The Year of Billy Miller

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.

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. Illustrated throughout with black-and-white art by the author, this is a perfect short novel for the early elementary grades.

"It's the Year of the Rabbit, according to Billy Miller's new second-grade teacher. It's also the year of several dilemmas for the boy, including the fear he might 'start forgetting things' due to bumping his head while on vacation over the summer. Then there's the habitat diorama that Billy is assigned — the bat cave he creates doesn't turn out quite like he'd hoped. Henkes's (Junonia) gentle slice-of-life novel, divided into four sections, humorously examines these and other plights while capturing the essence of Billy's relationships with four significant figures in his life: his teacher (who he accidentally insults on the first day of school); his stay-at-home, struggling-artist father; his sometimes annoying, sometimes endearing three-year-old sister; and his mother, about whom Billy must compose a poem to be presented at the end of the school year. Each segment introduces a new conflict that Billy manages to resolve without too much fuss or torment. The book's clear structure, concrete images, and just-challenging-enough vocabulary are smartly attuned to emerging readers, and its warmth, relatable situations, and sympathetic hero give it broad appeal. Ages 8 — 12. (Sept.)" Publishers Weekly Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

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

Kevin Henkes is an award-winning author and illustrator of many books for children of all ages. He lives with his family in Madison, Wisconsin.

Kevin Henkes is an award-winning author and illustrator of many books for children of all ages. He lives with his family in Madison, Wisconsin.