The Zuzu Secret Paperback by Miriam Chernick (Author)

Product Details

• Publisher: Charlesbridge Moves (2026-05-05)
• Language: English
• Paperback: 272 pages
• ISBN-13: 9781623547738
• Item Weight: 368.55 grams
• Dimensions: 0.0 x 0.0 x 0.0 cm

Now in paperback! It’s summer, and Josie and Abe’s family just moved to a new town. They each have secrets . . . one of which involves caring for a bearded dragon.

For fans of Out of My Mind, comes a heartfelt novel for kids ages 10 and up about sibling relationships, family struggles, disability, and getting what you want.

12-year-old Josie Sherman, an animal lover and aspiring vet, rescues a bearded dragon lizard. But her family’s strict no-pets rule because of her brother's disability forces Josie to hide the lizard, Zuzu, in her bedroom.

Abe, Josie's 15-year-old brother, is a huge Orioles fan, and he has plans of his own. Abe lives with Prader-Willi syndrome, which restricts his independence. What secret risks will Abe take to reach his goals?

Told in alternating points of view, The Zuzu Secret explores the challenge of balancing independence with deception. Josie and Abe both have things to learn about being truthful with themselves and with the people they love.

"The Zuzu Secret is much more than a book about a young person with a disability. It is a realistic, warm, beautifully told story of growing love and responsibility between sister and brother."—Francisco X. Stork, author of Marcelo in the Real World

About the Author

Miriam Chernick is a debut author. She is also a substitute teacher and tutors Japanese students in English. She spends time helping to care for her brother, who was born with Prader-Willi syndrome, and she is a rare disease ally and advocate for the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association. Miriam has three adult children, was born in Paris, and has lived in Venezuela, Israel, Japan, and New York City. Now she lives in Maryland outside of Washington, DC, with her husband and a bearded dragon named Zuki.