/GUY, ROSA Billy is very young when his parents begin to plan his future. As he grows older one thing becomes clear. Billy definitely has a mind of his own. When new neighbors move in and tempers flare, Billy's high spirits and independent nature allow him to prove that sometimes parents can learn a thing or two from their chil.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
A ponderous lesson in overcoming prejudice overwhelms this insubstantial story about friendship and parental short-sightedness. Billy's parents' high hopes for their son ("My Billy is going to be a teacher." "With his strong back and legs? No, Billy's going to be a great soccer player") seem threatened when Rod and his family move in next door. Although Billy's family is black and Rod's is white, the question of race does not enter the conflict; rather, the question of class does in Billy's mother's comment, the meaning of which will be lost on the book's intended audience, that "He's too big for you to play with. Besides, his father has tattoos." The boys' ability to surmount their parents' misguided concerns proves equally puzzling as it comes about somewhat arbitrarily after Rod teaches Billy to perform a cartwheel. Binch's ( Amazing Grace ) vibrant, spirited watercolors enliven Guy's ( Mother Crocodile ) plodding text. The collection of "snapshots" that adorn the beginning and end of the book reinforces the proud parents theme. Unfortunately, however, the sunny images cannot rescue the tale from its unwieldy message. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.
From the Publisher
Billy's parents are busy planning his future career--a teacher, a football-player, a doctor. But Billy has a mind of his own--about his future and the new neighbors! Rosa Guy takes a shrewd look at children's friendships and family life.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Life is Complex, Especially for Kids,
By Lillian Daniel (New Haven, CT United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: BILLY THE GREAT (Paperback)
This wonderful book reminds us that kids understand that life is hard and complex. Sometimes parents act like kids, with petty fights and prejudices, and kids may be the wisest peace makers in the end. Little Billy is told by his mom not to play with Rod, the big kid, whose truck driver father "has tattoos." But when Billy's father accidentally knocks out Rod's father's window, it is the kids who break up a potential fight. The boys teach their fathers to lighten up, and allow two very different families to make friends. Children love the emotional complexity of this story, and most parents will leave with something to think about.
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