Agnes and Daisy are high school best friends who have grown up together. An archive of their friendship has even been documented in a scrapbook Daisy’s grandma made for them when they were eight called “The History of Everything.” When Agnes’ mother announces that she has accepted a new job and she and Agnes will have to move 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 the list starts out perfectly and puts them on track to make it the best summer ever, but when Daisy starts dating Noah their plans take a backseat to the new relationship. Agnes grapples with the inevitable move compounded by the sudden shift in Daisy’s willingness to complete the list, and it leads to a devastating falling-out between the two. Anyone who has experienced a best friend breakup will recognize the pain the two feel, but as they both cope in their own ways they begin to heal and are eventually able to reconcile before Agnes leaves town. Evans’ expressive illustrations effectively communicate emotion and growth in panels without text. An ultimately feel-good examination of friendship; think Daniel Clowes’ Ghost World but with far less discomfort and angst.
-Sarah, Reference and Teen Services
