The Year of Billy Miller — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
A 2014 Newbery Honor Book
A 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, 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. This is a perfect short novel for the early elementary grades.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Year of Billy Miller appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book contains one instance of a sad/violent event where a bird flies into a window, and a scary page where Billy imagines a gross monster. These elements are not graphic but are notable in the narrative. The book includes a scary page where Billy dreams up a gross imaginary monster, which may be unsettling for some young readers, but it is not deeply frightening.
Does The Year of Billy Miller have violence?
The book contains one instance of a sad/violent event where a bird flies into a window, and a scary page where Billy imagines a gross monster. These elements are not graphic but are notable in the narrative.
Does The Year of Billy Miller have scary content?
The book includes a scary page where Billy dreams up a gross imaginary monster, which may be unsettling for some young readers, but it is not deeply frightening.
Does The Year of Billy Miller have religious themes?
No religious content is present in the book itself. The search results do not mention any religious practices, beliefs, or ceremonies.
Does The Year of Billy Miller have racial/cultural content?
Race is not a central theme in the book. The search results do not indicate any discussions or depictions of race-related issues.
Does The Year of Billy Miller have profanity?
No profanity is present in the book. The search results do not mention any use of inappropriate language.
Does The Year of Billy Miller have climate change?
No climate themes are present in the book. The search results do not indicate any discussions related to environmental issues.
Does The Year of Billy Miller have sexual identity?
No sexual content is present in the book. The search results do not indicate any sexual themes or references.
Does The Year of Billy Miller have gender roles?
The book does not actively discuss or critique gender roles. While it features a father who plays a significant role, it does not promote or challenge traditional gender expectations.
Does The Year of Billy Miller have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes are present in the book. The search results do not indicate any LGBTQ+ content in 'The Year of Billy Miller'.
