So we've got a hunch that this title—The Year of Billy Miller—has something to do with this kid named Billy Miller. And we're right on the money.
But even though the title might seem obvious, it's actually got some more complicated origins inside the book. The phrase the year of Billy Miller is something Papa says first, when he's trying to encourage his son to have a great year in second grade:
"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)
And Billy takes these words to heart. He even repeats the phrase a couple of times himself.
Since Papa's phrase is all about Billy making this year an important one for himself, we're thinking the title has to do with our main man's growth. And his self-confidence. Plus, as he grows up, he gets to know himself even better. And the title gives us a big clue that this book is going to be all about this fun process of self-discovery.