A Celebration of Books,
Writers & LIterary Excellence

Save the Date


Gaithersburg
Book Festival

May 16, 2026

10am – 6pm

Bohrer Park


Miriam Chernick

Featured Title: The Zuzu Secret
The Zuzu Secret

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 forces Josie to hide the lizard, Zuzu, in her bedroom.

Abe, Josie’s 15-year-old brother, is a huge Orioles fan, and 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.

About Miriam Chernick

Miriam Chernick is the author of “The Zuzu Secret,” her debut novel for young readers. Previously she published “A Kid’s Guide to Washington, D.C.,” Revised and Updated. Miriam is a substitute teacher in her local public schools and a caregiver for her brother who was born with Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare disease. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two clever cats, and Zuki – a bearded dragon – who often sits on her shoulder as she writes.

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