Me and My Memory: Why We Forget Some Things and Remember Others

The first book in Hoopoe’s “All About Me” series, Me and My Memory explores the mystery of our minds and memories: How do we remember, and how do we forget? In a clear and engaging way, it summarizes everything that scientists and researchers know about the topic, and also explores questions that have yet to be answered. Readers will begin to notice how their own and other people’s memories work. They’ll learn why memory is powerful but not perfect, and they’ll uncover strategies for improving it. Throughout the book, engaging activities that enhance these strategies are described. Me and My Memory was written by high-school teacher Robert Guarino, who presents fundamental information in clear and thoughtful text that teens can understand and relate to. Artist Jeff Jackson has illustrated the book with a cast of inviting teen characters that help depict the concepts in a style young and old alike will enjoy. The “All About Me” series presents books to help teens and preteens understand themselves and how they, as human beings, “work.” This is fundamental information, but we often forget to teach it in school – for example, what psychologists know about how we see, think, and feel; how these abilities work, change, grow or get stuck; and how reliable they are as we try to make sense of ourselves, our friends, our relatives and the world around us. There is good, solid information readily available and scientifically validated – and it’s all about you ... and me.

Robert Guarino was born and raised in Flushing, NY. He received a B.A. from Queens College, CUNY, and a teaching credential from Chapman University. He has taught high school in California since 1991. At various points in his career he has taught Science, Math, Art, Social Studies, English, and Journalism. He currently teaches English and Advanced Placement English Language and Composition at a San Lorenzo CA high school. Prior to teaching he worked as a mental health professional. This is the first of three books he has written for the Hoopoe Books ALL ABOUT ME Series.

Robert Ornstein, Ph.D., is a psychologist and author of twenty-six books, including the recent MINDREAL-HOW THE MIND CREATES ITS OWN VIRTUAL REALITY. Dr. Ornstein has won awards from more than a dozen organizations, including the American Psychological Association and UNESCO. His pioneering research on the bilateral specialization of the brain has done much to advance our understanding of how we think.

Jeff Jackson is an award-winning artist and illustrator working out of the San Francisco Bay Area. He has illustrated all 4 titles in the ALL ABOUT ME series for Hoopoe Books, as well as the Idries Shah children's story, THE SILLY CHICKEN.