Family Drama; Comedy; Coming-Of-Age
When you've got a book about a mom, dad, son, and daughter, you've got yourself a family drama. Now when it comes to the Millers, drama takes its own special form. It's not about throwing punches or running away here—nope, it's more about making sure everyone gets along well and makes the others proud. We can't lie: These Millers sure do care a lot about each other.
In fact, this is such a lovey family that it can actually be a really happy book. And even a funny book sometimes. So that puts this story in the comedy genre. Sure, there are some sad moments for Billy and his family, and we can think of at least one character (ahem, Sal) who sheds a few tears, but overall this book has happiness on almost every page, plus a seriously triumphant finish. Huzzah—optimism wins.
By the end of the book our main man Billy is a whole year older. He's grown up during all his happy times (and the rougher patches, too). And that makes this a coming-of-age novel. Typically, coming-of-age stories follow a character until they become an adult and that sure doesn't happen for Billy—heck, he only finishes second grade—so The Year of Billy Miller is more like playing with the coming-of-age genre, then completely embodying it. Let's call this one coming-of-age elementary-school-style.