Another Move, Another Goodbye

Calliope "Calli" June is used to moving every time her mother's relationships end. This time, they're headed to St. George, Utah, where Calli's familiar sense of loss and anxiety returns. She's frustrated by the lack of stability, unable to say goodbye to teachers or friends, and already dreading the next inevitable move. Her mother's search for love and security means Calli's life is always in flux, and her only constants are her rock collection and her long, golden hair—until her hair-pulling compulsion threatens even that.

New Town, New Tics

Arriving in St. George, Calli tries to settle in, unpacking her few belongings and hoping to blend in at her new school. She's determined to keep her Tourette syndrome a secret, fearing the ridicule she's faced before. Her mother, distracted by her own problems, doesn't fully understand Calli's needs, and Calli's anxiety manifests in compulsions and tics she can't control. The pressure to appear "normal" is overwhelming, and Calli's only comfort is her hair, which she pulls at to self-soothe—until her mother cuts it short to stop the habit.

Meeting Jinsong

Jinsong, the student body president and aspiring baseball pitcher, notices Calli moving in. He's intrigued by her unusual appearance and her tics, but also by her kindness and intelligence. Jinsong is torn between his desire to befriend Calli and his fear of losing social standing with his friends, Duncan and Nyle. Their first meeting is awkward but promising, and both sense a potential friendship, though neither knows how to navigate the social minefield of middle school.

Hiding in Plain Sight

At school, Calli wears old-fashioned dresses, hoping her classmates will focus on her clothes instead of her involuntary movements and sounds. Despite her efforts, her tics—nose wiggles, eye rolls, throat clearing—draw attention. She's assigned a seat in the middle of the classroom, making it impossible to hide. The girls interrogate her about her clothes and noises, and though some laugh, Calli swallows her embarrassment, determined to survive another first day.

The Dress and the Tics

The girls at school, led by Ivy, Hazel, and Gwyneth, question Calli's dress and mimic her tics, thinking she's being funny. Calli's attempts to mask her differences fail, and she feels exposed and alone. Jinsong, watching from afar, is sympathetic but too afraid to stand up for her. Calli's sense of isolation deepens, and she wishes for invisibility, longing for a friend who understands.

Schoolyard Survival

Jinsong's friends mock Calli, calling her "Freak Girl." Wanting to fit in, Jinsong joins in the laughter, even as he feels guilty. He's caught between his role as student body president—supposed to be a friend to all—and his desire to be accepted by his peers. The tension between doing what's right and what's easy gnaws at him, and he begins to question his own values.

The Lonely Lunch Table

Calli sits alone by the garbage cans, until Jinsong discreetly warns her to move, hoping she'll make friends with the popular girls. She joins Ivy's group, but the girls quickly turn the conversation to her tics, laughing at her "frog" noises. Calli feels like an outsider, her efforts to fit in only highlighting her differences. She resolves to sit alone again, finding more comfort in solitude than in false friendship.

Friendship in Secret

Despite the social risks, Jinsong and Calli begin walking home together, sharing small moments of connection. They talk about the moon, baseball, and their families, finding solace in each other's company. Their friendship is a secret, hidden from classmates who wouldn't understand. Both crave acceptance, but fear the consequences of being seen together. Their bond grows, but so does the pressure to keep it hidden.

The Language of Flowers

At her mother's flower shop, Calli rescues a dying poppy, symbolizing her own sense of being out of place. She learns about the Victorian language of flowers—poppies for courage, forget-me-nots for remembrance—and clings to these meanings as she faces daily challenges. The poppy becomes her talisman, a reminder to be brave even when she feels like she doesn't belong.

Teasing and Silence

Beatriz, the class secretary, and others begin to openly mock Calli's tics, repeating her words and movements in class. The teachers don't notice, and Jinsong, though uncomfortable, does nothing to stop it. Calli's tics worsen under stress, and she feels increasingly isolated. The silence of bystanders hurts as much as the teasing itself, and Calli wonders if she'll ever be accepted for who she is.

Letting the Truth Out

During a particularly bad day, Calli's tics cause her to fall out of her chair, prompting laughter from the class. Kenny, a kind classmate, helps her up, and the teacher finally explains to the class that Calli has Tourette syndrome. The truth is out, but instead of relief, Calli feels exposed and vulnerable. Jinsong is wracked with guilt for not defending her, and Calli retreats, unsure if honesty will bring understanding or more pain.

Falling and Failing

After the incident, Jinsong distances himself, ashamed of his inaction. Calli feels betrayed and alone, convinced she's lost her only friend. Rumors and teasing continue, and even small gestures of kindness are met with suspicion. Both Calli and Jinsong struggle with regret, wishing they could undo their mistakes but unsure how to make things right.

Apologies and Mooncakes

During the Chinese Moon Festival, Jinsong invites Calli to his family's celebration. Sharing mooncakes and stories, they reconnect, and Jinsong apologizes for his behavior. He confesses his feelings through a riddle, and though Calli doesn't quite solve it, the gesture brings them closer. For the first time, Calli feels seen and accepted, and their friendship deepens into something more.

Valentine's Day Hurts

On Valentine's Day, Calli is the target of a mean-spirited prank by Duncan and Nyle, who fake a love note from Jinsong. Humiliated, Calli's trust is shattered, and she rejects Jinsong's attempts to make amends. The pain of betrayal is compounded by the news that her mother has remarried and they will be moving again, just as Calli was beginning to find her place.

Standing Up, Standing Out

When Duncan and Nyle continue to bully Calli, Jinsong finally stands up to them, defending her and revealing her tics are not a joke. The confrontation leads to his suspension and loss of his student council position, but Jinsong feels relief at finally doing the right thing. Calli, too, finds her voice, confronting Beatriz and refusing to be shamed for her differences.

Moving Again, Moving On

As her mother prepares to move them to Las Vegas, Calli says goodbye to her friends and the life she's built. She leaves behind tokens of courage and friendship, including her poppy and a note for Beatriz. Though heartbroken, Calli is determined to embrace her future, carrying with her the lessons of acceptance and self-advocacy she's learned.

Goodbye, Not Forgotten

On her last day, Calli and Jinsong share a bittersweet goodbye, exchanging gifts and promises to stay in touch. Jinsong gives her a stuffed bunny, and Calli writes her email on his hand. Their connection endures, even as distance separates them. Both are changed by their friendship, having learned the value of honesty, courage, and standing up for what's right.

New Beginnings, Same Moon

At her new school, Calli introduces herself honestly, explaining her Tourette's to her classmates. To her surprise, she's met with acceptance and even laughter. She and Jinsong keep in touch, and Calli dreams of a future where she can be herself, pursue her passions, and maybe even walk on the moon. The story ends with hope, as Calli realizes that no matter where she goes, she carries her courage—and her friends—with her.

Characters

Calliope "Calli" June

Calli is a seventh-grade girl with Tourette syndrome, trichotillomania, and anxiety, who has moved more times than she can count due to her mother's unstable relationships. Her tics and compulsions make her a target for bullying, and she copes by wearing vintage clothes and collecting rocks from each place she's lived. Calli's relationship with her mother is loving but fraught, as her mother doesn't fully understand her struggles. Over the course of the story, Calli learns to accept herself, finds her voice, and discovers the power of honesty and courage. Her friendship with Jinsong is transformative, teaching her that she deserves to be seen and loved for who she is.

Jinsong P'eng

Jinsong is the student body president and a talented baseball pitcher, caught between his desire to fit in with his friends and his growing affection for Calli. As the child of Chinese immigrants, he also navigates cultural expectations and family pride. Jinsong's journey is one of moral growth: he moves from passive bystander to active ally, ultimately sacrificing his popularity and position to defend Calli. His friendship with Calli challenges him to be braver and more authentic, and he learns that true leadership means standing up for what's right, even when it's hard.

Calli's Mother

Calli's mother is loving but impulsive, constantly seeking security through relationships. Her frequent moves and new boyfriends create instability for Calli, and her attempts to "fix" Calli's tics—like cutting her hair—often backfire. She struggles to understand her daughter's needs, but ultimately wants the best for her. Their relationship is tested by secrets, misunderstandings, and the pressures of starting over, but by the end, both mother and daughter learn to accept each other's flaws and needs.

Beatriz Lopez

Beatriz is the class secretary and a former friend of Jinsong's, known for her sharp wit and mean-spirited jokes. Her cruelty toward Calli masks her own pain over her mother's abandonment and her sense of isolation. Beatriz's arc is one of subtle redemption: through Calli's empathy and a final gesture of friendship, she's given a chance to reconnect with her better self and with Jinsong.

Duncan Gray and Nyle Jacques

Duncan and Nyle are Jinsong's longtime friends and the main instigators of bullying against Calli. They represent the pressures of conformity and the cruelty of adolescence. Their actions force Jinsong to choose between loyalty to friends and doing what's right, serving as catalysts for his growth.

Ivy, Hazel, Gwyneth

These girls initially welcome Calli, but quickly turn on her when her differences become apparent. Their shifting alliances and superficial kindness highlight the fickle nature of middle school popularity and the challenges of fitting in.

Kenny Gunn

Kenny is a quiet, compassionate classmate who befriends Calli when others won't. He helps her after her public fall and is the first to accept her tics without judgment. Kenny's presence is a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Mrs. Ainsley

The art teacher who assigns the self-portrait project, Mrs. Ainsley encourages Calli to see herself as more than her tics. Her assignment becomes a metaphor for Calli's journey toward self-acceptance.

Ms. Baumgartner

Ms. Baumgartner helps Calli understand that suppressing her tics only causes more pain, encouraging her to "let them out" and affirm her identity. She is a pivotal figure in Calli's journey toward self-advocacy.

Reno

Reno is Calli's mother's new husband, whose arrival prompts yet another move. Though he represents upheaval, his presence also forces Calli and her mother to confront their patterns and seek understanding.

Plot Devices

Dual Narration

The story is told in alternating chapters from Calli's and Jinsong's points of view, allowing readers to see both sides of their friendship and the pressures they face. This structure deepens empathy and highlights the misunderstandings and missed opportunities that shape their relationship.

Verse and Prose

Much of Calli's narrative is written in verse, capturing the fragmented, anxious, and sensory-rich experience of living with Tourette's. Jinsong's chapters are in prose, providing contrast and grounding the story in everyday reality. The interplay of forms reflects the characters' inner worlds and the challenges of communication.

Symbolism of Flowers and Rocks

Calli's rock collection represents her longing for stability and belonging, while flowers—especially poppies and forget-me-nots—symbolize courage, remembrance, and the hope of being understood. These objects anchor her in times of change and become tokens of connection with others.

Foreshadowing Through Intrusive Thoughts

Calli's intrusive thoughts foreshadow her fears of abandonment and harm, mirroring the unpredictability of her life. These moments build tension and empathy, illustrating the impact of anxiety on daily existence.

Self-Portrait Project

The assignment to paint a life-size self-portrait becomes a central metaphor for Calli's struggle to see and accept herself. Her eventual completion of the project marks a turning point in her confidence and willingness to be seen.

The Moon as a Motif

The moon recurs throughout the story as a source of wonder, comfort, and aspiration. It connects Calli and Jinsong across distance and change, reminding them that some things remain constant even as everything else shifts.

Analysis

Forget Me Not is a moving, accessible exploration of difference, belonging, and the courage to be oneself. Through Calli's journey with Tourette syndrome and the challenges of constant upheaval, Ellie Terry crafts a narrative that is both specific and universal: the longing to be understood, the pain of exclusion, and the transformative power of friendship. The book's dual narration and poetic form invite readers into the lived experience of neurodiversity, fostering empathy and challenging stereotypes. At its heart, the story argues that honesty—about who we are and what we need—is the first step toward acceptance, both from others and from ourselves. The lessons are clear: kindness matters, silence can be as harmful as cruelty, and embracing what makes us different is the key to finding our place in the world. In a society that often prizes conformity, Forget Me Not is a timely reminder that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and remembered.

Last updated: May 14, 2025