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Reviewed by Diana Lopez for Readers' Favorite
Sherry Roberts' Just Call Me Pardner demonstrates that learning to be responsible helps children make better decisions and improve their social skills. Just Call Me Pardner is about A.J., a boy who lives in Northeastern Oklahoma and has always dreamed of owning a horse. One day, when he comes home from school, he is greeted by his father, his grandfather, and Jon, the farmhand. They have a surprise for him: a horse named Lady Star. Now A.J. will learn about responsibility and dedication, as he will take care of his horse without neglecting his other duties on the farm. He will also discover that riding requires perseverance, starting with practicing in a corral and eventually being able to ride small trails. Luckily, he is not alone; he has the support of his family and his best friend Benji.
I loved Just Call Me Pardner for its descriptions and the fluidity of the story. Sherry Roberts based it on real events and anecdotes from her father, so the atmosphere is realistic and natural, set in the late 1930s. She presents a pleasant and warm family environment, where everyone works together and cares for one another. Although A.J. makes some mistakes, everyone around him encourages him to keep going, telling him that making mistakes is part of learning. We also see the importance of following the advice of adults because they have the most experience. These kinds of details keep the story interesting, as successes and failures are shown equally, always with a touch of humor. In addition, the illustrations by Kashif Qasim are beautiful. These appear at the beginning of each chapter, and allow us to get to know the farm, the barn, and various significant moments for A.J.
