What do you think?
Rate this book
Forget Me Not
A girl with Tourette syndrome starts at a new school and tries to hide her quirks in this debut middle-grade novel in verse.
Astronomy-loving Calliope June has Tourette syndrome, so she sometimes makes faces or noises that she doesn't mean to make. When she and her mother move yet again, she tries to hide her TS. But it isn't long before the kids at her new school realize she's different. Only Calli's neighbor, who is also the popular student body president, sees her as she truly is—an interesting person and a good friend. But is he brave enough to take their friendship public?
As Calli navigates school, she must also face her mother's new relationship and the fact that she might be moving, again, just as she starts to make friends and finally accept her differences.
Astronomy-loving Calliope June has Tourette syndrome, so she sometimes makes faces or noises that she doesn't mean to make. When she and her mother move yet again, she tries to hide her TS. But it isn't long before the kids at her new school realize she's different. Only Calli's neighbor, who is also the popular student body president, sees her as she truly is—an interesting person and a good friend. But is he brave enough to take their friendship public?
As Calli navigates school, she must also face her mother's new relationship and the fact that she might be moving, again, just as she starts to make friends and finally accept her differences.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published March 14, 2017
329 people are currently reading
14398 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Terry
1 book287 followersEllie Terry grew up in South Dakota, Arizona, and Nevada as the second of eight children. She currently lives in the desert of southern Utah with her husband and three creative kids. Her debut middle-grade novel, FORGET ME NOT, is out now from Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,307 reviews
October 31, 2018
“I am Calliope June. I wish I could fly to the moon. There’d be no one there to laugh or to stare and no one to call me a goon.”
What an amazing, poetic & heartfelt story! I initially bought this book for my daughter to read. She read it and we had such a wonderful conversation about it that I knew I had to read it for myself. I’m so glad I did.
Calliope (Calli) is a young girl with Tourette’s Syndrome. Forget Me Not is told in short, simple prose from two points of view - that of Calli and her neighbor/friend Jinsong. It was a quick read but also the kind of story worth reading irregardless of your age. Calli’s story is absolutely captivating. Her mother jumps from relationship to relationship, always packing up & moving on with the ending of each one. Calli tries hard to hide her tics, to fit in but of course it’s difficult for her. My heart ached for Calli as she dealt with endless taunts and teasing from classmates. Her own mother honestly did not seem to grasp how hard she worked to control her tics and how time and time again her body betrayed her. This is such a misunderstood syndrome. I was awed and touched by Ellie Terry’s raw honesty in its depiction (she has Tourette’s herself).
My heart broke for Calli so many times while reading this book. She is lonely, misunderstood, bullied and made to feel ashamed and embarrassed of herself. Yet, I was beyond touched by her strength, resilience and her innate goodness. Calli had a huge heart. She was sweet, funny and brilliant. The kind of girl anyone would be lucky to have as a friend.
I highly recommend this book for middle schoolers (its intended audience) but honestly I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming, inspirational read. There is much to be learned from Calli & Forget Me Not.
What an amazing, poetic & heartfelt story! I initially bought this book for my daughter to read. She read it and we had such a wonderful conversation about it that I knew I had to read it for myself. I’m so glad I did.
Calliope (Calli) is a young girl with Tourette’s Syndrome. Forget Me Not is told in short, simple prose from two points of view - that of Calli and her neighbor/friend Jinsong. It was a quick read but also the kind of story worth reading irregardless of your age. Calli’s story is absolutely captivating. Her mother jumps from relationship to relationship, always packing up & moving on with the ending of each one. Calli tries hard to hide her tics, to fit in but of course it’s difficult for her. My heart ached for Calli as she dealt with endless taunts and teasing from classmates. Her own mother honestly did not seem to grasp how hard she worked to control her tics and how time and time again her body betrayed her. This is such a misunderstood syndrome. I was awed and touched by Ellie Terry’s raw honesty in its depiction (she has Tourette’s herself).
My heart broke for Calli so many times while reading this book. She is lonely, misunderstood, bullied and made to feel ashamed and embarrassed of herself. Yet, I was beyond touched by her strength, resilience and her innate goodness. Calli had a huge heart. She was sweet, funny and brilliant. The kind of girl anyone would be lucky to have as a friend.
I highly recommend this book for middle schoolers (its intended audience) but honestly I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming, inspirational read. There is much to be learned from Calli & Forget Me Not.
September 1, 2018
I want to pluck
the moon from the sky,
swing it around
in circles.
I don’t know how to describe this book. Beautiful. Brilliant. Heartwarming. Touching…Damn! Tears are running down my face and my husband is looking at me weird! Breathe in, breathe out. Repeat…
This story is about Callie, a young girl who has Tourette’s Syndrome. About the ups and downs in her home and school life and about how she feels and how she tries to deal with her problems.
The story is told from the points of view of Callie which is beautifully written in verse and her neighbor and school friend Jinsong.
I like what the author says in the end: “...Different is good. Embrace what makes you different, and don’t be afraid to show it to the world.”
I want to thank (Bern) Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas, my friend in Goodreads, whose amazing review led me to this exceptional book.
the moon from the sky,
swing it around
in circles.
I don’t know how to describe this book. Beautiful. Brilliant. Heartwarming. Touching…Damn! Tears are running down my face and my husband is looking at me weird! Breathe in, breathe out. Repeat…
This story is about Callie, a young girl who has Tourette’s Syndrome. About the ups and downs in her home and school life and about how she feels and how she tries to deal with her problems.
The story is told from the points of view of Callie which is beautifully written in verse and her neighbor and school friend Jinsong.
I like what the author says in the end: “...Different is good. Embrace what makes you different, and don’t be afraid to show it to the world.”
I want to thank (Bern) Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas, my friend in Goodreads, whose amazing review led me to this exceptional book.
August 1, 2019
I write:
CALLIOPE JUNE
FLIES TO THE MOON
on the canvas
that used to be white
These pages are so beautiful even just to look at and turn incredibly charming once you start reading. Heartwarming tale about finding your own bravery and who you really want to be despite the peer pressure and (shitty) circumstances.
A man should choose a friend who is better than himself
Audiobook rating: ★★★★★
Book rating: ★★★★½
Narrated by Heather Costa, Matt Godfrey
March 17, 2017
This is a book you don't want to miss. Simple, and beautiful, and heartfelt. You'll laugh, and cheer, and sigh, get angry, maybe even cry. The poetry is fantastic and the story is worth reading no matter you're age.
November 16, 2022
'Forget Me Not' was a quick read, packing a lot of punch. A story about a girl, moving to new schools, because of her Mom's erratic relationship behavior. On top of that, she has severe Tourette's Syndrome.
This is a great book for middle-schoolers, It is a reminder of the pain associated with bullying, and how we can accept differences.
Calliope June, has Tourette's Syndrome. Sometimes she makes faces and noises that people don't understand, that's why she wears wacky clothes. She wants to draw attention away from her tics. She tries, but fails to conceal her TS.
The new kids at school don't understand. Of course, they laugh when she makes noises in class. The only person that doesn't laugh, Jinsong, her neighbor, and the class president--Mr. Popular, extraordinaire.
Jinsong, is a sweet boy, but has a reputation he needs to protect. What will he do? He is drawn to Calliope. Will he see her as she is, irrespective of her tics?
I found this book to be heartwarming, and will recommend it to my preteen. It's a story about respecting differences, and learning to accept yourself.
4/5 stars.
This is a great book for middle-schoolers, It is a reminder of the pain associated with bullying, and how we can accept differences.
Calliope June, has Tourette's Syndrome. Sometimes she makes faces and noises that people don't understand, that's why she wears wacky clothes. She wants to draw attention away from her tics. She tries, but fails to conceal her TS.
The new kids at school don't understand. Of course, they laugh when she makes noises in class. The only person that doesn't laugh, Jinsong, her neighbor, and the class president--Mr. Popular, extraordinaire.
Jinsong, is a sweet boy, but has a reputation he needs to protect. What will he do? He is drawn to Calliope. Will he see her as she is, irrespective of her tics?
I found this book to be heartwarming, and will recommend it to my preteen. It's a story about respecting differences, and learning to accept yourself.
4/5 stars.
June 18, 2016
Oh, this book. This book is beautiful. This book is made up of "hope and light and wonder." I will not forget these characters and this book and how it filled my heart.
December 14, 2022
Edit: PLEASE READ THIS BOOK. IDK ANYONE WHO HAS
__________________________
I am Calliope June.
I wish I could fly to the moon.
There’d be no one there
to laugh or to stare
and no one to call me a goon.
A man should choose a friend who is better than himself.
Forget Me Not is about Calliope June who has Tourette's. Ellie Terry herself also has Tourette's; can we appreciate the own voices representation for mental disorders.
This book is beautifully written in verse it's something I want to recommend to all my GR friends.It
This book is about friendship, family, hope and so much.
Nothing,
not even cheese-covered puffs of yum,
can fill the gaping hole
inside my heart—
the gaping hole
where a friend should go.
We follow Calliope as she moves to yet another new place with her mom. We see life through her eyes; and see how horrible people are to someone who is little different. Her emotions are portrayed so well that I could feel them. We see her anxiety and her tics.
I was dreaming.
I was a red poppy
growing
growing
in a field of white roses.
I was admiring their beauty,
their sameness,
when pointed teeth emerged
from their perfect white mouths
gnashing
gnashing
at me
the poppy.
Maybe if I ignore it long enough,
the feeling will go away?
I
resist
resist
but the feeling gains momentum,
like a bicycle rolling down a hill
until it is out of control.
whack! whack! whack! whack!
We see her befriend her friendly neighbour; Jinsong. At first he's reluctant to be seen with her but then a beautiful friendship blooms. And it's extra special since she's never had a real friend before.
I want to pluck
the moon from the sky,
swing it around
in circles.
Is this what it feels like
to have a best friend?
Maybe we’ll hang out
every day—
have picnics
tell jokes
share secrets
pass notes
have fun.
This book also mentions the stigma associated with mental disorder all thanks to movies. And OMG I fucking hate movies that do this, and their still being made. Do they have any clue about the harm they are doing to children and people with these disorders everywhere.
Dr. Flagner also said
that if he were me,
he wouldn’t go around telling everybody,
because Tourette’s is a very
misunderstood
disorder
and if people knew,
they’d treat me different,
expect me to curse
spit in their face
give them the finger,
because that’s all they’ve seen in the movies
even though not everyone
who has Tourette’s
does that.
We see her mom; who had problems catering to her child's needs. And what I've learnt is that just listen to your child. When she doesn't and cuts her hair; it just worsens things.
Ellie Terry also has a short video on youtube about her tics and there's a beautiful book trailer for this book too. I loved the author's note in the end. This like applies to all of us.
I’d also like to add that while Calli’s tics and compulsions are based on my own experiences, each case of Tourette’s—just like every person—is different. And different is good. Embrace what makes you different, and don’t be afraid to show it to the world.
This book will make you cry and smile so feel so much. So if you're a fan of that you should read this book. But also because you will learn something. Also recommend to people who likedWonder.
------------------------------
Started this 3hrs ago and I'm done now.
An own voices story about a girl with Tourette's Syndrome.
Full RTC..someday
__________________________
I am Calliope June.
I wish I could fly to the moon.
There’d be no one there
to laugh or to stare
and no one to call me a goon.
A man should choose a friend who is better than himself.
Forget Me Not is about Calliope June who has Tourette's. Ellie Terry herself also has Tourette's; can we appreciate the own voices representation for mental disorders.
This book is beautifully written in verse it's something I want to recommend to all my GR friends.It
This book is about friendship, family, hope and so much.
Nothing,
not even cheese-covered puffs of yum,
can fill the gaping hole
inside my heart—
the gaping hole
where a friend should go.
We follow Calliope as she moves to yet another new place with her mom. We see life through her eyes; and see how horrible people are to someone who is little different. Her emotions are portrayed so well that I could feel them. We see her anxiety and her tics.
I was dreaming.
I was a red poppy
growing
growing
in a field of white roses.
I was admiring their beauty,
their sameness,
when pointed teeth emerged
from their perfect white mouths
gnashing
gnashing
at me
the poppy.
Maybe if I ignore it long enough,
the feeling will go away?
I
resist
resist
but the feeling gains momentum,
like a bicycle rolling down a hill
until it is out of control.
whack! whack! whack! whack!
We see her befriend her friendly neighbour; Jinsong. At first he's reluctant to be seen with her but then a beautiful friendship blooms. And it's extra special since she's never had a real friend before.
I want to pluck
the moon from the sky,
swing it around
in circles.
Is this what it feels like
to have a best friend?
Maybe we’ll hang out
every day—
have picnics
tell jokes
share secrets
pass notes
have fun.
This book also mentions the stigma associated with mental disorder all thanks to movies. And OMG I fucking hate movies that do this, and their still being made. Do they have any clue about the harm they are doing to children and people with these disorders everywhere.
Dr. Flagner also said
that if he were me,
he wouldn’t go around telling everybody,
because Tourette’s is a very
misunderstood
disorder
and if people knew,
they’d treat me different,
expect me to curse
spit in their face
give them the finger,
because that’s all they’ve seen in the movies
even though not everyone
who has Tourette’s
does that.
We see her mom; who had problems catering to her child's needs. And what I've learnt is that just listen to your child. When she doesn't and cuts her hair; it just worsens things.
Ellie Terry also has a short video on youtube about her tics and there's a beautiful book trailer for this book too. I loved the author's note in the end. This like applies to all of us.
I’d also like to add that while Calli’s tics and compulsions are based on my own experiences, each case of Tourette’s—just like every person—is different. And different is good. Embrace what makes you different, and don’t be afraid to show it to the world.
This book will make you cry and smile so feel so much. So if you're a fan of that you should read this book. But also because you will learn something. Also recommend to people who likedWonder.
------------------------------
Started this 3hrs ago and I'm done now.
An own voices story about a girl with Tourette's Syndrome.
Full RTC..someday
June 14, 2016
Lyrical and lovely, you will not soon forget FORGET ME NOT when you read this tale of friendship and family. Told partly in verse (Calli's POV) and also in regular form from Jinsong's POV we see their new friendship blossom when Calli moves to Jinsong's neighborhood. Calli tries to fit in but it's difficult for her as she has Tourette's and tries to hide the tics and twists of her face -- and she deals with taunts and teasing from classmates.
Ellie Terry writes so poetically, this story will capture the hearts of young readers and adults who love a beautifully told story. FORGET ME NOT touches upon How to Be A Friend, What Makes a Family, Bullying, Neurological Disorders, and Astronomy. It also is about being different, and finding ways to fit in, or in Calli's case, stand out, despite her differences!
Ellie Terry writes so poetically, this story will capture the hearts of young readers and adults who love a beautifully told story. FORGET ME NOT touches upon How to Be A Friend, What Makes a Family, Bullying, Neurological Disorders, and Astronomy. It also is about being different, and finding ways to fit in, or in Calli's case, stand out, despite her differences!
March 4, 2023
A 7th grade girl, Calliope June, has Tourette syndrome and starts at a new school She tries to hide her quirks mostly because her Mom tells her to. Her Mom is not much of a mother to her - she leaves her alone, is always finding a new boyfriend and is moving her from place to place all the time. Her Dad passed away so it's just Calli and her Mom. At this new school, she makes a new friend and potential love interest, but he is afraid to embrace their friendship in front of everyone....
I am having a hard time fully understanding this book. Maybe because it's told in verse (poetry style) I must be missing something because the ending of this book was just....bad. Our main girl struggles with not having a present mom, being bullied at school, not being able to be who she truly is with her TS, etc. I liked seeing her point of view with TS and learned a lot about TS. However, the scenes and details with her mom were so sad. Mostly, this book was so depressing - yes it was realistic in many ways - but I didn't get the feel good ending I was looking for as we usually get in a middle grade. The connection just wasn't there. The ending frustrated me. Yes we got to see her embrace who she was but the way this ended -without spoiling it- was not what I hoped. It was too centered about her mom. It just feels unfinished.
I am having a hard time fully understanding this book. Maybe because it's told in verse (poetry style) I must be missing something because the ending of this book was just....bad. Our main girl struggles with not having a present mom, being bullied at school, not being able to be who she truly is with her TS, etc. I liked seeing her point of view with TS and learned a lot about TS. However, the scenes and details with her mom were so sad. Mostly, this book was so depressing - yes it was realistic in many ways - but I didn't get the feel good ending I was looking for as we usually get in a middle grade. The connection just wasn't there. The ending frustrated me. Yes we got to see her embrace who she was but the way this ended -without spoiling it- was not what I hoped. It was too centered about her mom. It just feels unfinished.
April 13, 2022
I thought this was a good young adult book. Has great deep meanings to just be yourself and to stand up for those who may be different or bullied. This was a quick read and worthy of reading! I enjoyed the main character and seeing that side of people who suffer with Tourette syndrome. Such a lovely read!
August 2, 2021
3.25-3.5 stars
Have to state the obvious first: this cover is so gorgeous! Would honestly call this one of the prettiest covers of books I’ve read this year.
This was a nice quick read for me that I was able to finish in one day. It was nice having a main character with Tourette’s Syndrome who wasn’t on the most extreme side of the spectrum. I have a friend with TS who is actually a lot like Callie so I might send her a copy of this book.
The build up of a friendship between Callie and Jinsong was nicely done. The characters made decisions that fit their ages which was a nice touch and didn’t make them seem naive or like mini adults who did everything right. I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed. The mother-daughter relationship could have been delved into a little more. Callie was honest with her mom, which is a big step for her, but it felt like she was still holding back. Her mom never really seemed to completely grasp how her decisions have truly affected Callie, how Callie has taken care of her after one of her many breakups and moves, or how selfish she has been by doing what makes her feel good at the moment.
I’ve had great luck with Middle Grade reads so I expected to really love this book. Think my expectations were a bit too high on this one as “Forget Me Not” didn’t completely blow me away. With that being said I’m glad I read it and would say it is worth a read if it sounds interesting to you.
Have to state the obvious first: this cover is so gorgeous! Would honestly call this one of the prettiest covers of books I’ve read this year.
This was a nice quick read for me that I was able to finish in one day. It was nice having a main character with Tourette’s Syndrome who wasn’t on the most extreme side of the spectrum. I have a friend with TS who is actually a lot like Callie so I might send her a copy of this book.
The build up of a friendship between Callie and Jinsong was nicely done. The characters made decisions that fit their ages which was a nice touch and didn’t make them seem naive or like mini adults who did everything right. I did feel like the ending was a bit rushed. The mother-daughter relationship could have been delved into a little more. Callie was honest with her mom, which is a big step for her, but it felt like she was still holding back. Her mom never really seemed to completely grasp how her decisions have truly affected Callie, how Callie has taken care of her after one of her many breakups and moves, or how selfish she has been by doing what makes her feel good at the moment.
I’ve had great luck with Middle Grade reads so I expected to really love this book. Think my expectations were a bit too high on this one as “Forget Me Not” didn’t completely blow me away. With that being said I’m glad I read it and would say it is worth a read if it sounds interesting to you.
March 18, 2017
~*Full review here on The Bent Bookworm!*~
Calliope June has Tourette’s Syndrome. She also has either an extremely heartbroken or extremely immature mother, I can’t decide which. I waffled between feeling sorry for her mom, or being absolutely furious with her. Regardless, Cassie has lived in 10 different places in the past 9 years. Every time her mom breaks up with a guy, they move. With no warning. While Callie recognizes that her mom loves her, she also slowly comes to see that she is also wrong in some of the ways she “shows” her love. I was really happy when, towards the end, Cassie found the inner strength to confront her mother about some of those things.
Callie’s tics cause her a lot of embarrassment. She tries so hard to control them, but that only seems to make them worse. Her consciousness of them and yet the constant betrayal by her body were very eye-opening. I’ve never known anyone with TS and my only real media exposure is the bartender in The Boondocks Saints. It’s sad that there isn’t more education on this condition and that so much fun is made of it. The kids at Callie’s school never thought twice, and even her own mother is embarrassed by it. HER MOTHER! Callie is embarrassed enough, she certainly doesn’t need anyone telling her to try to stop, or hide her tics. Despite all that, she is such a huge-hearted person and continues to pick herself up and continue on. Sure, she has emotional moments – but we all do, and most of us don’t struggle with a health condition that has our own body backfiring on us every second of every day.
I loved the verse in this book – and I am so, SO far from being a poetry person. In fact, when I first saw that this book was written in verse I nearly didn’t look any further because of that. But I was intrigued by the concept, and I’ve never read anything that had a character with TS, so I read the excerpt on Amazon and I had to have the rest of the book RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW. Turns out that there are two points of view in the story: Callie’s, the verse, and Jinsong’s, the prose. It works beautifully. The verse feels like a stream-of-consciousness narration.
The characters took me back to middle school. Callie and Jinsong are so very real. Jinsong made me angry for awhile, because even though he likes Callie at first he feels too embarrassed by her to stand up for her. It was really sickening…but he grows. He finds his backbone, and his heart, and it’s just the most adorable thing ever.
My heart broke for Callie the entire way through the book. The amount of resilience and tenacity she shows is incredible. Even when the very person who should help her and care for her the most barely gives her the time of day. Also, kids are so, so MEAN. I loved that as embarrassed and hurt as she would sometimes be though, Callie still found it in her to fight back.
BURN, baby, burn.
This was a phenomenal book. I really felt like the author put us right into Callie’s shoes. The writing was flawless – not once did I feel jolted out of the story by any sort of author intervention, and the ending…well. My heart broke into a thousand pieces. But it’s worth it! It fits. And there is hope, because Callie is not the sort of person to let her condition or her mother stop her.
There are a lot of quotes from the book that I would love to share. I bookmarked SO many. But I really think this is one you need to go read for yourself. So please, go buy a copy or request your library to buy one!
Blog | Twitter | Bloglovin | Instagram | Google+
Ancient Greeks called the planets
planetoi
because it means “wanderers,”
and because planets don’t stay
in
one
fixed
place
they’re constantly moving,
wandering between the stars,
like me.
Calliope June has Tourette’s Syndrome. She also has either an extremely heartbroken or extremely immature mother, I can’t decide which. I waffled between feeling sorry for her mom, or being absolutely furious with her. Regardless, Cassie has lived in 10 different places in the past 9 years. Every time her mom breaks up with a guy, they move. With no warning. While Callie recognizes that her mom loves her, she also slowly comes to see that she is also wrong in some of the ways she “shows” her love. I was really happy when, towards the end, Cassie found the inner strength to confront her mother about some of those things.
Callie’s tics cause her a lot of embarrassment. She tries so hard to control them, but that only seems to make them worse. Her consciousness of them and yet the constant betrayal by her body were very eye-opening. I’ve never known anyone with TS and my only real media exposure is the bartender in The Boondocks Saints. It’s sad that there isn’t more education on this condition and that so much fun is made of it. The kids at Callie’s school never thought twice, and even her own mother is embarrassed by it. HER MOTHER! Callie is embarrassed enough, she certainly doesn’t need anyone telling her to try to stop, or hide her tics. Despite all that, she is such a huge-hearted person and continues to pick herself up and continue on. Sure, she has emotional moments – but we all do, and most of us don’t struggle with a health condition that has our own body backfiring on us every second of every day.
I loved the verse in this book – and I am so, SO far from being a poetry person. In fact, when I first saw that this book was written in verse I nearly didn’t look any further because of that. But I was intrigued by the concept, and I’ve never read anything that had a character with TS, so I read the excerpt on Amazon and I had to have the rest of the book RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW. Turns out that there are two points of view in the story: Callie’s, the verse, and Jinsong’s, the prose. It works beautifully. The verse feels like a stream-of-consciousness narration.
The characters took me back to middle school. Callie and Jinsong are so very real. Jinsong made me angry for awhile, because even though he likes Callie at first he feels too embarrassed by her to stand up for her. It was really sickening…but he grows. He finds his backbone, and his heart, and it’s just the most adorable thing ever.
My heart broke for Callie the entire way through the book. The amount of resilience and tenacity she shows is incredible. Even when the very person who should help her and care for her the most barely gives her the time of day. Also, kids are so, so MEAN. I loved that as embarrassed and hurt as she would sometimes be though, Callie still found it in her to fight back.
“They all have friendship lockets.
Every girl at Black Ridge has one,
except you.”
I glance at Beatriz’s neck.
“And you.”
BURN, baby, burn.
This was a phenomenal book. I really felt like the author put us right into Callie’s shoes. The writing was flawless – not once did I feel jolted out of the story by any sort of author intervention, and the ending…well. My heart broke into a thousand pieces. But it’s worth it! It fits. And there is hope, because Callie is not the sort of person to let her condition or her mother stop her.
There are a lot of quotes from the book that I would love to share. I bookmarked SO many. But I really think this is one you need to go read for yourself. So please, go buy a copy or request your library to buy one!
Blog | Twitter | Bloglovin | Instagram | Google+
May 23, 2017
Ehhh, this one just didn't do anything for me. I don't know, guys--there's something that really bothers me about a book with the title, "Forget Me Not," that features flowers prominently in the plot...except those flowers are poppies.
Also, while I love books in verse, I don't think it was a great choice for this story. There just wasn't enough substance to flesh out any of the characters. I felt like I still didn't really know Calliope at all by the end of the story. (Note, I had to look up her name to write this review because I couldn't remember it.) It's difficult to care about what's happening to these people when you don't know them.
Finally, can we talk about Calliope's mom? What the heck, lady? That woman has no business raising a child, and some of her behavior (or lack thereof) was completely neglectful and borderline abusive. I was hoping that at the end of the book, when the mom comes back to town with the stranger she's just married, that Calliope was going to be like, "Yeah, you know what? You're horrible. I'm reporting you to CPS and going to live with Jinsong's family. Bye now." But nope. Calli is like, "I'll just try better to understand you, mom," which is admirable, but she shouldn't have to be hitched to that wagon anymore. That girl needs a normal adult human in her life.
Also, while I love books in verse, I don't think it was a great choice for this story. There just wasn't enough substance to flesh out any of the characters. I felt like I still didn't really know Calliope at all by the end of the story. (Note, I had to look up her name to write this review because I couldn't remember it.) It's difficult to care about what's happening to these people when you don't know them.
Finally, can we talk about Calliope's mom? What the heck, lady? That woman has no business raising a child, and some of her behavior (or lack thereof) was completely neglectful and borderline abusive. I was hoping that at the end of the book, when the mom comes back to town with the stranger she's just married, that Calliope was going to be like, "Yeah, you know what? You're horrible. I'm reporting you to CPS and going to live with Jinsong's family. Bye now." But nope. Calli is like, "I'll just try better to understand you, mom," which is admirable, but she shouldn't have to be hitched to that wagon anymore. That girl needs a normal adult human in her life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2017
“I’m Calli,” I tell him.
“I moved into number fourteen.”
The boy slams the lid,
presses start,
smiles at me with eyes
the color of cinnamon.
This was one of the most important books I've read this year. If someone had told me I'd be saying that about a middle grade debut, written in free verse, I would have laughed in their face. But Forget Me Not set out to prove me wrong - so, so wrong. It taught me not to immediately judge middle grade books as "silly and immature" and surprised me with an eye opening story.
Calliope June has Tourette syndrome and is once again on the move after her mom breaks up with her latest boyfriend. At her new school, Calli tries to hide her Tourette's - an involuntary disorder that causes "tics" such as making faces, hair pulling, or making croaking sounds. But her classmates start to notice there's something different about her, and Calli wonders if hiding her disorder is the best thing to do.
Wouldn’t talking about something
make it better understood?
I didn't expect this book to have such an emotional impact on me. I immediately fell in love with Calli, and when she described her struggles with Tourette syndrome, I sympathized with her. It frustrated me when her own mother was embarrassed by her and it just broke my heart when the kids in school laughed at Calli and called her a "freak" because of something she couldn't control.
When Calli met Jinsong, her new neighbor and fellow classmate, they formed the sweetest friendship. Jinsong liked Calli for who she was and her Tourette's didn't bother him (he also had the most adorable crush on her). But at school, Jinsong ignored Calli because he was afraid of what the other kids would say. He struggled between caving to peer pressure and doing what he wanted - to be Calli's friend.
I loved how Calli wasn't defined by her Tourette's. She was this sweet, funny, smart girl, who loved the moon and wore vintage clothes and had to deal with her mom's issues. Her Tourette's was a part of who she was, but she was so much more than that, and it was sad when people couldn't look past her facial tics or uncontrollable habits to see the brilliant girl underneath.
Such a wonderful, bittersweet story. Calli was an amazing character and the poetic prose was just gorgeous. I would recommend everyone, young and old, read this book. Who knows? You just might learn a few things.
May 14, 2017
"It's Tourette's,"
Mom sucked in a breath,
choked on her own spit.
I popped a sucker in my mouth,
happy to have a name
for the weird things I did."
This is an amazing and brave story. About a girl named Calliope - or Calli - who has Tourette's syndrome. She moves around - a lot. She is constantly starting a new school and her tics, from her syndrome, make it tough for her to make friends. She was told long ago to keep her tics to herself - to try to hold them in and not tell anyone she has them. She was told that by a doctor and her mother agreed.
Tourette's is a very
misunderstood
disorder
and if people knew,
they'd treat me different,
expect me to curse
spit in their face
give them the finger
because that's all they've seen in the movies
even though not everyone
who has Tourette's
does that."
And this book is absolutely correct. Tourettes is a very misunderstood syndrome. It's not widely talked about and the few times it is, it IS with the extreme examples of the swearing and/or obscene gestures. But this books shows the truth of it. That each person's truth of Tourettes is different. That the person is frustrated and embarrassed well before anyone is cruel (especially kids). This is a very bold and beautiful book that brings light to something I knew very little about. I loved the 2 POV's and how they were told two different ways - one was told through verse and the other through short chapters. It gave Calli's loneliness and hurt a good packed punch to the reader but didn't drown us in her anguish. And the chapters give us Jinsong's struggle to beat against the bullies and be her friend, even though it's middle school and possibly social suicide. The story really touched me and I loved it. I look forward to more stories from this author.
Mom sucked in a breath,
choked on her own spit.
I popped a sucker in my mouth,
happy to have a name
for the weird things I did."
This is an amazing and brave story. About a girl named Calliope - or Calli - who has Tourette's syndrome. She moves around - a lot. She is constantly starting a new school and her tics, from her syndrome, make it tough for her to make friends. She was told long ago to keep her tics to herself - to try to hold them in and not tell anyone she has them. She was told that by a doctor and her mother agreed.
Tourette's is a very
misunderstood
disorder
and if people knew,
they'd treat me different,
expect me to curse
spit in their face
give them the finger
because that's all they've seen in the movies
even though not everyone
who has Tourette's
does that."
And this book is absolutely correct. Tourettes is a very misunderstood syndrome. It's not widely talked about and the few times it is, it IS with the extreme examples of the swearing and/or obscene gestures. But this books shows the truth of it. That each person's truth of Tourettes is different. That the person is frustrated and embarrassed well before anyone is cruel (especially kids). This is a very bold and beautiful book that brings light to something I knew very little about. I loved the 2 POV's and how they were told two different ways - one was told through verse and the other through short chapters. It gave Calli's loneliness and hurt a good packed punch to the reader but didn't drown us in her anguish. And the chapters give us Jinsong's struggle to beat against the bullies and be her friend, even though it's middle school and possibly social suicide. The story really touched me and I loved it. I look forward to more stories from this author.
November 26, 2017
I read this gem all in one sitting. Forget Me Not is another one of my Mock Newbery Book Club selections and for good reason. The dual narratives of Calli and Jinsong provide a unique perspective, especially since Calli's is written in verse to further distinguish her voice from Jinsong's. What is especially unique about Calli is that she has Tourrette syndrome, which makes it even more difficult to fit in at her new school. Calli is a character that readers can identify with because she faces many of the same struggles that a lot of kids face: bullies, feeling like you don't fit in, living in a single-parent home, frequent relocation.
I am very glad that I chose this book to share with my book club students because it has sparked some great discussion about friendship and standing up for others.
I am very glad that I chose this book to share with my book club students because it has sparked some great discussion about friendship and standing up for others.
September 30, 2017
Forget Me Not is a must have book for middle grade collections.
June 3, 2021
Review coming if I have the time... I have a big Spanish essay due but fingers crossed I don't forget. If you spam the likes or comments I think it'll keep popping up so please do that!!
June 22, 2021
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Calliope (mc) Tourette syndrome; Jinsong (mc) Chinese-American.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • Twitter • Instagram
▷ Representation: Calliope (mc) Tourette syndrome; Jinsong (mc) Chinese-American.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • Twitter • Instagram
January 31, 2022
I am smart.
I am strong.
I can do anything I set my mind to do.
And I set my mind to do this:
I am going to the moon.
3 Words: Beautiful, heartfelt and Warm.
Forget me Not is a book about Calli who has Tourette's syndrome. All her life she has been taught to hide this part of herself from other people. To hide her tics. But what happens when she lets others and herself embrace this part of herself?
Told from two perspectives: Calli's and her friend Jinsong's, this book is partly written in beautiful BEAUTIFUL verse and is a story everyone will be able to feel and connect with, no matter what.
↝5 as Bright as the Moon Stars
January 3, 2020
Here are some reasons why you should read this book:
- A sweet and heartwarming story
- Simple prose
- Beautiful writing
- Important message
- Quick read
- A sweet and heartwarming story
- Simple prose
- Beautiful writing
- Important message
- Quick read
April 22, 2017
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for approving my request for a free digital copy in exchange for a review.
Forget Me Not is the perfect example of why we need own voices, and why own voices shouldn’t be a trend but an essential part of literature.
I find myself extremely moved when I read own voices books. There’s something in the writing that is very different, something that feels tangibly more real. This is the case of Forget Me Not. A lot of reviews will discuss the novel approach of combined prose and verse in a MG book, but that it not what stood out to be at all. Instead, the primary characters in the story felt like over friends, our families, our classmates. I love that Calliope’s compulsion and tics mirror Terry’s, and the author’s note at the end was the perfect icing on the cake. The characters were beyond realistic: Mom, Jinsong and Beatriz. Moreover, the diversity of races makes it even more of a winner in my book.
I don’t know if I like Jin-Song’s character much. He’s just problematic. This has nothing to do with his refusal to stand up to his friends, it’s just that he says problematic things. The one that was the most jarring for me is “ like when you feed a stray dog, it keeps coming back.” This line is used in reference to Calliope and was *really* off-putting.
The central themes of self-acceptance and family are cleverly crafted, and the execution poignant. I loved the dynamic of Jinsong’s family. I also enjoyed the exploration of single-parent/mother-daughter relationships. The complex dynamic between Calliope and her mother reminds me of my relationship with my own and it was exceptionally accurate.
Self acceptance is juxtaposed against bullying and Calliope’s journey to forgiveness feels complete. For a short book the growth is exceptional and I am in awe of what Terry can do in such a short book, truly the hallmark of a strong writer. The writing, language and tone are all extremely appropriate and this is a book that I believe that target audience would enjoy.
Forget Me Not is a book that teachers can easily integrate into their curriculum. I definitely would. On the flip-side this is a book that I would definitely recommend this book to young readers, and one which will make for a truly enjoyable experience.
Forget Me Not is the perfect example of why we need own voices, and why own voices shouldn’t be a trend but an essential part of literature.
I find myself extremely moved when I read own voices books. There’s something in the writing that is very different, something that feels tangibly more real. This is the case of Forget Me Not. A lot of reviews will discuss the novel approach of combined prose and verse in a MG book, but that it not what stood out to be at all. Instead, the primary characters in the story felt like over friends, our families, our classmates. I love that Calliope’s compulsion and tics mirror Terry’s, and the author’s note at the end was the perfect icing on the cake. The characters were beyond realistic: Mom, Jinsong and Beatriz. Moreover, the diversity of races makes it even more of a winner in my book.
I don’t know if I like Jin-Song’s character much. He’s just problematic. This has nothing to do with his refusal to stand up to his friends, it’s just that he says problematic things. The one that was the most jarring for me is “ like when you feed a stray dog, it keeps coming back.” This line is used in reference to Calliope and was *really* off-putting.
The central themes of self-acceptance and family are cleverly crafted, and the execution poignant. I loved the dynamic of Jinsong’s family. I also enjoyed the exploration of single-parent/mother-daughter relationships. The complex dynamic between Calliope and her mother reminds me of my relationship with my own and it was exceptionally accurate.
Self acceptance is juxtaposed against bullying and Calliope’s journey to forgiveness feels complete. For a short book the growth is exceptional and I am in awe of what Terry can do in such a short book, truly the hallmark of a strong writer. The writing, language and tone are all extremely appropriate and this is a book that I believe that target audience would enjoy.
Forget Me Not is a book that teachers can easily integrate into their curriculum. I definitely would. On the flip-side this is a book that I would definitely recommend this book to young readers, and one which will make for a truly enjoyable experience.
June 30, 2017
4.5
There were multiple things in this story that I normally find myself being critical of: 1) stories centered around "bullying" 2) stories centered around love that seems unrealistic and artificially quick to fit a story 3) an author that throws in problem after problem trying to check off all the topics of the day. I think there were aspects of all those things to some extent here but there was a sweetness and beauty that took my focus off those things. I think my role as an educator made me very sympathetic to Calli. I have had so many students who have parents that get in the way of their ability to have normalcy in their lives, or students who have differences like Tourette syndrome that struggle with the possible issues that accompany that. Of course the beauty of my job is seeing kids with differences, challenges, or difficult home situations shine brighter than the sun (or maybe I should say moon). Kids can be amazingly resilient but this is a nice reminder that they shouldn't have to be. The writing was simple but had a real beauty to it that I enjoyed. The fact the author faced the struggles found in the book made it even more powerful. I think a lot of my students would really enjoy this one.
There were multiple things in this story that I normally find myself being critical of: 1) stories centered around "bullying" 2) stories centered around love that seems unrealistic and artificially quick to fit a story 3) an author that throws in problem after problem trying to check off all the topics of the day. I think there were aspects of all those things to some extent here but there was a sweetness and beauty that took my focus off those things. I think my role as an educator made me very sympathetic to Calli. I have had so many students who have parents that get in the way of their ability to have normalcy in their lives, or students who have differences like Tourette syndrome that struggle with the possible issues that accompany that. Of course the beauty of my job is seeing kids with differences, challenges, or difficult home situations shine brighter than the sun (or maybe I should say moon). Kids can be amazingly resilient but this is a nice reminder that they shouldn't have to be. The writing was simple but had a real beauty to it that I enjoyed. The fact the author faced the struggles found in the book made it even more powerful. I think a lot of my students would really enjoy this one.
July 10, 2016
I was given an ARC of FORGET ME NOT in exchange for an honest review. This gorgeously written novel-in-verse tells the story of Calliope June, an astronomy-loving seventh grader who is struggling with Tourette syndrome. What makes Calli's struggle even greater is that she has been instructed by her flighty but well intentioned mom - as well as by her doctor - to keep her Tourette's a secret. This, Calli discovers, is easier said than done, especially when her tics present themselves at school and interfere with her interactions with her classmates - including her crush, the popular student-body president. A heart-warming tale of acceptance, self-love, and the meaning of unconditional friendship.
July 2, 2016
Oh my goodness, this was fantastic. FORGET ME NOT is everything I love in a middle-grade novel: characters you want to cuddle, compelling relationships, and quirkiness. The verse format works perfectly. I want to get posters made of some of Calliope's poems. Also, the name "Calliope" -- did you know it isn't pronounced "Cally-ope"? It's "Cal-eye-oh-pee"! I had no idea, but now it's one of my favourite names! All because of an extraordinary girl named Calliope June.
July 24, 2020
*3.5/5 stars*
So, I almost never read novels written in verse, but when I do, I mostly enjoy them. I really need to read more like this!
This story is so sweet and also so sad. I enjoyed reading Calli's perspective. Bless her, she had it hard. Kids are just so mean. I liked Jinsong and can totally understand why he had a hard time standing up for her and publicly being her friend, because again, kids are so mean, but also guaifhgbieubfiu it was frustrating.
Ugh, her mom. Her mom was the LITERAL WORST. She made my blood boil. She's the main reason I didn't enjoy this book as much as I could have.
Overall, good read. I definitely think it is a Middle Grade that should get more attention.
So, I almost never read novels written in verse, but when I do, I mostly enjoy them. I really need to read more like this!
This story is so sweet and also so sad. I enjoyed reading Calli's perspective. Bless her, she had it hard. Kids are just so mean. I liked Jinsong and can totally understand why he had a hard time standing up for her and publicly being her friend, because again, kids are so mean, but also guaifhgbieubfiu it was frustrating.
Ugh, her mom. Her mom was the LITERAL WORST. She made my blood boil. She's the main reason I didn't enjoy this book as much as I could have.
Overall, good read. I definitely think it is a Middle Grade that should get more attention.
July 28, 2017
I could not stop reading this beautiful novel in verse. This is a favorite read of 2017! I'm adding this title to my #MockNewbery list for 2018 & I think it is a strong contender fir the Schneider Award. Calli's voice is strong & compelling and your heart instantly goes out to her as she forced to move to her tenth new school & start as the new kid yet again. Through Calli & the authors note, students will get a glimpse into living with Tourette syndrome.
Read
December 9, 2022This was not good at all. The male lead is the worst I have ever read about for a student body present he sure is a shitty person. I hate the mother also and how they moved away at the end why develop relationships if your just gonna take it all away. What bullshit honestly.
However the female lead (already forgotten her name) had good character development
However the female lead (already forgotten her name) had good character development
January 6, 2017
THIS BOOK. I loved everything about this beautifully written, sweet, gentle, fierce, heart-clenching story of a Calli and Jinsong. Such truth and realness. I zipped right through. Didn't want to stop. And that ending--perfect! I so wish I had this book as a girl. Highly recommended.
May 9, 2025
On this episode of listening to books I own:
Went to add this to goodreads and saw
I had already read it.
No memory of it whatsoever.
Not because the book is bad,but because my brain lovelies erased it (I have mild cognitive impairment.. alot of my memories are gone unfortunately)
Frustrating when my mind runs from me but *shrugs*
This second time around was a lovely trip, I enjoyed meeting these characters and getting to know them again.
Went to add this to goodreads and saw
I had already read it.
No memory of it whatsoever.
Not because the book is bad,but because my brain lovelies erased it (I have mild cognitive impairment.. alot of my memories are gone unfortunately)
Frustrating when my mind runs from me but *shrugs*
This second time around was a lovely trip, I enjoyed meeting these characters and getting to know them again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,307 reviews