The Year of Billy Miller

Billy Miller is not sure if he is ready for second grade. What if he doesn't like his teacher? What if she doesn't like him? What if the bump he got on his head on a family vacation makes it so he can't learn the things he needs to know? Billy has other worries, too: will his artist father ever get his "breakthrough?" Will his little sister always be so annoying? And he has big plans, like the one to say up all night long, and the one to memorize the poem he has to say for Family Day at school. Don't worry, Billy Miller -- you're going to have a great school year!

Kevin Henkes' real strength as a writer lies in creating child characters that are entirely believable and sympathetic. Every time I read one of his books, I think, "Here is a show more man who remembers exactly what it's like to be a kid." Billy's worries and feelings and plans are so authentic to kids of his age that I'm sure readers will enjoy his story, even though there are no big, exciting events in the plot -- just a string of normal school-year adventures. In that regard, this book reminded me of Beverly Cleary's Ramona books, so readers who enjoy that sort of story will probably like this one, as well. show less

This is a great selection for your first- or second-grader who is ready to move on from the Beginning Chapter Books section, but isn’t quite mature enough for the content in most juvenile fiction.

Billy Miller’s story is ordinary, and that’s what I love about it. He goes to school, he loves his family (but his little sister drives him crazy), he worries, and he tries to do his best. Henkes demonstrates his authorly chops by rendering Billy’s quotidian dilemmas worthy of the reader’s attention and care. The side effect of such astute writing? Kids see that everybody’s story is interesting, even if it’s not full of outlandish adventures or tragic family drama. Billy is no fire-slinging hero, but he’s someone who can inspire show more a regular kid to be brave and kind in small ways each day. show less

The Year of Billy Miller is told in four segments, each largely an independent story, focusing on Billy's relationships with his 1) Teacher 2) Father 3) 3-year old sister and 4) Mother. The stories take place as Billy tries to navigate his 2nd grade year at school. You won't find many books quite like this one, because few second graders read well enough to tackle this book, and 4th or 5th graders, whose reading level it's closer to, don't generally want to read about younger children. But as I am an adult who just likes books for intermediate and teen readers, it didn't bother me.
There is much in common with Henkes' books for middle grade readers here... the characters are all pretty average people, and there are no extraordinary show more events in the book. Henkes manages to make the everyday events of life deeply meaningful, and he has an astonishing ability to convey the thoughts and feelings of children. It is a quiet story about common, ordinary people. In spite of its Newbery honor award, I don't think it's quite up to par with some of Henkes books for slightly older children... Olive's Ocean, Bird Lake Moon, Protecting Marie or Words of Stone; but Henkes' weaker book is still better than most author's best. show less

Nice beginning chapter book, decent character development, several funny/charming moments, but didn't have "wow" factor.

Oh, goodness, the books of Kevin Henkes shred my heart" as Billy's Papa would say. I have to be honest; I'm not sure if young independent readers would be drawn to this story. But it would make a wonderful family read-aloud.

I love how individual and interesting the characters are. Papa a stay-at-home-dad and an artist working for a breakthrough, Mama a high school English teacher, little sister Sal and her dearest plush friends, the Drop Sisters, and Billy. Sometimes anxious, sometimes proud, sometimes naughty, sometimes loving... but always authentic and lovable.

I love other details, too, like the name of the school is not some politician or other DWM (dead white male) but the artist Georgia O'Keeffe, and the teacher's hair held back show more with red chopstick. Highly recommended to fans of second-graders." show less

I thought this was a great transitional book for children who are moving from picture books to novels. It's not a full on novel because it has some small illustrations on pages, larger text, shorter chapters, and isn't extremely long. It's great for children to read independently who don't need the guidance of a teacher or adult. This book follows the life of a 2nd grader named Billy Miller and details his experiences and relationships over his 2nd grade year. I like the pattern of the book as the chapters are broken up into 4 sections which each relate to a particular relationship that Billy has (father, mother, sister, and teacher). The for section make it easy for a young reader to follow along and understand what each chapter is show more probably going to be about. I really like how the readers of this book will be able to relate with the main character, Billy. Billy is a boy who is sometimes shy, angry, nervous, excited, sad, happy, curious, etc. They're all feelings that I'm sure every elementary school child can relate to which makes for a well-developed read. The point of view is also really interesting because it lets you instead the head of Billy as he goes through the ups and downs of his second grade year. I think this book teaches readers about the importance of family relationships and how we can be there for the people we love and care about no matter what. It's a feel good book that i believe all readers would enjoy. show less

Practically perfect in every way. I will be recommending this to every second grade teacher I know. Henkes does a brilliant job of capturing the world of 6- and 7-year olds; he simultaneously honors the day-to-day emotions and struggles while also showing the important growth that happens over the course of a year. The teacher is just saintly enough and the unpleasant kid isn't explained away. I am a little surprised that Ms. Silver never once changed the students' seating arrangements in the whole year, but perhaps she's new at this. I won't fault her for it.