Date Published: 08-16-2025
Publisher: Solander Press
One afternoon, A.J. returned home from school to find a surprise waiting for him in the barn - a beautiful little horse named Lady Star. She was now his to ride and care for. From that day on, A.J. spent all his free time learning how to ride Lady Star and caring for her. He dreamed of being skilled enough to ride alongside his grandfather, father, and Jon, the farm hand, during the cattle roundups.
Award-winning author Sherry Roberts weaves a heartfelt story about growing up in the 1930s and 1940s. Based on the tales passed down by her father, Just Call Me Pardner is a must-read for history lovers and those who enjoy stories of the American West.
“What’s the one thing you want most and
can’t stop talking about?” Dad has his hands shoved in his pockets and is
rocking on his boots. Grandpa has come away from the stall with Jon on his heels.
All three have funny expressions on their faces.
“Are
you going to let me work with a horse today?” I’m bouncing on my toes. This
would be so exciting to get to take care of a horse. I’ve wanted to do that
forever. It would be good practice I’ve told them for when I get my own horse.
“Better
than that,” Grandpa says.
“Think
hard, Son. What’s the one thing that would make you so happy?” Dad asks. Jon
can barely hold his excitement behind Grandpa. He swipes at his jeans like he’s
brushing dust off and tries not to look at me.
“Maybe
you’d better check out the stall over here before Jon busts a gut.” Grandpa
laughs.
Climbing the stall railings, I glance in
and see a beautiful little horse. I put my hand out to say hello, like I was
taught. It nuzzles me and it tickles. It always tickles. I reach up to stroke
its neck.
“Whose horse is this, Grandpa?”
“Do you like her?”
“She’s really pretty but where did she
come from? Why is she here?” I can’t stop staring at Grandpa, Dad, and Jon.
None of them are talking. They keep standing around smiling at each other and
then at me.
“Do you want to tell him?” Grandpa says
to Dad.
“No, it’s your surprise. You tell him,”
Dad says with a laugh.
“Her name is Lady Star. She’s here for
you. From now on, she’ll be your horse. You’ll have to take care of her in the
mornings and evenings. After school each day, Jon will work with you, so you
learn to properly ride her.”
“Woo-hoo! Yeehaw!” I jump into Grandpa’s
arms. Next, a big hug for dad. Turning
to Jon, I give him a big smile. I’m so excited, I do a victory dance in the
barn.
“You’re going to need to get started on
her stall if you want to learn to ride her today.” Dad tells me. He and Grandpa
turn to leave the barn. I go back to the stall. Jon is there waiting for me.
“Well, you finally have your own horse.
First thing you need to do is get her lead on so we can move her into the
aisle, and you can get the stall cleaned out. The lead is hanging outside the
stall on the post,” Jon instructs me. “After we clean the stall, you can take a
ride around the corral with Lady Star.”
This
will be the fastest I’ve ever mucked out a stall. What a smelly job!
About the Author
As a former middle school teacher, Dr. Roberts decided to write her first middle-grade novel (ages 8-13). 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, was released August 2024. Book three, The Galaxy According to Cece: The Stars Align, released February 2025.
Sherry’s next venture is a chapter book series (ages 6-8). The first book, Just Call Me Pardner, was released August 1, 2025. The series is about a young boy in the 1930s on a small farm in Northeastern Oklahoma and is inspired by stories of her father’s childhood in the 1930s. Book 2, Just Look at Those Boots, launches in early 2026, with Book 3, Just Don’t Give a Girl a Frog, launching in November 2026.
Dr. Roberts has also written many articles that appear in various academic journals, along with three textbooks. Personal Financial Literacy is in its fourth edition (Pearson). She is an associate professor of Marketing in Jones College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University.
https://mybook.to/JustCallMePardner
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