Meet Cosima Unfortunate, and prepare to go on the adventure of a lifetime . . . A breathtaking tale of mystery, family and friendship from a phenomenal new voice, perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell, Tamzin Merchant, Hana Tooke and Robin Stevens.

'Gorgeous and powerfully inclusive...' Aisling Fowler, author of Fireborn

Cosima has spent all her life at the Home for Unfortunate Girls, along with her best friends: Pearl, Mary and Diya. Cos longs for a real home and a real family. But when Cos finds out that famed explorer Lord Francis Fitzroy is planning to adopt them, she and her friends know something suspicious is afoot - and they make a plan. They're going to steal Fitzroy's prized tiara, containing the legendary Star Diamond of India!

But as the big day draws closer, Cos stumbles across a mysterious treasure map that might just reveal the one secret she's always wanted to know - the truth about her parents...

Exciting, warm, funny, moving, and featuring joyous and authentic disabled representation, be prepared to have your heart stolen by Cosima and friends.

A spellbinding, epic and heart-racing adventure from an exceptional new storytelling talent.

About the Author

Laura Noakes is a disabled writer and historian from Bedfordshire. She has written articles for Disability in Kidlit and Kettle Mag, and her poetry has been published in Scrittura Magazine. She was awarded her doctorate in legal history in 2021, and works at the best-named museum in Scotland, The Devil's Porridge. She lives in beautiful Cumbria with her fiance, Connor, and her mischievous cat, Scout.

Flavia Sorrentino lives and works as a freelance illustrator in Rome, where she grew up, and which inspires her each day to seek new ways of communication and expression. Her work has taken her across the globe, from France to America and beyond.

Reviews

'Fun, adventure and mysteries to solve. A heartfelt hug of a book - I loved it' Hannah Gold, award-winning author of The Last Bear

'I adored this book - an utterly brilliant, page-turning read. Gorgeous and powerfully inclusive, with a supremely loveable cast of characters, you'll be rooting for Cosima from her very first heist. Expect to have your heart stolen!' Aisling Fowler, author of Fireborn

'Cosima Unfortunate is an utterly sparkling adventure, featuring a brilliantly clever group of friends helmed by a courageous, determined heroine - a must read!' Ravena Guron, author of The Thief of Farrowfell and This Book Kills

'A cracking heist adventure full of supportive friendships and unlimited hope. I already can't wait to be reunited with Cos & Co.' Clare Povey, author of The Bastien Bonlivre Adventures

'Full of adventure, warmth, and rich historical detail' Natasha Hastings, author of The Miraculous Sweetmakers

'By stars, I loved this book. Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star is a rompy historical heist with a cast of furiously brilliant and disabled kids, alongside solving the mystery of who Cosima's family are. Full of fun and memorable characters but also shines light on the way history has treated disabled children' Lizzie Huxley-Jones, author of Vivi Conway and the Sword of Legend

'A real treat' The Bookseller

'A diamond heist, a quest and a touching tale of friendship all in one captivating, inclusive story' The i

Book Information
ISBN 9780008579050
Author Laura Noakes
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint HarperCollins
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 270g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 23mm