How we cite our quotes: (Section.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"Ms. Silver and the great nation of China might think that this is the Year of the Rabbit," said Papa. "But I know—and I know everything—that this is the year of Billy Miller." (1.1.37)
Since this book is all about Billy, it's no surprise that it has us thinking a lot about his identity. Sure, he's only in second grade, but he's already realizing that he's a pretty complex dude. And Papa definitely wants this to be a year chock-full of self-discovery. So when he says that this is "the year of Billy Miller," we're thinking he wants his kid to really focus on growing into his unique second-grader self.
Quote #2
Lately Billy had considered calling Papa "Dad" in public. He wondered if the word Papa sounded babyish. It was one thing for Ned to use it for fun, but another thing for Billy to use it for real. (1.2.19)
Here's the deal: Identity isn't just something that happens inside our heads. It's also something that is seriously impacted by the way others think of us. And lately Billy's been wondering how his identity appears to other folks around town. He sees himself as a full-grown kid and being "babyish" is just about the worst offense ever. Keep an eye out for how using different names for his dad impacts Billy's identity over the course of this tale.
Quote #3
"Maybe one day you'll want to be called something else."
Billy tilted his head. "Huh?"
"Maybe one day you'll want us to call you Bill. Or William."
"No," said Billy. "I'm Billy. Promise to always call me Billy."
Papa tugged on his beard again. "I promise to always call you what you want to be called."
"Billy," said Billy. (2.4.36-41)
Names have a lot to do with identity (more on this over in the "Symbols" section). While it's tough for Billy to imagine wanting a different name, Papa knows that folks change over time, and that means their preferred name can, too. So even though Billy can't see that far into the future yet, Papa is giving us a clue that new names might just be part of growing into a more mature version of yourself.
Quote #4
"They're dioramas!" said Billy. He grinned. "I helped you—I gave you the idea."
"You did," said Papa, smiling. "And I thank you." […]
Billy felt taller somehow. Bigger. Shiny, even. He'd never helped Papa in such an important way before. (2.5.16-17, 18)
Helping out his dad makes Billy feel great. In fact, it has a huge impact on his sense of self. Check out how he physically feels different, as if he's a brand new size. And what do you think of the idea that Billy is now "shiny"? What might that mean? We've got a hunch that it's a good thing.
Quote #5
"Check out this one," said Papa. He directed Billy's attention to the box at the corner of his worktable.
It was a face—a realistic-looking one—with green sea-glass eyes, coils of wire for hair, and an intricate arrangement of small pieces of wood for skin.
"I'm not done with it yet," said Papa.
Suddenly the face came into clear focus. In wonder, Billy said, "It's me!" (2.5.20-23)
When Papa starts making dioramas, we just know they're going to be cool—come on, the guy put arms on a cello once so his dioramas have got to be rad. But what makes these dioramas even more awesome is that some of them end up as portraits of the Miller family. And first up is Billy. Interestingly, Billy doesn't recognize himself right away. What do you think of this? How do you think he finally figures out that the picture is of him?
Quote #6
He told himself he could do this. He felt a shiver of excitement, then a buzzy sensation. If he made it through the night without sleeping, He'd be a different person, somehow. A more important person. (3.3.18)
Billy has a theory: If he can pull an all-nighter, he'll be a "more important" dude. And that tells us that he thinks sleeping (or, well, not sleeping at all) could have a serious impact on his identity. What do you think of this theory? Why would pulling an all-nighter make Billy more important? Plus, let's not forget that our guy ends up snoozing for most of the night. Do you think that failing at his all-nighter mission has an effect on his identity?
Quote #7
"Does your mom like volcanoes?" asked Ms. Silver. "I know you like volcanoes."
"Well…" said Billy. "She might." He blinked rapidly.
"I have an idea," said Ms. Silver. "I think you should take your journal home tonight. You should ask your mom what she likes. You could make a list of things." (4.2.30-32)
When it comes to identity, it's not just about figuring out our own sense of self. It's also about learning what makes other people's identities unique. And for Billy, that means realizing that while he might love volcanoes like nobody's business, his mom just might like something else (she does). And poetry might be just the ticket for learning about how his mom's identity is actually interesting as all get-out.
Quote #8
He read his poem into the microphone from beginning to end in a voice that was made so big and loud and wide it seemed to bounce beyond the walls of school, reaching to the world outside, to the moon. […]
The next thing he knew he was in the hallway behind the stage, enveloped in Mama's arms. On the stage, it was as if he'd been separated from his body, and now he'd caught up with himself. Everything was back to normal. (4.5.48, 50)
For Billy, being on stage is a totally trippy experience. In fact, he doesn't really feel like himself when he's up there, since it's like he's "separated from his body." Do you think this is a negative depiction or a positive one? Is it a problem for Billy that he feels funky on stage? Or does that turn out to be a good experience in the long run?
Quote #9
"Our school year overlapped with the Chinese Year of the Rabbit and the Year of the Dragon. But I like to think of this as the Year of Room Two." (4.5.67)
Identities aren't always just about individuals, and being part of a group can be important when it comes to forming your identity. When Ms. Silver is making her final speech after the Room 2 end-of-year show, she knows that the whole year has been one big group effort. Sure, Billy might think of this year as the "year of Billy Miller," but Ms. S thinks it's about the whole stinking class.
Quote #10
And then, because he felt so good, and because he could not stop himself, he leaned into the silent microphone and exclaimed in a voice meant just for Mama, "This is the Year of Billy Miller." (4.5.76)
Right from the start of this book (well, even from the title), we know that Billy Miller is going to have a big year. And he sure does think a lot about his sense of self during the course of second grade. What do you think about this moment when Billy declares that this has been his year? It has us remembering how Papa first said this quote, and now Billy's saying it about himself. You might even say he's taken control of all this identity-hunting that he's been doing.