Book Review Just Look At Those Boots

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 second book in a series of stories about A.J., his family, and friends. The stories are inspired by Roberts's father's childhood during an era when hardworking people struggled to make it in farming and often had to supplement their income by working in town. Factual events from this time period are included in the storytelling. The story is character and action-driven. 

The story is told from A.J.'s point of view, who dreams of owning his own horse, a cowboy hat, and cowboy boots. For A.J., in book two, a pair of cowboy boots is something he has longed for, and he has proved himself ready for the responsibility. When his parents gifted him with the boots, he was excited to wear them on the first day of third grade. But his first day of school is marred by a classmate's teasing and the struggle to keep his boots clean.  As the story unfolds, A.J.'s daydreaming often resulted in him losing focus as he completed farm chores and on the trail ride with his horse, Lady Star. Jon, the farmhand, was a constant character in the storyline, reminding A.J. that daydreaming often has consequences. Jon offers him guidance as A.J. learns some hard lessons about the importance of being responsible. The story is a realistic look at farm life during this time period.   

As a former middle school and elementary teacher, I found the story moved at a good pace. Realistic themes of responsibility, family bonding, bullying, perseverance, and resilience are woven throughout. There are so many elements in this story that lend themselves to 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. A.J.'s daily life offers life lessons young readers can relate to. Victoria Marble's illustrations perfectly complemented the storyline, with one picture per chapter that highlighted a learning moment for A.J. 

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR

https://www.sjrobertscreative.net/

Sherry Roberts was recently interviewed on the Rendezvous with a Writer podcast about her writing. https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-vf83s-1a8247d

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.