What starts out as an apocalyptic science-fiction middle grade novel about an asteroid hitting the Earth in four-days time turns into a deep study of place, family, and the unimaginable toll that loss takes on a young person. Kemi Carter relates to the world through scientific facts, particularly probability. The book begins with a letter from Kemi about how the world has possibly ended due to an approaching asteroid. As the space rock hurtles toward the Earth, Kemi is alarmed by the lack of urgency and concern displayed by those in her new town. She decides to create a time capsule in the event of a total annihilation of the human race. She endeavors to capture the essence of each person in her beloved family and as the book progresses, the reader realizes how close Kemi is to her father and how special he is to her. She struggles to figure out what she can add to a time capsule that can fully represent all that he is and all that he means to her.

But the story of the asteroid and the time capsule are masking the true story of Kemi’s life and the twist that comes with the revelation that there is no asteroid will be a gut-punch to the reader. From that point onward, the book becomes a story of race relations and crushing loss and Kemi coming to terms with both of those. Give to those in grades 5-8 who enjoy a major plot twist and those who don’t mind a sad ending.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School