The Year of Billy Miller

The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes

Overview: Billy's family is on vacation before Billy is about to begin second grade. While on vacation, he slips and next thing he remembers is waking up in a hospital bed with a lump on his head. Billy is excited but worried for second grade but he is in the same class as his best friend, Ned, their teachers name is Ms. Silver and she assigns them a diorama project. Billy's mom is  a teacher and his dad stays at home and takes care of Sal, Billy's little sister. Billy and Ned's diorama ends up being a success. Their diorama gave Billy's dad some inspiration since he is an artist himself. Billy now has to read a poem so he decides to do it about his mom and perform it at the last event of second grade, although he gets nervous and forgets some words he was able to memorize it and make his mom proud. 

Target Audience: 3-7 Grade

Reading Level (according to amazon.com):

Age Range 8-12 years old

Overall Rating 28/28:

- I rated the book 4/4 in Theme/Storyline because the book was excellent, it followed Billy through second grade combining his home and school life. Billy's stay at home dad added a nice twist to the story and the author makes you fall in love with the characters.

-Although it seems like the typical book of a boy its a book that allows for good discussion with students about family structures. Students who don't often see a stay at home dad or are skeptical to the idea can see that a family can still function with the mom being the breadwinner. That is why I rated the book 4/4 in critical thinking. 

-I rated the book 4/4 in relatability because one way or another, we can relate to Billy or his family. Wether its handling someone you don't like at school, having an annoying sibling (or being one), having a parent who helps you with school assignment or having a parent who is really busy working to support the family. 

Literary Elements:

-Personification

-Imagery

-Narration

 Henkes, K. (2013). The Year of Billy Miller. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins.