Zarina Divided

"A simultaneously gentle and gripping story led by a strong-willed protagonist eager to advocate for herself in a changing world." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

You can notice differences

if you look really close,

which lately everyone

seems to be doing.

Zarina loves her life in Poona, India. She spends her days happily hanging out with her best friends, Geeta and Jahana, and playing with her three brothers. However, Zarina and her family are given unsettling news: Muslims and Hindus are to separate by religion. Hindus are expected to stay in India, while Muslims are expected to move to a new land, Pakistan.

Zarina is heartbroken at having to move away from all she knows and loves, and after the frightening journey to Pakistan, she feels unsure that the unfamiliar country will ever feel like home. When an accident happens that leaves Zarina grappling with extreme guilt, she decides it’s best to attend boarding school far away, much to the protest of her mom. Will a fresh start at a new school give Zarina the chance to thrive in Pakistan, or will the divisions within herself and her family continue to widen?

From award-winning author Reem Faruqi comes a heartening coming-of-age story, inspired by her grandmother’s life, that reminds us that through overwhelming change can come the most beautiful growth.

Praise for Zarina Divided:

"This poignant novel in verse follows 11-year-old Zarina before, during, and after India's partition... An engaging read with realistic characters that brings the time period to life in new ways." — Booklist (starred review)

"Written in verse, the poetic form flows smoothly and creates an immersive and emotional journey... to effectively punctuate the formative depth of Zarina’s experience. This moving and ultimately hopeful work is perfect for readers who might be slightly young for Hiranandani’s The Night Diary." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Zarina, an 11-year-old Muslim girl, is forced to move from India to the newly formed country of Pakistan during the Partition of India in 1947... Told in verse, Faruqi’s novel skillfully weaves history with personal narrative, that adds to the growing—and needed—number of stories about this time period." — School Library Journal

"Faruqi’s thoughtful use of verse emphasizes the fragmented nature of Zarina’s life…Ultimately, Zarina’s is a story of resilience." — Horn Book Magazine

"A heartfelt novel with a wise and enduring message for all time." —Shirin Shamsi, author of Zahra's Blessing: A Ramadan Story

"Another homerun from Reem Faruqi... A great beacon of hope [shines] in this lovely novel in verse." —Meg Eden, award-winning author of Good Different

"A poignant, emotional journey inspired by the author’s grandmother’s life that explores displacement, identity, and resilience." —Kiran Razzak Khan, Anokhi Life magazine 

"In her trademark style, Faruqi has woven yet another poignant story about how hope and beauty can be found even amongst the most difficult circumstances." —Thushanthi Ponweera, award-winning author of I Am Kavi