kazi Syed, also lives with them. They all live together in a home in Mirpur Khas. This area was in West Pakistan, which would soon become the country of Pakistan.
A Special Birthday Gift
In July 1947, India was just one month away from gaining independence from British rule. For her birthday, Nisha also receives a diary from Kazi, the family's cook. Nisha is half-Muslim and half-Hindu. She feels unsure about where she belongs or what her country will be.
A Difficult Journey Begins
As India's division along religious lines becomes certain, Nisha's family faces a big change. Kazi is Muslim, while the rest of the family identifies as Hindu. Nisha's mother, who passed away, was Muslim. When Nisha's father decides it's too dangerous to stay in what is now Pakistan, the family must leave. Nisha and her family become refugees. They start a long and difficult journey to reach their new home.
They first travel by train, but later they must continue on foot. Nisha had already lost her mother when she was a baby. Now, she cannot imagine losing her homeland too. Despite the challenges, Nisha holds onto hope. She believes she can put her life back together, even if her country has been split apart.
Writing in the Diary
Even with fear and tension growing, Nisha keeps writing in her diary. She writes to her mother, sharing her thoughts and feelings during this chaotic time. The diary describes their journey and the hardships they face. Nisha writes about the changing landscape she sees through her innocent eyes. She also notes her grief, confusion, tension, fear, and anger. The author, Veera Hiranandani, mentions at the end of the book that this story is fictional. However, it is based on real events from the 1947 partition.
How the Story Was Created
Veera Hiranandani's own family history inspired The Night Diary. Her father was nine years old when he experienced the Partition. His journey was also from Mirpur Khas to Jodhpur. While Nisha's specific experiences are made up, they reflect real events.
Hiranandani grew up hearing stories about the Partition from her father, uncles, and aunts. Several weeks after India became independent, her father, his four siblings, and his mother decided to leave Pakistan. They traveled across the new border by train. Her grandfather was a doctor in Mirpur Khas. He stayed behind for a few weeks to find a replacement at the hospital. But he soon decided to leave because he was worried about his family. They had to leave their home and community to start a new life.
