I really wish that, instead of a 229-page novel for 2nd graders, Henkes had written four 70-page novellas for 2nd graders. Seriously.

Newbery update: I actually had a dream last night that Billy Miller won the Newbery Medal and I was so disappointed. Turns out, it won an Honor, and I'm not so disappointed. It's nice for the Newbery committee to recognize a book for younger readers, even if I still believe this is really four books crammed into one too-long book. I will continue to think that, while this book has its charms, it's kind of boring and nowhere near as charming as a Ramona, a Clementine, or a Fudge. ( )

As a adult, I enjoyed this gentle episodic story of a second-grade boy who is beginning to learn who he is and who he wants to be. That said, I don't know of any young readers to whom I would recommend it.

Sweet story about a little boy figuring out second grade. ( )

Only half listened to this one, but the 2nd grader likes it a lot.

Nice beginning chapter book, decent character development, several funny/charming moments, but didn't have "wow" factor. ( )