By Miriam Chernick
Charlesbridge Moves / Charlesbridge, 2025
266 pages
978-1-62354-573-4
Ages 9-13
Siblings Josie, 12, and Abe, 15 (both white), have just moved to a Silver Spring, Maryland, when a car accident leaves their mom with a concussion and Josie in secret possession of a bearded dragon. Josie, passionate about animals, found the lizard after the crash, but their family has a no-pet rule because Abe has a hard time being gentle with animals when he gets excited. Abe has Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare chromosomal disorder with symptoms that include intellectual disability and constant hunger. Josie is determined to take care of Zuzu, as she calls the female bearded dragon, until she can find her home—which means doing research, buying supplies, and hiding Zuzu from her dad and Abe. Abe, meanwhile, is eager to attend a Baltimore Orioles game, but only their mom shares his baseball passion, and she’s staying with her sister to recover. As Josie’s well-meaning subterfuge and lies mount, Abe tries to piece together what she’s hiding. To divert his attention, Josie secretly promises to take Abe to the game. Orioles game day brings multiple crises and surprises involving both Zuzu and Abe before the story’s satisfying resolution. Josie and Abe are distinct and appealing characters; the siblings’ individual perspectives, their relationship, and their interactions with others, including new friend Bixby, add texture to this novel that alternates between their two points of view. End notes provide information about Prader-Willi Syndrome (which the author’s older brother has), bearded dragons, and the Baltimore Orioles. ©2025 Cooperative Children’s Book Center