The Zuzu Secret

By Miriam Chernick

Book Overview

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

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1623547733
• ISBN13: 9781623547738
• Release Date: May 2026
• Publisher: Charlesbridge Moves
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.83 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.2"
• Age Range: 10 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 5 and higher