The Secret Diary of Mona Hasan

It’s 1991, and grade six student Mona Hasan lives with her family in Dubai where her father is a successful banker. As Muslims (albeit secular), the Hasans are accepted in UAE society, but, as Pakistani passport holders, the family fears for their safety with the growing unrest in the Middle East. Mona’s 1991 diary recounts the events around her from her own limited perspective: her mother’s discomfort with the restrictions placed upon her as a woman; her father’s fears about immigrating to Canada (as a child he was a Bangladeshi refugee who walked to Pakistan); younger sister Tutoo’s idolization of Mona (despite the fact that Mona often complains about her); and her father’s work friend, Uncle Annoying, who Mona is quick to recognize as abusive toward both her and her sister. Once the family gets clearance to immigrate to Canada, they travel to Pakistan for the summer to say goodbye to relatives, finally leaving Dubai for Canada in the fall. They settle in Nova Scotia where Mona’s father runs a gas station, her mother has difficulty adjusting to Canadian life, and Mona finds many of her classmates and teachers harbour discriminatory views towards new Canadians from away. At the same time, Mona is a typical 12-year-old: embarrassed by her parents, annoyed by her sibling, and crushing on cute boys.

Mona is a well-developed, believable protagonist. She is smart (and she knows it); curious about the feminist ideas her mother subscribes to; and appreciative of her Pakistani cousins and grandparents, even though they live in relative poverty compared to Mona’s family. Subplots involving Mona’s maternal grandparents (who look down on Mona’s Bangladeshi relatives); Mona’s coming to terms with her mother’s pregnancy; and her adjustments to life in Canada (where she sees snow for the first time) add to the story’s appeal. Hussain’s strength lies in her positive portrayal of Pakistani culture; the depiction of the many and varied microaggressions experienced by immigrants; and the sad realization by Mona’s parents that, while their futures may never be as successful as they were before immigrating to Canada, they have opened doors and possibilities for their children. The Secret Diary of Mona Hasan, an important story delivered with a light touch, will be popular with middle graders.