The Night Diary tells about the split of Pakastan from India after India was granted its freedom from England. It is told from the perspective of a girl about the age of twelve. Orphaned at birth Nisha has her father, grandfather, twin brother, and a hired cook that is her best friend. She also has a secret. Her brother and her are half Muslim and half Hindu. When the country is divided her family has to leaver behind their home and travel across the border to the new India.

The novel is beautifully written. It is described in a way that is perfect for a middle school audience. It is emotionally captivating, informative, relatable, all without being too overwhelming and graphic. As the author says, in the back of the book, some journeys were easier and others were harder. Many people lost their life during this time. The author's note was a great addition to put this one story in perspective.

As an adult I appreciated Hiranandani sharing a story based upon her own family. It is a part of history that I personally had not thought about, and knew almost nothing about. This book would be a great addition to any reader's list as well as many classrooms.