BOOKS | Ellie Terry Author

MIDDLE-GRADE NOVELS

Forget Me Not

–Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan (March 2017)

It would be nice

to stay in one place

long enough to make a best friend . . .

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 Jinsong, 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 they might be moving—again—just as she starts to make friends and finally accept her differences.

ISBN-13: 978-1-250-09627-2

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REVIEWS

“This heartfelt, multivoice story with a meaningful message about friendship and acceptance is perfect for kids who appreciate realistic, character driven stories, such as Rebecca Stead’s Goodbye Stranger (2015).” —Booklist

“A rare treat—a beautiful story of middle grade friendship, crushes, accepting differences, and how to deal with the school bullies. Terry’s use of figurative language and symbolism is magical. It will offer lessons in tolerance, acceptance, and kindness toward those different than themselves.”—School Library Connection, Highly Recommended

“This exploration of Calli’s neurological disorder and her struggle to find her place will stay in the hearts and minds of readers for a long time.” —SLJ

“Terry’s debut novel thoughtfully traces the fragile emotions of two seventh graders: Calliope, a girl painfully self-conscious about having Tourette syndrome, and Jinsong, a popular boy she meets in her new town. Terry, who has Tourette syndrome herself, offers enormous insight into an often-misunderstood condition, writing in verse for Calliope’s chapters and prose for Jinsong’s. Her poetic explorations of Calliope’s anxiety and Jinsong’s moral struggles are honest and moving.”—Publisher’s Weekly

“A charming portrait of the ways that friendship and self-acceptance are intertwined. A character-driven success.” — VOYA

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***Discussion Guide***

(Credit goes to Middle Grade@Heart Book Club. Sign up for their newsletter here.)

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LISTS & AWARDS

2020 Louisiana Young Readers Choice Award Nominee

2020 Arkansas Charlie May Simon Book Award Nominee

2020 Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee

2020 Missouri Truman Readers Award 3rd Place Winner

2019 Michigan Great Lakes Great Books Award Winner

2019 Maine Student Book Award Nominee