Book Review Just Call Me Pardner

Award-winning author Sherry Roberts weaves a heartfelt story about a young boy, A.J., growing up in the 1930s and 1940s during the depression in Northeast Oklahoma. This is the first book in a series of stories about A.J., his family, and friends. The stories are based on tales her father passed down, including factual events from this time period.  

Realistic themes of responsibility, family bonding, perseverance, and resilience are prevalent throughout the story. As children growing up, we all longed for something we didn't have. A.J., also known as Pardner, has always wanted to be a cowboy, ride horses, and be like the cowboys in the movies. He dreams of being capable enough to ride alongside his grandfather, father, and Jon, the farm hand, during the cattle roundups.

Despite his father and grandfather reminding him that owning a horse is a huge responsibility. A.J. is determined to prove to his family that he is capable of taking care of a horse. When his family does get him a horse, A.J. names her Lady Star. A.J. is determined not to disappoint his family as he assumes his new responsibilities.

Another wish on his list is having his very own cowboy hat. But who knew owning a cowboy hat also came with a few responsibilities: Do not wear your hat in the house or in the classroom, and the proper place to hang your hat is by the back door or in your cubicle in school.

Readers will enjoy A.J.'s enthusiasm as he finally gets his first horse and goes for a trail ride, and his satisfaction when he learns how to milk a goat. A.J.'s devotion to his friend Benji was a testament to what friendship means.  

As a former middle school and elementary teacher, I found the story moved at a good pace. There are so many elements in this story that lend it for classroom discussion. It's the perfect read-aloud. The book's vocabulary was age-appropriate and served as a good introduction for readers moving from picture books to early chapter books. The stories were relatable, as A.J. mastered caring for Lady Star along with the joy and satisfaction of teaching her tricks. I thought Kashif Qasim's illustrations perfectly complemented the storyline.   

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR

https://www.sjrobertscreative.net/

Sherry Roberts is an award-winning children’s book author. Her personal experiences shape her emotionally rich stories. One of her goals is to help children navigate life through engaging, character-driven fiction. Roberts is a former middle school teacher. Dr. Roberts decided to write her first middle-grade novel. Her debut novel, The Galaxy According to CeCe, is the first book in a three-book series. It was officially released on February 24, 2024. Book two, The Galaxy According to Cece: The Mysterious Dr. Pruitt, launched on August 12, 2024. Book three of the series, The Galaxy According to Cece: The Stars Align, launched in February 2025.

Dr. Roberts is also a picture book author. Her picture books include Twas the Night Before Christmas…A First for Gus; Hello, Can I Bug You?; Sonnet, Sonnet, What’s In Your Bonnet?; The Best Reading Buddy; What’s Wrong With Barnaby?; and Gabriel and the Special Memorial Day. Her newest picture book is Amica Helps Zoe, released in April 2025.