Veera Hiranandani

Hiranandani reflects on themes of identity, displacement, and historical trauma through her multifaceted narratives. Her writing draws heavily from her own multicultural and interfaith background, exploring the challenges of navigating multiple identities and living at the cultural margins. Her debut book, "The Whole Story of Half a Girl", for example, reflects her personal experiences growing up in an interracial and interfaith family. This focus on complex identity is a hallmark of her work, as seen in her acclaimed novel "The Night Diary", which unfolds against the backdrop of the 1947 Partition of India, drawing from her father's personal history. \n\nBy weaving historical depth with emotional resonance, Hiranandani's novels provide young readers with an engaging exploration of cultural and personal identity. Her ability to balance historical accuracy with compelling narratives makes her works both educational and emotionally impactful. Readers benefit from her explorations of historical events as seen in "The Night Diary", which won the Newbery Honor in 2019. Her subsequent novel, "How to Find What You're Not Looking For", continues this exploration, earning multiple awards for its portrayal of belonging and identity. Additionally, Hiranandani's role as a creative writing teacher allows her to extend her influence beyond her own writing, shaping future voices in literature. This bio captures the essence of an author whose works provide a meaningful exploration of identity and history, fostering empathy and understanding in young readers.