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The Zuzu Secret

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( 56 ratings, 22 reviews)
Brief Description
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... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2800
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Releases 28th July 2026 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "The Zuzu Secret" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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.

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

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781623547738

Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing,U.S.

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 May 2026

Country: United States

Imprint: Imagine Publishing, Inc

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 272

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.

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