Seven-year-old Billy Miller starts second grade with a mix of anxiety and excitement. By the end of the first day anxiety wins out. There's a bossy girl at his table who doesn't like him. Even worse, he's worried his teacher, Miss Silver, thinks he was making fun of her (he wasn't). Billy lives with his stay-at-home artist dad, his high-school English teacher mom, and his three-year-old sister, Sal. In a novel divided into sections titled Teacher, Father, Sister, Mother, Kevin Henkes follows Billy over the course of his second-grade year by chronicling events that illuminate these four important relationships in his life. Each section follows its own arc while fitting seamlessly into the novel as a whole as Henkes skillfully relates details and events of Billy's life that will resonate with readers navigating similar social and emotional terrain. Billy wants to fit in and stand out. He wonders. He worries. He is loved, but doesn't always like what the people who love him-and whom he loves-do. Sometimes he falls short on patience as a big brother, and sometimes he excels at being wonderful. A novel substantial in every way is completely accessible to young children reading independently, or listening to it read aloud. There's plenty of white space, and occasional spot illustrations in storytelling defined by rich characterizations and fine plotting. The book is often funny, but also thoughtful and touching and serious. Life is like that when you're seven, after all. (Ages 6-9)

Newbery Honor Book and 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!

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.

Plus don't miss the follow-up, Billy Miller Makes a Wish!