Forget Me Not

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2017

Review

Terry's young adult novel debut purposefully shines a light on Tourette's Syndrome (TS) and the ways it can create misunderstanding and turmoil in high school friendships. Calliope June (Calli) has become the new student again, as her mother's tenuous relationships move them frequently. Before school starts, Calli meets her neighbor Jinsong who seems to have similar interests in astronomy. That newly formed friendship is challenged during the first days of school as Calli's tics become apparent to her classmates. Readers will need to take a second to figure out that Calli narrates in verse and Jinsong's voice is written in prose, but it is the perfect vehicle for focusing the reader on the inner challenges that Calli and Jinsong must face. Realistic school situations and creditable explanations of TS are presented that will inspire class discussions. A new title to hand to fans of Wonder.

Overall Book Score: excellent