The History of ­Everything

Gr 7 Up–Agnes and Daisy are high school best friends who grew up together. An archive of their friendship has even been documented in a scrapbook called “The History of Everything” that Daisy’s grandma made for them when they were eight. When Agnes’s mother announces that she has accepted a new job and that they are moving at the end of the summer, the friends set out to complete a checklist of summer activities that has been waiting for them since they set the book aside. Checking off items on the list starts out perfectly and puts them on track for the best summer ever, but when Daisy starts dating Noah, plans take a backseat to the new relationship. Evans explores themes of heartbreak within the context of female friendships as Agnes grapples with the inevitable move compounded by the sudden shift in Daisy’s willingness to complete the list, culminating in a devastating falling out between the two. Anyone who has experienced a best friend breakup will recognize the pain the two feel. Readers will root for both girls as they cope in their own ways and begin to heal. Evans’s expressive illustrations effectively communicate emotion and growth.