My Perfect Cousin

by Karen McCombie, Sofia Miller Salazar (illustrator)

Cousins Yasmin and Ruby have always been rivals, but both sides of the story are exposed in this cleverly composed clean-teen novella from Karen McCombie.

Ruby can’t stand her “perfect” cousin Yasmin. Yasmin is pretty, popular and has a gorgeous boyfriend Max. She’s set to get excellent grades in her GCSEs and her parents won’t stop going on about how brilliant she is.

Ruby always feel small and hopeless around Yasmin, and whenever she gets any attention, Yasmin tries to make sure the spotlight turns back to her.

Or that’s how Ruby feels anyway. But is there another side to the story?

Genres: Family, Psychology, Romance

96 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 3, 2025

About the author

Karen McCombie is a bestselling author of children's and young adult novels, and has had more than 90 books published. She is the author of the much-loved series 'Ally's World' (early 2000s) and her most recent books include the Carnegie-nominated historical adventure 'Little Bird Flies' (2019) and it's newly published partner novel 'Little Bird Lands' (2020, Nosy Crow Books), plus the 'St Grizzle's School' series for younger readers (Stripes). She has several books publishing in 2021.
Originally from Scotland, Karen lives in London with her husband, her teenage daughter and beautiful but bitey cat Dizzy.

Reviews

[gabs ⛤ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ruby is such a shitty person omg

[Tracy Lander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read any Karen McCombie for a long time! My girls loved her books.

This book is split into two stories within the book. Ruby's and Yasmin's, they are teenage cousins both doing their GCSEs.

Ruby's story is that Yasmin is the perfect one. Her family are rich, she looks fabulous, she has the perfect boyfriend, even Granny seems to like her more. And when she doesn't get her own way - or someone else is the centre of attention she faints. Ruby's best friend is Kam, he wants her to go with him to the Pride festival - and she says yes and agrees to hide his clothes so he can change after leaving home. It's Granny's birthday party and Yasmin in a very sequinned dress faints again - when Ruby is talking to Max...was Yasmin jealous? When Ruby takes up swimming again, she chats to Max at the Lido.

Yasmin though is planning something. She's finished her exams all right...but there's going to be a shock. She knows Ruby doesn't like her. She doesn't like the things Max likes, she doesn't like the fact that he has put an app on her phone that tells him where she is! The fainting - it's anxiety but no-one thinks she should be anxious about anything. That dress - her parents made her wear it!
The girls stories are more complicated than the "perfect cousin" tag, and the twist....

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is a great look at a story from 2 sides. Probably not for primary schools, but definitely a good one for secondary! Ruby and Yasmin don’t see eye to eye, but it’s important that we see a story through everyone’s eyes!