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Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
Shelby and the Back-to-School Blues by Marty Kay Jones (Book 3 of The Old Quarry Lake Farms Tales) follows Shelby Simone. She’s learning to juggle school, friendships, and horses in the small town of Old Quarry Lake. Shelby writes a diary entry about how she survived week one at the new school. Her first horse riding lessons are moved to Saturday mornings with her best friends Rose and Katherine. Her confidence is tested, but she keeps her nerves steady between horses and tougher classes. At school, a blunt science teacher, a loudmouth bully, and confusing schedules make each day a maze. But in art, Shelby meets a quiet classmate named Agate, a thoughtful new friend who helps her see how stories and people get misunderstood. With diaries, pizza nights, and plenty of saddle time, Shelby soon faces a change in her friendship circle. Can she find her rhythm without losing herself or her friends?
Marty Kay Jones writes in a friendly, conversational style. The dialogue is lively, and the diary entries read just like a real sixth-grader thinking out loud. Readers who enjoy both school adventures and horse stories get a taste of both as the plot moves between classroom hiccups and barn milestones. Shelby is self-aware, while Rose brings a spark, and Katherine brings calm. Agate shows kindness and honesty. This invites talks about small-town rumors, fitting in, and respect at the right time. Horse details like canter practice add authenticity to the plot without slowing it down. Readers who have enjoyed books with the theme of belonging, like The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat or the school/friendship story like Front Desk by Kelly Yang, will appreciate this story. This is also great for encouraging talks about social and emotional learning.
