Star of Ishta

In year 4, we have been reading Tamarind and the Star of Ishta by Jasbinder Bilan. This is a thrilling story of self-discovery and adventure. The Star of Ishtar is about this young girl in her early teens called Tamarind. She travels to India for the first time to meet her mother’s family. Tamarind’s mum passed away when she was a little girl and she knows nothing about her but after her dad remarries, he takes Tamarind to meet them and she is eager to find out all about her. She is ready to connect with her mum however she encounters many obstacles. Whether its her mum’s family not wanting to tell her what happened or her spoiled cousin who will not except her, she feels alone and lost.

We join Tamarind on her journey of discovery of who she is and who her mother was, through making friends with her other cousins and a cheeky, golden monkey named Hanu. We join her as she finds her voice and confidence. We join her while she makes friends that only come out at night.

Ibrahim: “We really love this story; it uses so many incredible expressive phrases that helps us imagine what is happening in the story. The way the author right makes it feel like we are watching a film.”

Roya: “It is such an enjoyable book to read and we can’t wait to read the next chapters. This author loves a cliff-hanger.”