After reading Newbery-Honor recipient The Year of Billy Miller, I wondered if it was similar to the actress who finally gets her coveted Oscar for what feels like her body of work than the film itself? I did enjoy the book, but I don’t know if it’s worthy of this special award..
I thought that The Year of Billy Miller was probably for the 3rd/4th grade learner, but after reading it, I think it’s more of a second-grade reading level (perhaps even later first grade). The protagonist is also entering his second-grade year so this makes sense. It’s a fairly straightforward narrative of the everyday challenges and triumphs of a kiddo that age (making a diorama, spending time with parents, performing in a school play, etc.).
I was surprised that it was a Newbery Honor book because…nothing really happens? I thought there may have been hints of marital discord between the parents, but I think I was just manufacturing plot. LOL. While I don’t know if this book is worthy of that prestigious honor (Wonder didn’t even make the list!), I do think it does a few things very well…
First of all, it reminds adults that lasting memories are formed from seemingly mundane everyday occurrences for kiddos that age. Secondly, I do really like that this looks like a “proper” chapter book that I can use with upper-elementary students who are reading below grade level. The characters are relatable to elementary kids of all ages, in my opinion.
Working with a handful of struggling E.S.L. learners in third grade, I realized that they were often too embarrassed to choose picture books during independent reading, as this is an age during which kids are becoming more acutely aware of how they “stack up.” Instead, they would pick up chapter books that were too difficult for them and pretend to read them.
I’m always looking for options that will help struggling readers feel accomplished and grow! I think this book definitely fits the bill. Therefore, I would recommend it to a range of kiddos—precocious first graders to struggling upper-elementary students. Heck, I even found it to be a valuable reminder that what seems like small details in the mind of a grown-up can absolutely shape a child’s reality. Our words and actions are precious and can leave a deep imprints on young minds. Therefore, I wholeheartedly recommend this book and plan to use it with a first-grade student this week.