Veronica turns to the one person who knows everybody in their town: Alkali, the postman. Indeed, he does have some ideas. And from his years researching The Encyclopӕdia of Useless Things, he rejects Veronica’s claim about the uselessness of eleven-year-old girls. Instead, he teaches her to transform her fear into courage.

Part N

Then Veronica crashes during a training flight. Although no bones are broken, she’s shaken up. Mistakes are useful, Alkali insists. Yet so much could go wrong. That night, Veronica dreams of flying with the ravens. Again she’s heading for a crash, but this time she summons every ounce of strength and masters her craft. She awakens, knowing she is ready to fly.

Part M

This middle grades novel delights with elements of magic and mystery nestled naturally into the everyday life of a small, dusty town.

Part Q

This middle grades novel delights with elements of magic and mystery nestled naturally into the everyday life of a small, dusty town.  "A layered and emotionally ambitious fantasy." Kirkus Reviews

Part R

Wow! You think the story is over, but not quite...  "Younger readers may need some help understanding the finale, and older ones, if they aren't too teary-eyed, should oblige." Kirkus Reviews

Part S

"While the heroes of The Encyclopaedia of Useless Things are three eleven-year-old girls, readers who pass up this marvelous book as a children’s offering will do so at their peril. This is a seriously good book filled with magic, myth and a gifted child’s discovery of her identity and talents. Veronica is many things to many people in Little Pine: the unwilling confidante, the goat girl, the kid in class who knows just a bit too much, but she’s so much more than that. She combines her dad’s genius with her mother’s heart, and following as she gathers confidence in herself and comes of age is a genuine treat." Readers' Favorite Review

Part P

Veronica comes clean to her Gram, as she and her friends make a plan to rescue Ramon...but watch out for rattlesnakes!

Part O

This story is a long time in the making--and I think it was worth the wait. Please enjoy all 19 parts posted April 3 to June 5, 2020. Let me know what you think, and throw us a tip if it brightened your day in this difficult time.

Wide Blue World