The Year of Billy Miller

Written & illustrated by Kevin Henkes

Book #1 in the Billy Miller series

A young boy navigates the challenges of second grade while dealing with family dynamics and his own self-doubt.

5.5/7 Bookroo expert·3.8/5 Goodreads · 9,073 ratings

240 pages· 21,830 words· Est. 4 hour read

$19.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Billy Miller starts second grade with a bump on his head and a world of challenges. As he tackles school projects, sibling squabbles, and family dynamics, Billy learns valuable lessons about responsibility and love. Will he manage to balance it all and grow up just a little bit more? Dive into this heartwarming tale of childhood adventures and family bonds.

From the publisher

Award-winning, nationally bestselling author Kevin Henkes introduces second-grader Billy Miller in this fast-paced and funny Newbery Honor story about friendship, sibling rivalry, and elementary school. The Year of Billy Miller includes black-and-white art by Kevin Henkes and is perfect for fans of the Ramona books; Frindle, by Andrew Clements; and the Clementine series. This chapter book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 6 to 8 who are ready to read independently. It’s a fun way to keep your child engaged and as a supplement for activity books for children.The New York Times declared: Henkes’s delightful story is restrained and vivid . . . forgoing the overdramatic or zany, it shows the substance, warmth and adaptability of beautifully common family love. When Billy Miller has a mishap at the statue of the Jolly Green Giant at the end of summer vacation, he ends up with a big lump on his head. What a way to start second grade, with a lump on your head! As the year goes by, though, Billy figures out how to navigate elementary school, how to appreciate his little sister, and how to be a more grown up and responsible member of the family and a help to his busy working mom and stay-at-home dad. Newbery Honor author and Caldecott Medalist Kevin Henkes delivers a short, satisfying, laugh-out-loud-funny school and family story that features a diorama homework assignment, a school poetry slam, cancelled sleepovers, and epic sibling temper tantrums. This is a perfect short novel for the early elementary grades.–Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

At a glance

Format
Pages: 240
Words: 21,830
Reading age: 6–9
Audience: Juvenile Reader
Lexile: 620L

Themes & topics

Books about worrying Books about self-esteem and self-reliance Books about responsibility Books about growing up Books about friendship

After the last page

Talk about it together

Billy writes a poem for school and chooses to write about his mom. What subject would you choose to write about if it were you?

When Billy is nervous if he's smart enough for second grade, his father tells him of course, because "this is the Year of Billy Miller." Is there something upcoming (like a new year of school, a move, or learning a new skill) that you're nervous about? How can you make this next year *your* year?

What readers & critics say