Spotted in the Speyer Library: Newbery Honor Recipient Veera Hiranandani, author of “The Night Diary”

We were excited to have Newbery Honor Recipient Veera Hiranandani, one of our favorite authors, return to Speyer to talk with our Fifth Grade students. Her award-winning book The Night Diary was their summer read, and our newest MS students came prepared with thoughtful and insightful questions. The story follows Nisha, as she writes in her journal each night to her late Muslim mother. In her journal, she documents the changes brought about by the 1947 partition of India; her life with her Hindu father, twin brother, paternal grandmother, and a cook; and the story of how they had to flee after India’s independence. 

During her talk, Veera told the students about her own father’s journey leaving his family home during the partition, including a particularly harrowing portion of the book that depicts the family trying to find a way onto the train with thousands of desperate people. Veera showed the students photos from the time period that illustrate the turbulence surrounding India’s independence and the plight of refugees. 

Veera also spoke of her own past and the lack of diversity in her schools growing up and how that influences her writing. In talking about her writing process, she encouraged the aspiring writers in the audience to use their feelings when they write to inspire others, adding that she hopes she's done that with her books. Our fifth graders were thoroughly engaged during the visit and cheered with delight when Veera announced a sequel will be coming out in January. 

Thanks to Ms. Mehler and Ms Kim for organizing the visit!