The Year of Billy Miller: A Newbery Honor Award Winner (A Miller Family Story, 1)
About this product
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 ! Read more
Editor's Take
Amazon and broader book-review sources describe The Year of Billy Miller as a warm, funny, and highly relatable second-grade story. Reviewers commonly praise its heart, humor, and the way it captures everyday childhood worries and family dynamics.
Goodreads reviewers frequently call it a sweet, engaging chapter book for younger readers, and many say it works especially well as a read-aloud for kids in elementary school. Common Sense Media’s parent and kid review sections also indicate generally positive reactions from families. Review blogs and library-style reviews echo that it is a gentle, thoughtful, and accessible book, with several noting that it is especially appealing to emerging readers.
On major critic-facing sources, the book is described as quietly funny, emotionally honest, and well suited to children navigating school, confidence, and sibling relationships. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with readers and reviewers highlighting its charm, comfort, and authenticity.
Price History
Specifications
| Illustrated | No |
Product Details
| Publisher | Greenwillow Books |
| Publication date | May 26, 2015 |
| Edition | Reprint |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 240 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0062268147 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0062268143 |
| Item Weight | 2.31 pounds |
| Reading age | 7 - 8 years, from customers |
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 0.67 x 8 inches |
| Grade level | 3 - 7 |
| Best Sellers Rank | #28,486 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #137 in Children's Books on Boys' & Men's Issues #211 in Children's Parents Books #362 in Children's New Experiences Books |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (763) |
