Miosotis Flores Never Forgets

by Hilda Eunice Burgos

A novel about family, pets, and other things we hold close.

Miosotis Flores is excited about three things: fostering rescue dogs, goofy horror movies, and her sister Amarilis's upcoming wedding. School? Not on that list. But her papi cares about school more than anything else, so they strike a deal: If Miosotis improves her grades in two classes, she can adopt a dog of her own in the summer.

Miosotis dives into her schoolwork, and into nurturing a fearful little pup called Freckles. Could he become her forever dog? At the same time, she notices Amarilis behaving strangely--wearing thick clothes in springtime, dropping her friends in favor of her fiancé, even avoiding Miosotis and the rest of their family.

When she finally discovers her sister's secret, Miosotis faces some difficult choices. What do you do if someone is in danger, but doesn't want your help? When should you ask for support, and when should you try to handle things on your own? And what ultimately matters most--what Miosotis wants, or what's right for the ones she loves?

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Latinx, Family, Childrens, Contemporary, Social Justice

304 pages, Hardcover

First published October 5, 2021

Reviews

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book’s fast pace and tension held my heart and attention deeply. I loved Miosotis as a narrator who thinks a lot, but doesn’t stay stuck in her own head, which is refreshing as she keeps the story moving. She makes questionable decisions that still feel authentic to her age and create intrigue for readers. The story has intense topics, but ones that are high interest, which can pull in reluctant readers: intimate partner violence, rescue dogs, maternal mortality rates, colorism, and racial profiling. The themes and situations all mesh and intertwine flawlessly and just feel very real for the characters’ lives. I cared so much for Miosotis and wanted the best for her sister, Amarilis. I thought the author excelled in bringing the feelings of powerlessness, frustration, and desperation through the page and yet brought in facts and reflection points that did not read as heavy handed. The reading experience was truly like holding a giant breath and finally getting release. Totally recommend.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This middle grade novel tackles several tough topics not usually explored in books for this particular age group, but it does so deftly and honestly. Sixth grader Miosotis Flores, the youngest member of her Dominican American family, never knew her mother who died right after she was born. But she is quite close to the rest of her family, especially her sister Amarilis, who is in college, and her brother Jacinto. Both of them did very well academically, and Miosotis often feels that she can't measure up to the standards they set and those expected by her college professor father. But she desperately wants a dog and jumps at the deal her father sets regarding raising her grades in exchange for her being allowed to adopt one. But getting A's, particularly in science, is challenging since she doesn't always understand the concepts or study, and her friends and family seem ready to do the work for her, something that starts to make her feel uncomfortable. While Miosotis falls in love with Freckles, a dog who was once abused and is quite frightened, while helping her neighbor who fosters dogs to rehabilitate them until they find homes, she is also increasingly worried about the changes she notes in her sister during home visits and phone calls. Although the family was thrilled to meet Rich, Amarilis's college boyfriend and fiance, Miosotis realizes that he is hurting her sister. When she confronts Amarilis, her sister at first denies that anything out of the ordinary is happening and then makes excuses for Rich's behavior. It's clear that things are escalating, but still, the couple stays busy planning their wedding. Miosotis is frustrated on many levels--about what to do to help her sister, how to earn the grades she needs for her dog, and how to persuade her father to stick to his agreement. Because of these concerns, she makes several mistakes, which makes her more relatable to readers, who will certainly identify on many levels, especially not being acknowledged on their own merits and wanting to please the adults in their lives. There are also several interesting threads about skin color and colorism as Miosotis's own abuela seems thrilled that Amarilis's romantic interest is so white and Jacinto is stopped by a police officer while driving his father's Lexis. Middle grade readers will surely enjoy watching Miosotis struggle, work things out, and ultimately stamp up for herself as the plot unfolds. This book is filled with heart, humor, and friendship. There are several scenes that made me smile in self-recognition or amusement, and others that made me wince. Fans of Merci Suarez Changes Gears and Merci Suarez Can't Dance will gravitate to this one, especially if they have big hearts for dogs and those who love them.

[Riya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book about a girl and her sister who faces a serious problem and the girl doesn't know how to help. Read through an amazing adventure with Miosotis Flores and dog loving passion trying to help her sister get through a troubling problem.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burgos tackles several social issues in this middle grade novel of family, racism, responsibility, and dating violence.

Miosotis strikes a deal with her father to improve her grades on her report card in order to get a dog; her friends do all they can to support her in this endeavor. At the same time, she notices some things she does not like about her older sister's fiancee and tries to find the right approach to help her out of this abusive situation. Meanwhile, her older brother experiences racism when a police officer pulls him over when driving his father's Lexus.

Burgos has built Miosotis into one complicated little girl. She bears self-inflicted guilt for her mother's death, lies in order to get the pet dog she desperately wants, and learns the importance of applying herself in school. All of the situations she finds herself in the book feel real. Burgos takes the time she needs to build each character; each once is firmly set on their course of action, the book really takes off. I would have liked to have seen Miosotis be a bit more inquisitive about her brother's girlfriend (listening in on conversations like she does with Amarilis, etc.). A strength is the inclusion of cultural biases built into Abuela, as it is clear that it was imprinted on her that lighter color skin and straight hair are more desirable and beautiful than the darker skin tone and thick curly hair that Miosotis is blessed with. Miosotis is a typical middle grade girl - comparing herself to others, questioning everything, and learning who she is. Another thing missing: the girls are so focused on their studies that they do not appear to be very boy-crazy (only one comment about how cute Jacinto is). The family dynamics are solid.

An author's note in back talks about what inspired this particular book.

A nice peek into the life of a Dominican-American family's dynamics and culture.

Recommended for Grades 5-8.

[Mary Louise Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book cover highlights the premise that the main character wants a dog, but there are so many more layered issues in this story, just like petals on flowers, which the main character and her siblings are named after. Miosotis is named for the forget-me-not flower, and she certainly stays true to her name in that she's focused on getting a dog, and she works extra hard to get all As in school, per her bargain with her dad. Miosotis also doesn't forget that she's part of a family; and family members stick up for each other, even if that means she breaks her promise about keeping a secret, in order to protect her older sister Amarilis.

This intergenerational Dominican Republic family dynamics are interesting, and in one way, show the support abuela gives to her grandchildren in order to give them and her son-in-law stability, after her daughter dies shortly after the birth of Miosotis. But, while abuela is saintly in her matriarchal role, she also shows how much she values light skin and is happy Amarilis is planning to marry a white Anglo boy.

Readers will delight in uncovering the many layers in this story.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really surprised this middle grade novel is not getting more attention. It starts painfully slow but picks up the pace and tells a powerhouse story. A young girl’s mother died when she was born because the doctors and nurses didn’t give her adequate treatment and care in the hospital for a preexisting condition. Miosotis is raised by her grandmother and father and lives with her older (and much smarter brother and sister). Sister is going to be starting college where dad works as a college professor. Miosotis works for her neighbor who shelters rescues dogs until they are ready for placement and rehoming. She does this on the hopes she’ll be able to adopt a dog of her own despite her grandmother’s horrendous allergies. In the meantime she discovers a brutal secret her sister is hiding from the family Miosotis must now keep secret. I really loved this book and would like a copy for my classroom library book shelf. I think it would resonate with many young readers in my 8th grade classroom.

[Alma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though she’s away at college and has a new boyfriend, Miosotis' older sister is starting to act differently. Miosotis used to always be able to count on her, but not anymore. When Miosotis finds out what’s been happening she’s sworn to secrecy, but is bewildered about how to fix the situation.

This book is too similar to “Merci Suaréz changes gears,” which is why I deducted 1 star for originality on my review. It has a similar title, as well as other similarities – including the burden of having a secret placed on a young character. Read more on my blog: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress....

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started listening to this with my kid but decided it wasn't right for him at the time and he wasn't into it. But had to finish it for myself. Enjoyed it. TW: Domestic abuse. Probably a decent introduction to the challenges in addressing that with a loved one - just not a topic my kid is the right space for at the moment. I'd guess that the younger kids in the recommended age range for this book could vary on whether they are ready for it. (Mine is an autistic 9-year-old who can internalize stories too much sometimes.)

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Actual rating: 4.5 stars)
This book took me by surprise. I really appreciated the care Burgos applied to her portrayal of domestic abuse in a young relationship as well as the complex dynamic of young Miosotis discovering the abuse and her attempts to help her beloved sister. She also has her own struggle with her attempt to raise her grades so her father will allow her to get a dog. I will definitely read from this author again.

[Bike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book especially for students who enjoyed Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina. It addresses issues around abuse in relationships because Miosotis' sister is in an abusive relationship. Great author's note. Student will enjoy this book. Grades 5 -8 even though Miosotis is in 6th grade.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book.
This book is written for kids. The main character has her twelfth birthday during the course of the book.
The main character faces lots of challenges and problems that are the types of problems that real kids face.
There is a strong family theme in this book.
Also, if you like dogs, you would probably like this book.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miosotis Flores is just a twelve-year-old that wants a dog, but when abuse comes close to home she's forced to reckon with a complex range of relationships, responsibilities and an uncertain place in the world.

It's a lot to put on a kid. I'd say the author was up for the challenge but didn't quite reach the levels of exceptional.

[Emily Masters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This upper-middle grade book covers a ton of tough topics- colorism and internalized racism, domestic violence, loss of a parent, and academic fraud. It’s an emotionally tough read that may help some teens in tough situations feel less alone.

[Britt, Book Habitue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is so hard to rate/review. Do I recommend it? Yes. Will it possibly wreck you? Yes. Is the beginning slow and frustrating and is literally every character annoying you? Also yes😂
Ultimately....read it. But maybe try to get through the first 1/3 ish quickly.

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel about a Dominican American family is hard to summarize without spoilers, but it covers a variety of issues that shouldn't be ignored. And Miosotis lives up to her flower name -- forget me nots.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It spans so many topics without being preachy or by indoctrination. Topics about family bond, traditions, minorities, succeeding, LGBTQ, domestic violence, multi-generational families, and so much more.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

CW- domestic abuse, pet abuse, racial profiling.
I like this, but I wish the cover looked older, and the character seemed young too. Good audio.. I enjoyed this one.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many important topics covered so beautifully in this book. I loved Miosotis and her sweet family. While I think this story is at its end, I would definitely love another about this character.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF for Miosotis Flores Never Forgets. Wasn't really holding my attention. Miosotis read as much younger than I was expecting.

[Sophia Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what a lovely and emotional book. I couldn’t have asked for a better read.

[Cuddle Spike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent middle grade novel. I think Burgos does an excellent job of how confusing and vague adults can be.

[Alia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.8

[Ami Schroder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good middle grade title that tackles domestic abuse in a kid appropriate way and with Latina flair!

[Sheryl Paul]

A great syory from a tween point of view about abuse. Respectfully told, i could not put it down.

[cunong · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know that middle grade books can be about certain heavy topics. When I picked up MFNF I was just not expecting SO MANY important topics to unpack.

The main plot is about Miosotis, a 4th grader who's working hard in school to have better grades so she can adopt a dog, a promise she and her father made. She also volunteers as a dog sitter in one of her neighbour's house, who's also a part of a dog rescue organization. Miosotis have an older sister, Amarilis and an older brother, Jacinto. She lives with her father and her abuela. Amarilis is planning to get married, having accepted the proposal from her longtime boyfriend, Rich. Though Miosotis is happy for her sister, she's a bit bummed out with the idea of her sister moving out.

I'm quickly drawn by Miosotis' cute family. But also, the plot is moving reeeaaally slow until you get to the second half of the book where problems started to arise: her sister started being cold and distant, Miosotis' struggle with her science project, and her anxiety on the possibility of not getting a dog. For a middle grade book, MFNF covers a lot of important topics such as: domestic abuse, animal abuse, racism, colorism, toxic relationship, death of a parent, grief, addiction (mentioned a bit) to name a few. And to witness all that from a 4th grader's perspective... phew!

But it was a good read. It's so great seeing Miosotis' character growth. I feel like a big sister omg I'm so proud of her. Taking out one star for the dragging plot but nevertheless a 4/5 🌟