Early Reader Review: The History of Everything by Victoria Evans

Source: From Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

The History of Everything by Victoria Evans  

Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperAlley
Publication Date:  February 18, 2025

 

Format: Ebook

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Best friends Agnes and Daisy must learn to say goodbye in this coming-of-age YA graphic novel perfect for fans of Booksmart and Pumpkinheads from debut creator Victoria Evans.

Daisy and Agnes have always had each other.

And that’s all they’ve ever needed—or wanted, at least. So when Agnes’s mom drops the bombshell that she and Agnes are moving at the end of the summer, the girls are crushed.

All seems lost until the pair unearth "The History of Everything," an old friendship scrapbook with the ultimate bucket list to make their last summer together unforgettable. But when Daisy starts dating a charming drummer, her social calendar suddenly has less room for her best friend. Insecurities bubble to the surface, and Daisy and Agnes begin to question if their friendship is meant to last the summer, much less forever.

In this tender graphic novel debut, Victoria Evans delves into the heart of a best friendship and explores what it means to grow up without growing apart.

Review: 

The History of Everything is a graphic novel about best friends Agnes and Daisy. Both punk, emo, goth besties that have grown up together and can't wait for an amazing summer. Sadly, Agnes gets the news that her mother got a new job and they are moving and this is her last summer with Daisy. She is angsty, depressed and just overall in a bad mood so they decide to make a summer bucket list like when they were younger, scrapbook and all. The problem is - Daisy isn't taking it seriously.

This is a book about saying goodbyes, growing up, and friendship. It was full of hard lessons, emotions raging, and a heartbreaking story of dashed expectations and jealousy. 

Agnes fills these pages with her emotionally charged outlook on how things are going and should be going, while depressed, angry, and jealous that Daisy is seemingly moving on. 

Daisy is falling in love, completely smitten with a guy but feeling guilt and some forms of resentment for/around Agnes.

This plot was so well done. It was engaging, intense, and wistful at times. It was lovely.  I loved the illustration, they were on-theme with a darker palette for our emo/goth MCs. The details around their rooms and overall settings were easily recognized and fun. The overall feel of the story was so good; the tensions and angst felt so accurate to the teenage plight/ crisis. I really enjoyed this one so much. It was such a great representation of growing up and how friendships evolve over time and how you and others change. If you are looking for a good coming-of-age graphic novel, this would be a fun one to grab.