Billy the Kid Is Not Crazy

Gr 4–6—Billy March figures that he has been grounded for 63 percent of his life. He isn't a bad kid-he just has an active imagination, and he doesn't think before he acts. After an incident in which he damages a car, his parents decide that it is time for him to talk to a psychologist. Billy balks because he's afraid he will have to take medication. But Dr. Greve doesn't want him to take drugs; instead he sets up a behavior contract and if Billy can stay out of trouble he might even get his own cell phone for movie making. Staying out of trouble is harder than Billy imagines, and after his father accuses him of ruining things for his family, he decides to run away. After he is reunited with his parents, they talk things through and end up a stronger family as a result. Despite the young cover and interior black-and-white illustrations and comics, some content may be more sophisticated than the intended audience is ready for. Billy often makes statements that older readers may see as true to his nature and a bigger piece of his impulsivity, but some of his comments and descriptions can also be viewed as insensitive or even offensive.—Stacy Dillon, LREI, New York City