He's a typical seven-year-old whose biggest problems involve getting off on the wrong foot with his teacher and wondering if it's babyish to call his parents 'Mama' and 'Papa.' Each of the four sections of the book - called simply Teacher, Father, Sister, and Mother - explore events that take place either at home or at school, meaning that most of what happens to Billy could happen to any child of his age. He's not a child prodigy, a kid detective, or even a troublemaker. The appeal of Billy Miller is that he is just a normal kid, living his normal day to day life. The Year of Billy Miller combines all the best of Henkes's talents into what I believe is his best work to date. Novels such as Words of Stone and Olive's Ocean demonstrate his deep understanding of the emotions of childhood and his mastery of the English language.

His Penny books have been popular in my beginning reader story times, and they often disappear from the shelves the moment they are put back. Chrysanthemum is a favorite for school visits. I enjoy sharing his simple picture books like A Good Day and Birds in lap time and story time. He writes successfully for all levels, from babies and toddlers right up to middle schoolers. I have long admired Kevin Henkes for his range as an author. As the year wears on, however, Billy proves himself more than capable, as he wins over his new teacher, helps his father reach a breakthrough with his art, attempts to stay up all night with his little sister, Sal, and writes and performs a poem celebrating his mom. Billy worries that now that he bumped his head, he might not be smart enough for second grade. Just before school starts, seven-year-old Billy Miller falls while he is on vacation with his family, giving himself a big lump on the head.

The year of billy miller review