The Night Diary

The Night Diary

• Genre: Fiction; middle grade historical
• Originally Published: 2018
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 700L; grades 5-8
• Structure/Length: 60 diary entries; approximately 272 pages; approximately 5 hours, 55 minutes on audio
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: The Night Diary’s central conflict revolves around Nisha, a young girl living in India in 1947. As the country gains independence from Britain and is divided into India and Pakistan, Nisha’s world is also divided. She, her brother, and father are Hindu, but her late mother was Muslim. This makes them vulnerable during the turbulent partition. Nisha’s diary entries narrate her journey as she grapples with her identity, navigates a world torn by religious and political conflict, and discovers the power of hope and love in the face of adversity. The novel addresses identity, family, and the impact of historical events on individuals.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Partition of India; religious conflict; personal identity; physical assault; bullying; death of parent in backstory

Veera Hiranandani, Author

• Bio: American author known for her middle grade and young adult novels; often explores themes of identity and cultural heritage; has received critical acclaim; known for works with emotional resonance and historical authenticity
• Other Works: The Whole Story of Half a Girl (2012); How to Find What You’re Not Looking For (2021)
• Awards: Newbery Honor (2019); Malka Penn Award (2019)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Religious and Cultural Identities and Defining the Self
• Spirituality Versus Religion
• The Negative Effects of Displacement
• Courage in Vulnerability

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

• Gain an understanding of the political and religious history around Hinduism and Islam in South Asia, as well as India’s role in World War II, both of which are important contexts that shape Nisha’s story. 
• Study paired texts and other brief resources to make connections via the text’s themes of Religious and Cultural Identities and Defining the Self, Spirituality Versus Religion, The Negative Effects of Displacement, and Courage in Vulnerability.
• Construct and present small-group research projects that explore the importance of historical fiction and uncover primary sources that enhance their understanding of The Night Diary.
• Analyze and evaluate plot and character details to draw conclusions in structured essay responses regarding the role of Nisha’s mother, the relationship between Papa and Amil, and other topics.