The Year of Billy Miller
#1 in Billy Miller Series
on Goodreads (8,936)
What’s inside...
Billy Miller is a second-grader who faces various challenges and growth opportunities throughout his school year. From a starting mishap at the statue of the Jolly Green Giant that leaves him with a lump on his head, Billy learns to navigate elementary school, appreciate his little sister, and be a more responsible member of his family. This Newbery Honor Book by Kevin Henkes captures the substance and warmth of family love through laughter, sibling rivalry, and school experiences. The book includes black-and-white art and is a hit with fans of children's realistic fiction.
Character compass
Billy Miller
Sal Miller
Ms. Silver
Mama
Papa
Discussion points
How do you think Billy felt when he was worried about starting second grade? Have you ever felt the same way?
Billy creates a special nickname for his teacher. What nickname would you give your teacher and why?
What did Billy learn about friendship and family throughout the book? Can you share a personal experience that taught you a similar lesson?
Billy had to work on a project about himself. If you had to create a project about yourself, what are three things you would include and why?
How did Billy change from the beginning of the book to the end? In what ways do you think you have changed this year?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ask open-ended questions that relate the book’s scenarios to your child's personal experiences to enhance empathy and understanding.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to strengthen their creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the characters' reactions and choices. This can help your child develop critical thinking skills and understand different perspectives.
Create a comfortable and distraction-free environment to make these discussions an anticipated part of reading together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: Billy Miller navigates various challenges throughout the year, such as doubting his capabilities and dealing with school projects.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their own struggles, whether they're academic challenges or personal setbacks, instilling a sense of resilience.
Example Lesson: Understanding family relationships
Explanation: Throughout the book, Billy interacts with his family members who support and guide him, emphasizing the value of familial bonds.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and lean on their family for support and guidance during their developmental years.
Example Lesson: Growth through self-discovery
Explanation: Billy discovers his strengths and weaknesses over the course of the school year, which aids his self-improvement and confidence.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children to be introspective, recognizing their strengths and areas for improvement, fostering a continuous growth mindset.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Billy's interactions with his peers, including managing disagreements and supporting each other, highlight the dynamics of friendships.
Real-World Application: Provides children with insights on how to build and maintain friendships, manage conflicts, and support peers in their social circles.