Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star
Author Laura Noakes
Illustrator Flavia Sorrentino
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Story
Cosima lives in the Home for Unfortunate Girls, with the other ‘unfortunates’, disabled children hidden away from Victorian society. When Lord Francis Fitzroy wants to adopt all of the unfortunates, Cosima is suspicious about his motives. With a group of friends, she plans a jewel heist that will get them the money they need to escape their fate. However, their mission reveals secrets about her own past and Cosima has to juggle two mysteries at once while trying to save those she loves the most, and prove to the world that she and her friends are capable of whatever they set their minds to.
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Why we chose it
A great adventure-heist, clever and innovative – just like Cosima and her friends. Written by an author who shares Cosima’s disability, the cast of characters offers authentic disability representation and solidarity blended seamlessly with a well-crafted plot and fast-moving adventure.
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What a young reviewer said
This book was amazing. It was very heartfelt in some sections, then suddenly it became super exciting. I loved this book and would definitely recommend it. (Ethan, age 13)
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First published
2023, Harper Collins
Story Reviews
Our reviews come from a team of young story lovers! If you’re aged 8–16 and keen to join in, learn how to become a reviewer for The Story Museum.
In this book, Cosima and her friends have been unfortunates since the start. Cos's friends Diya, Mary and Pearl have been mistreated by Mr and Mrs Stain for as long as they could remember. In the Home for Unfortunates, during a ladies' tea party, a young lady called Aggie comes along and Cos and the rest of the Unfortunates decide to take their chance to visit a new exhibition, as Aggie supposedly works there. Soon, they plot a plan to get rid of the Stains, exploit a lord and make their whole life different. This book was amazing. It was very heartfelt in some sections, then suddenly it became super exciting. I loved this book and would definitely recommend it.