Welcome to my site!
My first novel for young readers, THE WHOLE STORY OF HALF A GIRL, was released by Random House/ Delacorte Press in January 2012 and the paperback is out now from Yearling. Writing this book was both a personal and professional journey for me. I know all about what Sonia goes through in the book. Like Sonia, my mother is Jewish-American and my father is Indian. Coming from two cultures and not always fitting in has probably made me a stronger and more empathetic person. Maybe I wouldn't have become a writer if I wasn't forced to look at the world a little differently. Sometimes it's good to have to fight for yourself. I didn't always feel that way, but now I wouldn't change my experiences for the world. Celebrate your differences, because we are all unique and wonderful creatures.
The book is available in book stores and online. Visit your local bookstore or order it on Amazon or Barnes and Noble . Watch the trailer here!
The book is available in book stores and online. Visit your local bookstore or order it on Amazon or Barnes and Noble . Watch the trailer here!
Lovely Links
If you'd like to learn more about me and my writing process, here are some links of my past interviews and posts:
Check out a video interview I did for this great book coaching website!
Sometimes I write about writing on my agent Sara Crowe's awesome blog here.
I also had the pleasure of being interviewed for Kirkus Magazine and Here, There, Everywhere: News for Kids.
When I do something new I'll post it right here, so stay tuned!
Check out a video interview I did for this great book coaching website!
Sometimes I write about writing on my agent Sara Crowe's awesome blog here.
I also had the pleasure of being interviewed for Kirkus Magazine and Here, There, Everywhere: News for Kids.
When I do something new I'll post it right here, so stay tuned!
What the critics say about Whole Story...
Kirkus Starred Review: "...Like Blume, Hiranandani resists simplistic, tidy solutions. Each excels in charting the fluctuating discomfort zones of adolescent identity with affectionate humor..."
Publisher's Weekly Starred Review: "...In Hiranandani’s debut novel, Sonia’s struggles are painfully realistic, as she wrestles with how to identify herself, how to cope with her family’s problems, and how to fit in without losing herself. True to life, her problems do not wrap up neatly, but Sonia’s growth is deeply rewarding in this thoughtful and beautifully wrought novel..."
Booklist Review: "...Told in Sonia’s wry present-tense voice, the mixed-race-family identity conflicts, as well as the universal contemporary drama of trying to act cool––and decent—will easily pull readers through this debut novel..."
School Libary Journal Review: "...Sonia reevaluates her friendships and accepts the fact that her dual heritage makes her a unique and whole girl. Hiranandani’s thoughtful debut eloquently balances humor with sophisticated issues related to cultural identity, economic hardship, and mental health. An excellent addition with timeless appeal..."
Publisher's Weekly Starred Review: "...In Hiranandani’s debut novel, Sonia’s struggles are painfully realistic, as she wrestles with how to identify herself, how to cope with her family’s problems, and how to fit in without losing herself. True to life, her problems do not wrap up neatly, but Sonia’s growth is deeply rewarding in this thoughtful and beautifully wrought novel..."
Booklist Review: "...Told in Sonia’s wry present-tense voice, the mixed-race-family identity conflicts, as well as the universal contemporary drama of trying to act cool––and decent—will easily pull readers through this debut novel..."
School Libary Journal Review: "...Sonia reevaluates her friendships and accepts the fact that her dual heritage makes her a unique and whole girl. Hiranandani’s thoughtful debut eloquently balances humor with sophisticated issues related to cultural identity, economic hardship, and mental health. An excellent addition with timeless appeal..."
