The Probability of Everything

When you pick up a book and you think it’s about one thing and then slowly begin to realize that it’s actually about a totally different thing, that is when the magic of books reveals itself. The Probability of Everything by Sarah Everett is just such a story: unexpected, surprising and deeply sad.

Kemi is an eleven year old girl living with her mom, dad and baby sister. They just moved to a new town and the people there are not exactly welcoming. She has an extended family who love her very much and a great friend in Dia but she has a lot on her mind. Especially now with the asteroid AMPLUS-68 hurtling towards Earth ready to destroy everything and everyone in its path. To ensure that they are not forgotten, Kemi decides to put together a time capsule with her family so that the aliens that come after, know that they were there, they existed and were loved.

Warning…spoilers ahead! Sarah Everett ingeniously allows Kemi’s story to unravel slowly but surely. I found myself thinking this book was about an asteroid, space and science but as I continued to read, I slowly realized that this was in fact not a story about an asteroid, space or science. Although these things factor into the story as Kemi’s coping mechanism, they are just that, a distraction from what is actually happening in Kemi’s life. I found myself questioning what I was reading and going back to look for clues before realizing what was actually happening. I slowly came to realize that AMPLUS-68 didn’t actually exist and it was just the abstract concept Kemi was using to avoid the pain and hurt of what had actually happened, her father was shot in front of her, in her own home.

This is a story that will garner big reactions from readers and readers should take care of their hearts when reading. It’s a devastating story but it also offers strength to readers by being truthful and forthright. Kemi is experiencing the worst pain a child can experience, so is her whole family. There is a beautiful interaction near the end of the story with Kemi and her mother that is so beautifully written and so raw and honest. We grieve but our grief does not destroy us. It is not an asteroid that will wipe out our entire family even though it may feel like it.

This story is very timely and is a story that all too sadly, is one that readers will understand. A Black man, living in a white neighbourhood being shot and killed simply for existing. These instances have been all over the news and middle grade readers cannot escape them. Sarah Everett takes care with her readers and ensures that they understand the real things that are happening in the world while also taking care of their hearts and minds.

A beautiful story for middle grade readers that has its place among other incredible and devastating reads like The Hate U Give.