Find the perfect quote to float your boat. Shmoop breaks down key quotations from The Year of Billy Miller.
Family Quotes
"I wish I could go to school," said Sal."You will," said Papa. "Soon enough.""I wish I could go now," said Sal. "I wish you could go for me," said Billy."Go, go, go," said Papa. "Everybody go." And...
Education Quotes
It was the first day of second grade and Billy Miller was worried. He was worried that he wouldn't be smart enough for school this year. (1.1.1)
Identity Quotes
"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)
Compassion and Forgiveness Quotes
Later, when the students were writing and drawing in their new journals, Emma said to Billy, "Maybe you should write that you're in second grade so you don't forget."Billy took two red markers from...
Time Quotes
"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)
Art and Culture Quotes
Papa was an artist. He was waiting for a breakthrough. That's what he always said. He was currently working on big sculptures made of found objects. Pieces of old machines, tree limbs, and broken f...
Coming of Age Quotes
"I wish I could go to school," said Sal."You will," said Papa. "Soon enough.""I wish I could go now," said Sal. "I wish you could go for me," said Billy. (1.2.9-12)
Perseverance Quotes
In the letter Ms. Silver greeted the students and said she was looking forward to the new school year. [...] She said that second grade would be "a safe, happy year of growth" and "a wonderful, joy...