Synopsis
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 child.
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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.
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.
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Billy the Great
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Condition: Good. Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A copy that has been read but remains in clean condition. All of the pages are intact and the cover is intact and the spine may show signs of wear. The book may have minor markings which are not specifically mentioned. Seller Inventory # rev3472968675
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Billy the Great
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Hardcover. Condition: Used; Good. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Aged book. Tanned pages and age spots, however, this will not interfere with reading. Ex-library book with stamps on the first page, it is also likely to have a small shelf number sticker on the spine. Seller Inventory # CHL10742890
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Billy the Great (A FIRST PRINTING)
Published by
Gollancz,UK, 1991
ISBN 10: 0575042842
ISBN 13: 9780575042841
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First Edition
Seller: S.Carter, NEWPORT, United Kingdom
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Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. UK1ST.EDITION.1ST.PRINTING.NEAR FIEN HARDACK WITH DECORATED BOARDS.89. Seller Inventory # 69GHFYCYCH
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BILLY THE GREAT
Published by
Victor Gollancz, London, 1991
ISBN 10: 0575042842
ISBN 13: 9780575042841
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Hardcover
Seller: M. & A. Simper Bookbinders & Booksellers, WARRNAMBOOL, VIC, Australia
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Hard Cover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket. illustrated by Caroline Binch. ; 280 x 215mm. Seller Inventory # 11275
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