The Year of Billy Miller - by Kevin Henkes

About the Book

Award-winning, bestselling author/illustrator Henkes ("Kitten's First Moon") introduces second-grader Billy Miller in this fast-paced and funny story about friendship, siblings, and the perils of elementary school. Illustrations.

Book Synopsis

Newbery Honor Book and New York Times Bestseller!

Award-winning, nationally bestselling author Kevin Henkes introduces second-grader Billy Miller in this fast-paced and funny 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.

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!

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.

Plus don't miss the follow-up, Billy Miller Makes a Wish!

From the Back Cover

Things to know about Billy Miller:

• He's worried about 2nd grade
• He thinks bats are cool
• His little sister is annoying
• He had a spectacular accident this summer
• He doesn't like poetry much
• His dad makes really good cookies
• Ned is his best friend
• His mom likes rainy days
• He thinks Emma Sparks is a pain
• He can run really fast
• This is his year





Review Quotes






"Billy Miller's second-grade year is quietly spectacular in a wonderfully ordinary way. . . . Henkes offers . . . a sense that experiences don't have to be extraordinary to be important and dramatic. . . . Sweetly low-key and totally accessible." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Henkes's delightful story is restrained and vivid in in just this way: forgoing the overdramatic or zany, it shows the substance, warmth and adaptability of beautifully common family love." -- New York Times

"A vivid yet secure portrait of a boy coming into his confidence . . . [with] a comfortable rhythm perfectly suited to young readers. . . . Nuanced and human." -- Horn Book (starred review)

"Funny and often poignant . . . Billy himself might have been daunted by a book with more than 200 pages, but eager young readers will find this a great first chapter book to share or read solo." -- School Library Journal (starred review)

"A story with a lot of heart." -- Booklist

"Smartly attuned to emerging readers, and its warmth, relatable situations, and sympathetic hero give it broad appeal." -- Publishers Weekly

"Thoughtful kids able to tackle a book of this length will enjoy reading this on their own, but it would also make a fine choice for reading aloud in the classroom or home." -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books