The Year of Billy Miller
by Kevin Henkes
The Year of Billy Miller is focused on a new 2nd grader, Billy Miller. The book takes the reader on a journey through the life and struggles of a 7 year old and how he overcomes such obstacles. Billy is trying to figure out how he can become more mature in his actions, more considerate with his feelings and more likeable to his 2nd grade teacher. All of Billy's feelings and actions seem extremely relatable to 7 year old boys.
The Year of Billy Miller fits into the realistic fiction genre because the story is relatable and can happen in the real world.
Motivational Activities
Fill out a realistic fiction chart
- Students will fill out the chart below to help enhance their understanding of the realistic fiction genre.
Make a bookmark for Billy Miller
- Use a thin strip of construction paper cut into a rectangle (about 2 inches wide and 7 inches long.
- Attach standard white paper with glue to both sides of the construction. Make sure that the white paper is cut to the same dimensions as the construction paper.
- Each student will decorate his/her bookmark with crayons, markers, glitter and stickers of their choice.
- How would you deal with your little sister if you were Billy Miller?
- How did you prepare for 2nd grade? Were you nervous? Did you start a new school that year?
More books by Kevin Henkes Owen, Penny and Her Marble, Lilly's Big Day along with a host of others.
References
Henkes, K. (2013). The year of Billy Miller. Harpercollins Childrens Books.
Kim's Korner for Teacher Talk. (n.d.). Retrieved October 3, 2014.
I really liked your idea for the realistic fiction chart. This is a great tool!
ReplyDeleteSince this is a middle-grade book, there is the potential for a good amount of vocabulary words to be taken from within the book.
Another activity is discussing what made it "The Year of Billy Miller". Students can cite evidence from the book. If this book is the first one read, have students keep a journal and at the end of the year write a paper about their year, and what made it special.