In The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani, 12-year-old Nisha journals her family's perilous journey from Pakistan to new India during the 1947 partition. As tensions rise between Hindus and Muslims, Nisha’s family faces violence, displacement, and loss, but also remnants of hope and unity. Themes of identity, family, and resilience are poignantly explored from Nisha's perspective. The book includes references to violence and trauma.

Veera Hiranandani's The Night Diary is praised for its captivating portrayal of India's partition through a young girl's perspective, offering a tender and educational view on the era. The diary format effectively engages readers, though some find it predictable. Despite minor predictability, it remains an evocative, valuable read for young audiences.

A reader who would enjoy The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani is typically a middle-grade student interested in historical fiction, particularly about the 1947 Partition of India. Fans of The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis or I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai will appreciate the book’s compelling narrative and cultural significance.

Melancholic / Bittersweet / Nostalgic / Emotional / Hopeful

- The Night Diary was awarded the 2019 Newbery Honor and the Walter Dean Myers Honor, recognizing its significant contribution to children's literature.
- Author Veera Hiranandani drew inspiration from her family's history and her father's experiences during the partition of India, which adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.
- The book is written in an epistolary format, which means it's composed of diary entries, allowing readers an intimate glimpse into the protagonist's thoughts and emotions.

**Nisha**  
The 12-year-old narrator and protagonist, who chronicles her family's experiences during the partition of India through diary entries. She is the twin sister of Amil and is characterized by her anxiety around speaking, her courage, and her positive outlook amidst hardship.

**Amil**  
Nisha's intelligent and artistic twin brother, known for his confidence and sense of humor despite struggling with dyslexic behaviors and school. He maintains a loving and intuitive relationship with Nisha, supporting her as her voice in difficult times.

**Papa**  
The father of Nisha and Amil, a serious and highly-respected doctor who navigates his family's challenges with a secular perspective. He struggles with accepting Amil's school difficulties but deeply cares for his children.

**Dadi**  
Nisha’s paternal grandmother who lives with her family and is more religious than her son, Papa. Although not physically affectionate, she shows love and care for her grandchildren through her actions and plays a key role in supporting the family.

**Kazi**  
The family's Muslim cook, who has formed a strong bond with Nisha and Amil and stands as a nurturing figure since their mother's passing. Despite the religious divide caused by the partition, he remains an integral part of the family.

**Rashid Uncle**  
Mama's younger brother, living in the family’s ancestral home and running the family’s business. He is an artist like Amil and maintains a quiet demeanor, creating a connection with Nisha through their shared love for cooking and their reserved nature.

Veera Hiranandani

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Chapters 1-10

The Night Diary Chapters 1-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-20

The Night Diary Chapters 11-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-30

The Night Diary Chapters 21-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-39

The Night Diary Chapters 31-39 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 40-50

The Night Diary Chapters 40-50 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 51-60

The Night Diary Chapters 51-60 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

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Introduction

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Before Reading

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During Reading

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After Reading

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The Night Diary

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