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Billy Plimpton #1
The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh
When life is funny, make some jokes about it.
Billy Plimpton has a big dream: to become a famous comedian when he grows up. He already knows a lot of jokes, but thinks he has one big problem standing in his way: his stutter.
At first, Billy thinks the best way to deal with this is to . . . never say a word. That way, the kids in his new school won’t hear him stammer. But soon he finds out this is NOT the best way to deal with things. (For one thing, it’s very hard to tell a joke without getting a word out.)
As Billy makes his way toward the spotlight, a lot of funny things (and some less funny things) happen to him. In the end, the whole school will know --
If you think you can hold Billy Plimpton back, be warned: The joke will soon be on you!
Billy Plimpton has a big dream: to become a famous comedian when he grows up. He already knows a lot of jokes, but thinks he has one big problem standing in his way: his stutter.
At first, Billy thinks the best way to deal with this is to . . . never say a word. That way, the kids in his new school won’t hear him stammer. But soon he finds out this is NOT the best way to deal with things. (For one thing, it’s very hard to tell a joke without getting a word out.)
As Billy makes his way toward the spotlight, a lot of funny things (and some less funny things) happen to him. In the end, the whole school will know --
If you think you can hold Billy Plimpton back, be warned: The joke will soon be on you!
256 pages, Hardcover
First published February 4, 2021
86 people are currently reading
809 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
July 5, 2024
Was für eine schöne und mutmachende Geschichte!
Es geht um Billy, der in eine neue Schule kommt und angst hat, gemobbt zu weden. Billy stottert. Also beschließt er, möglichst nichts zu sagen und still zu sein. Auf Dauer geht das natürlich nicht und eigentlich möchte Billy auch gar nicht still sein, denn Billy liebt es, Witze zu erzählen. Er möchte Komiker werden! Doch wie soll das gehen, wenn er stottert...?!
💙 Dieses Buch hat mich wirklich überrascht. Ich habe nicht erwartet, so eine tiefgründige und rührende Geschichte zu lesen! Und lustig war sie irgendwie auch. Und traurig. Irgendwie war alles dabei. Ein Buch für jede Altersklasse.
Es geht um Billy, der in eine neue Schule kommt und angst hat, gemobbt zu weden. Billy stottert. Also beschließt er, möglichst nichts zu sagen und still zu sein. Auf Dauer geht das natürlich nicht und eigentlich möchte Billy auch gar nicht still sein, denn Billy liebt es, Witze zu erzählen. Er möchte Komiker werden! Doch wie soll das gehen, wenn er stottert...?!
💙 Dieses Buch hat mich wirklich überrascht. Ich habe nicht erwartet, so eine tiefgründige und rührende Geschichte zu lesen! Und lustig war sie irgendwie auch. Und traurig. Irgendwie war alles dabei. Ein Buch für jede Altersklasse.
September 2, 2021
Definitely a fantastic read! Those lists of Billy, especially the Don’t Fart, I laughed so hard. The bully troubles is always sad. I feel bad kids everywhere have to experience bullying. I liked it when the author mentioned through multiple characters that it’s okay to be different. I enjoyed the jokes in this story. So many amazing and wonderful characters in this book. I liked Billy’s cleverness. He was always coming up with new ideas and carefully planning on what to do. I liked that Billy likes math because my son does too and he can relate when he read this story. I laughed and cried reading this book.
This book followed Billy, 11. He had a stuttering problem. His therapist told him to practice talking in front of the mirror. Different people reacted differently when they encounter someone who stutter. Billy named them The Encouragers, The Mind Readers, The Jokers and The Waiters. Billy loved jokes and wanted to tell jokes so others would laugh with him than at him. He’s going to start 6th grade soon and he decided on a different school than his classmates from elementary school. He’s hoping to become Billy the funniest boy in the new school instead of Billy the boy who stammer. He had many plans, including avoiding being bullied. He made many lists because he loved lists. Each chapter began with a joke.
The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh was well written and a fast paced read! The voice of the character do sounds young, 6th grader. So it will be a good read for other middle grade readers. My 9 year old read this book before me and loved it. I’m actually happy that he able to learn how to differentiate between the good people vs the bully from reading Billy’s thoughts. Billy knew how a bully looks like and avoided him as best as he could. I also liked how he tackled his fears of being on stage. He tried walking up on stage one step at a time each day and continued with it everyday without giving up. Another reason this book is good for young readers is the definition given to vocabularies kids may not encounter with like stroke. I liked the bond between Billy and his grandma and how hands-on was with his mom about her son’s wellbeing. This book is a good influence on my kid so I highly recommend everyone to read it!
xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.com for more details
Many thanks to Scholastic for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
This book followed Billy, 11. He had a stuttering problem. His therapist told him to practice talking in front of the mirror. Different people reacted differently when they encounter someone who stutter. Billy named them The Encouragers, The Mind Readers, The Jokers and The Waiters. Billy loved jokes and wanted to tell jokes so others would laugh with him than at him. He’s going to start 6th grade soon and he decided on a different school than his classmates from elementary school. He’s hoping to become Billy the funniest boy in the new school instead of Billy the boy who stammer. He had many plans, including avoiding being bullied. He made many lists because he loved lists. Each chapter began with a joke.
The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh was well written and a fast paced read! The voice of the character do sounds young, 6th grader. So it will be a good read for other middle grade readers. My 9 year old read this book before me and loved it. I’m actually happy that he able to learn how to differentiate between the good people vs the bully from reading Billy’s thoughts. Billy knew how a bully looks like and avoided him as best as he could. I also liked how he tackled his fears of being on stage. He tried walking up on stage one step at a time each day and continued with it everyday without giving up. Another reason this book is good for young readers is the definition given to vocabularies kids may not encounter with like stroke. I liked the bond between Billy and his grandma and how hands-on was with his mom about her son’s wellbeing. This book is a good influence on my kid so I highly recommend everyone to read it!
xoxo, Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.com for more details
Many thanks to Scholastic for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
October 14, 2023
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
“How can I be funny if I can’t even speak? It’s not easy to tell a joke when you can’t get the words out.”
Billy Plimpton, The Boy Who Stammers, has one dream in life - to be known as the The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh. To be someone who can deliver a joke and punch line right on the money, without him turning into the punchline. The only thing standing in his way to the road of fame - a stutter so painful a part of him that it's made it hard for him to be part of a group - to fit in - to belong. And though the trial may be tough and the journey to getting rid of his stutter entirely nearly impossible and unfathomable, it's with a touch of humor, a lot of grit and fierce heart and candid cruelty fueled by a determined spirit, Billy Plimpton might just be on the path to becoming The Funniest Boy in School. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“Tears still streaming. Rage and fear in every muscle. Thinking how much better everyone else’s lives are than mine. Why can’t I just be normal? Or at least just have a problem that everyone understands...”
I've never read a book about stuttering, so this was an insightful and helpful look into it; told through the eyes of a young boy, it made for a much more engaging read. Even with the stutter that made it difficult for Billy to fit in as the new kid at his middle school, Bannerdale, to hide and shy away from speaking up, he was still a very relatable and real young boy, who, honestly, went through the same emotional hurdles of growing up and fitting in that any normal child could go through. There's so much more to him, if he didn't only hide behind his stutter - that fear of being laughed at - it's the worst. 😔 And my heart hurt to see the lengths he went to, not to be noticed - not to draw attention to himself and do whatever it took to make his stutter less noticeable, just so he can earn the approval and attention for the things that he is proud of - capable of - like his talents at telling jokes or being a skilled drummer. But, even when not trying to be seen, inadvertently, you do - and bullies are the haunt that hunt Billy down, to some rather painful and hurtful moments. 😥
The level of bullying Billy faced - it was rough - oh wow, it was hard to stomach and I felt a little bit appalled and surprised that it was something so intensely shown in a Middle Grade book, no less. But, if there are people who do endure such cruel jeers and taunting leers as the ones Billy had to face from one very committed bully, William Blakemore, there are also those who are there to show Billy the good side of being who he is. Friends who see beyond the shadow of what makes you feel small, when you can be so much larger than life - if you only give yourself a chance. 🥺🥺 I know it sounds super motivational, but I don't know how else to explain it. As much as at times I was angered at how Billy seemed to only care for himself, I think it was rightfully shown that way. He is a young boy, who's only now getting the chance to be something for himself - so how he goes about it - may be not the approved way, but it was certainly a believable one. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“Have you ever noticed that when you desperately want something to go a certain way, it never really does?”
Truer words were never spoken. But, sometimes, it can even be for the better. And Helen Rutter showed that, even when everything was crumbling around Billy, he still found a way to lift his spirits up - his jokes really shined when it mattered, and even I enjoyed some of them, too, like 'Why did the boy throw his watch out of the school window? He wanted to see time fly.' 😅Billy's jokes acted as not only a catalyst to his many interactions, but a chance for him to prove his worth to himself.
And I liked that even though Billy felt so disheartened at times due to his own struggles, there were so many people around him, who saw the potential in him and believed in his strengths and wanted him to be happy. His new friends, his concerned teachers, his protective parents - oh that scene. That shocking moment with his mother - I got chills - it was too intense. 😟 I do applaud the author for going the extra mile, but I wonder if it may have been too much for those of faint-heart. But, it felt so real and again, I do admire how much care there was into showing the wide range of Billy's emotions - the hurt and loneliness he would feel, the ache of wanting to fit in, the warmth and kindness of finding friendships, the pains of losing them, and the joy of reclaiming the passion which brings him the most happiness. 🫂🫂
“Sometimes when things are getting too much, we take it out on the people nearest to us, even if it’s not on purpose. Everyone does it, Billy. It’s what you do from now that matters.”
As much as it was an emotionally impactful read, I did feel the ending was a bit too easy and convenient, but I feel myself, judging it too harshly, because Billy needed that hopeful, uplifting ending. We needed that glimmer of a promise, that joyous sign that even when you feel defeated, you can still rise up from being pushed down - not only for him, but for those around him, as well. Billy got that moment to shine in everything that he had to offer. It was that reminder that even when the chips are down, you can still find a way to make it work out in the end. 👌🏻👌🏻
“How can I be funny if I can’t even speak? It’s not easy to tell a joke when you can’t get the words out.”
Billy Plimpton, The Boy Who Stammers, has one dream in life - to be known as the The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh. To be someone who can deliver a joke and punch line right on the money, without him turning into the punchline. The only thing standing in his way to the road of fame - a stutter so painful a part of him that it's made it hard for him to be part of a group - to fit in - to belong. And though the trial may be tough and the journey to getting rid of his stutter entirely nearly impossible and unfathomable, it's with a touch of humor, a lot of grit and fierce heart and candid cruelty fueled by a determined spirit, Billy Plimpton might just be on the path to becoming The Funniest Boy in School. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“Tears still streaming. Rage and fear in every muscle. Thinking how much better everyone else’s lives are than mine. Why can’t I just be normal? Or at least just have a problem that everyone understands...”
I've never read a book about stuttering, so this was an insightful and helpful look into it; told through the eyes of a young boy, it made for a much more engaging read. Even with the stutter that made it difficult for Billy to fit in as the new kid at his middle school, Bannerdale, to hide and shy away from speaking up, he was still a very relatable and real young boy, who, honestly, went through the same emotional hurdles of growing up and fitting in that any normal child could go through. There's so much more to him, if he didn't only hide behind his stutter - that fear of being laughed at - it's the worst. 😔 And my heart hurt to see the lengths he went to, not to be noticed - not to draw attention to himself and do whatever it took to make his stutter less noticeable, just so he can earn the approval and attention for the things that he is proud of - capable of - like his talents at telling jokes or being a skilled drummer. But, even when not trying to be seen, inadvertently, you do - and bullies are the haunt that hunt Billy down, to some rather painful and hurtful moments. 😥
The level of bullying Billy faced - it was rough - oh wow, it was hard to stomach and I felt a little bit appalled and surprised that it was something so intensely shown in a Middle Grade book, no less. But, if there are people who do endure such cruel jeers and taunting leers as the ones Billy had to face from one very committed bully, William Blakemore, there are also those who are there to show Billy the good side of being who he is. Friends who see beyond the shadow of what makes you feel small, when you can be so much larger than life - if you only give yourself a chance. 🥺🥺 I know it sounds super motivational, but I don't know how else to explain it. As much as at times I was angered at how Billy seemed to only care for himself, I think it was rightfully shown that way. He is a young boy, who's only now getting the chance to be something for himself - so how he goes about it - may be not the approved way, but it was certainly a believable one. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“Have you ever noticed that when you desperately want something to go a certain way, it never really does?”
Truer words were never spoken. But, sometimes, it can even be for the better. And Helen Rutter showed that, even when everything was crumbling around Billy, he still found a way to lift his spirits up - his jokes really shined when it mattered, and even I enjoyed some of them, too, like 'Why did the boy throw his watch out of the school window? He wanted to see time fly.' 😅Billy's jokes acted as not only a catalyst to his many interactions, but a chance for him to prove his worth to himself.
And I liked that even though Billy felt so disheartened at times due to his own struggles, there were so many people around him, who saw the potential in him and believed in his strengths and wanted him to be happy. His new friends, his concerned teachers, his protective parents - oh that scene. That shocking moment with his mother - I got chills - it was too intense. 😟 I do applaud the author for going the extra mile, but I wonder if it may have been too much for those of faint-heart. But, it felt so real and again, I do admire how much care there was into showing the wide range of Billy's emotions - the hurt and loneliness he would feel, the ache of wanting to fit in, the warmth and kindness of finding friendships, the pains of losing them, and the joy of reclaiming the passion which brings him the most happiness. 🫂🫂
“Sometimes when things are getting too much, we take it out on the people nearest to us, even if it’s not on purpose. Everyone does it, Billy. It’s what you do from now that matters.”
As much as it was an emotionally impactful read, I did feel the ending was a bit too easy and convenient, but I feel myself, judging it too harshly, because Billy needed that hopeful, uplifting ending. We needed that glimmer of a promise, that joyous sign that even when you feel defeated, you can still rise up from being pushed down - not only for him, but for those around him, as well. Billy got that moment to shine in everything that he had to offer. It was that reminder that even when the chips are down, you can still find a way to make it work out in the end. 👌🏻👌🏻
September 29, 2021
The Boy who Made Everyone Laugh is Helen Rutter's debut novel, and as the author profile at the start of the book mentions, she wanted to write a book that her son, who has a stammer, would like to read, with a child like him featuring as the lead character. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, I thought it was a very good read, the storytelling is frank about the realities and difficulties of having a stammer, and it is an immersive, engaging, funny and poignant story. The voice of main character Billy Plimpton felt very authentic and well written. Billy is starting senior school and is looking forward to the new start, but at the same time understandably anxious about making new friends and about people finding out that he has a stammer. Billy's big strength is his sense of humour, he loves telling jokes, and his best audience is his Granny Bread. There's a fab joke at the start of each chapter. There are some lovely characters and relationships portrayed in the book, it deals with friendship, kindness, empathy, and there are difficulties and hard experiences to overcome for Billy, including bullying. I loved the sound of the Mr Osho's lunchtime music lounge as a place to hang out and be yourself, whether it was playing board games or listening to music. A really enjoyable and entertaining junior fiction book that everyone could learn a bit more empathy from reading. I look forward to what Helen Rutter writes next.
February 13, 2021
What a beautiful book.
Billy has a stammer and all he wants is to tell jokes.
Will he get the confidence to do that.
Brilliant story, make sure you have tissues ready
Billy has a stammer and all he wants is to tell jokes.
Will he get the confidence to do that.
Brilliant story, make sure you have tissues ready
March 17, 2021
Endearing and heartwarming book about a little boy who struggles with stammering.
February 14, 2023
Wat een HEERLIJK kinderboek. Helen Rutter schrijft echt fantastische verhalen en karakters. De humor in dit boek is echt heel leuk, maar het verhaal zelf is ook gewoon zeer geloofwaardig. De groei die Billie doormaakt was om van te genieten. Een fijn boek om te lezen, met humor en een sprankje verdriet.
Mijn favo grap uit dit boek:
Wat is de verleden tijd van komkommersla?
Kwamkwammersloeg.
Mijn favo grap uit dit boek:
Wat is de verleden tijd van komkommersla?
Kwamkwammersloeg.
March 4, 2021
Billie heeft het zwaar. Hij gaat naar een nieuwe school, daar wil hij een nieuwe start maken. Op de eerste dagen lukt het hem aardig door gewoon niet te praten. Hij wil namelijk dat niemand weet dat hij stottert. Thuis doet hij er alles aan om van het stotteren af te komen en elke keer als hij naar zijn logopedist gaat, droomt hij dat zij een magische pil voor hem heeft.
Het is hartverscheurend om te lezen hoe Billie zich voelt op zijn nieuwe school. Maar stap voor stap voelt hij zich meer thuis. Een leraar maakt goed contact met hem, Billie bedenkt activiteiten voor in de pauze en verder gaat alles wel zijn gangetje. Het lukt hem zelfs om nieuwe vrienden te maken.
Lezers vanaf 10 jaar zullen elementen herkennen van Billie in zichzelf, het is zo goed geschreven dat iedereen zich wel in kan leven in Billie. Elk hoofdstuk begint met een (slechte) grap waardoor je steeds toch moet lachen. “Aan wie moet je nooit een boek uitlenen? Een boekhouder.”
Het taalgebruik is heel toegankelijk, veel namen zijn vertaald naar een meer Nederlandse naam dan in het origineel, althans dat vermoeden heb ik. Dat zal veel kinderen helpen bij het lezen. Aan de ene kant vond ik dat jammer, het is namelijk duidelijk dat het zich niet in Nederland afspeelt, maar ik snap ook wel de keuze van de vertaler en uitgever. Het is zo toegankelijker voor Nederlandse kinderen.
De jongen die iedereen laat lachen heeft mij laten lachen, maar daarnaast vond ik het ook een heel mooi verhaal. Het beschrijft goed hoe iemand om zou kunnen gaan met stotteren en ik denk ook dat een van de boodschappen is, dat je mensen daar niet mee moet pesten. Ik raad iedereen van 10 jaar en ouder die houdt van mooie verhalen dit boek aan.
Het is hartverscheurend om te lezen hoe Billie zich voelt op zijn nieuwe school. Maar stap voor stap voelt hij zich meer thuis. Een leraar maakt goed contact met hem, Billie bedenkt activiteiten voor in de pauze en verder gaat alles wel zijn gangetje. Het lukt hem zelfs om nieuwe vrienden te maken.
Lezers vanaf 10 jaar zullen elementen herkennen van Billie in zichzelf, het is zo goed geschreven dat iedereen zich wel in kan leven in Billie. Elk hoofdstuk begint met een (slechte) grap waardoor je steeds toch moet lachen. “Aan wie moet je nooit een boek uitlenen? Een boekhouder.”
Het taalgebruik is heel toegankelijk, veel namen zijn vertaald naar een meer Nederlandse naam dan in het origineel, althans dat vermoeden heb ik. Dat zal veel kinderen helpen bij het lezen. Aan de ene kant vond ik dat jammer, het is namelijk duidelijk dat het zich niet in Nederland afspeelt, maar ik snap ook wel de keuze van de vertaler en uitgever. Het is zo toegankelijker voor Nederlandse kinderen.
De jongen die iedereen laat lachen heeft mij laten lachen, maar daarnaast vond ik het ook een heel mooi verhaal. Het beschrijft goed hoe iemand om zou kunnen gaan met stotteren en ik denk ook dat een van de boodschappen is, dat je mensen daar niet mee moet pesten. Ik raad iedereen van 10 jaar en ouder die houdt van mooie verhalen dit boek aan.
November 28, 2021
no words to describe how much this book means to me ❤️.
February 15, 2021
Een prachtig verhaal over een jongen die stottert en zijn weg moet zien te vinden op de middelbare school. Hij wil niets liever dan cabaretier worden, maar hoe doe je dat als je stottert? Bomvol vriendschap, pestkoppen, onzekerheden en persoonlijke ontwikkeling.
January 5, 2021
This book depicts the amazing journey of an 11/12 year old boy with a stammer, starting secondary school. Bullying, friendship, insecurities and personal growth. Had multiple cries over this one!
January 2, 2022
such a cute and educational book! i recommend to all my cmd and education major friends :)
February 7, 2021
When I say this book is great, I mean it’s FANTASTIC.
I have always wanted a full length novel about a main character with a stammer and Helen Rutter delivered.
(Ps this is her debut novel too!)
The book follows Billy a boy with a stammer, who starts at high school. He wants to be a comedian but thinks his stammer will stop him achieving that goal.
It’s not a spoiler BUT he does exactly that. Seeing Billy’s development throughout the book was incredible. Billy is the first literature character that I can actually relate to, for many reasons -
He creates lists for everything (I do that every day)
He loves his family and friends
He overthinks
He doesn’t understand his stammer (I didn’t understand my stammer when I was growing up either)
But most of all he just cares and appreciates life
And - he stammers (like me)
Three BIG shout outs - first time Billy’s mum, who reminds me of mine. I had my first speech therapy session with my mum in the room so I can relate to this. Also to the unconditional love she has for Billy, this is something I’ve always had from mine.
Next to Granny Bread (still haven’t recovered from this character just yet) - she’s just so precious and I’ve never watched Blue Planet 🐙
Mr Osho - the best and coolest teacher ever.
And all the kids that were in it. Just fantastic.
Helen has done a FANTASTIC job. I cried at several points in this book.
Everyone needs to read this to really understand the need for stammer representation. Just fantastic. Thank you, Helen.
BILLY PLIMPTON IS THE BEST!
I have always wanted a full length novel about a main character with a stammer and Helen Rutter delivered.
(Ps this is her debut novel too!)
The book follows Billy a boy with a stammer, who starts at high school. He wants to be a comedian but thinks his stammer will stop him achieving that goal.
It’s not a spoiler BUT he does exactly that. Seeing Billy’s development throughout the book was incredible. Billy is the first literature character that I can actually relate to, for many reasons -
He creates lists for everything (I do that every day)
He loves his family and friends
He overthinks
He doesn’t understand his stammer (I didn’t understand my stammer when I was growing up either)
But most of all he just cares and appreciates life
And - he stammers (like me)
Three BIG shout outs - first time Billy’s mum, who reminds me of mine. I had my first speech therapy session with my mum in the room so I can relate to this. Also to the unconditional love she has for Billy, this is something I’ve always had from mine.
Next to Granny Bread (still haven’t recovered from this character just yet) - she’s just so precious and I’ve never watched Blue Planet 🐙
Mr Osho - the best and coolest teacher ever.
And all the kids that were in it. Just fantastic.
Helen has done a FANTASTIC job. I cried at several points in this book.
Everyone needs to read this to really understand the need for stammer representation. Just fantastic. Thank you, Helen.
BILLY PLIMPTON IS THE BEST!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2023
This is just. Bad.
So like it is strong in the beginning, but it falls apart. Also, the plot is repetitive. Plan. No work. Plan. No work. Comedian. Drummer. Comedian. Regulars. Teenplay. Regulars.
Like what??
And in the ending, everything seems to fall out of a tree. So the bully is nice now? And whats up with all the lame DAD JOKES you found on the INTERNET??
At the end of the book, people are laughing so hard and shedding “inspirational” tears. What does comedy have to do with inspiration??? So what that he has a stutter. Its not that big of a deal.
Would not recommend to anyone above the age of 8. Disappointed.
So like it is strong in the beginning, but it falls apart. Also, the plot is repetitive. Plan. No work. Plan. No work. Comedian. Drummer. Comedian. Regulars. Teenplay. Regulars.
Like what??
And in the ending, everything seems to fall out of a tree. So the bully is nice now? And whats up with all the lame DAD JOKES you found on the INTERNET??
At the end of the book, people are laughing so hard and shedding “inspirational” tears. What does comedy have to do with inspiration??? So what that he has a stutter. Its not that big of a deal.
Would not recommend to anyone above the age of 8. Disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2021
This is the book that will make everyone laugh. Endearing, entertaining, emotional and brimming with empathy, it’s like Wonder with one-liners.
March 6, 2022
Thoroughly readable book about Billy Plimpton, a boy with a stammer who leads a pretty lonely life when he starts year 7 at a new school, avoiding talking wherever possible and rushing around avoiding the class bully who has noticed his stammer. His dream is to be a comedian, he loves his gran, he is optimistic that he can get rid of his stammer and he is funny. But at the same time as being incredibly resilient, he also has moments of despair when he hates his condition, and I love this about this book, it is realistic. Tear jerking by the end, this was recommended as a good read aloud and I would agree, for a 5/6 class.
July 23, 2023
Another YA book for work but a really lovely one for students transitioning from primary to secondary school.
Billy suffers with a stammer and it documents his opening few month of secondary school as he tries to make friends, settle in to new routines and, most importantly, find himself.
The use of Billy's jokes throughout are great at lightening the tone and showing what a very sweet 11 year old thinks of the world.
Billy suffers with a stammer and it documents his opening few month of secondary school as he tries to make friends, settle in to new routines and, most importantly, find himself.
The use of Billy's jokes throughout are great at lightening the tone and showing what a very sweet 11 year old thinks of the world.
November 10, 2021
i would have definetly loved this book as a child, but as a fourteen year old, it leans towards childish. i feel like this book focused on character development, and seeing Billy transform as a person is one of the main reasons i kept reading; that, and that i have to read this book for school. cute
August 6, 2022
Loved this although it reminded me of Wonder in places and has a joke at the start of each chapter like Tyke Tiler. Billy Plimpton has a stammer and wants to be a stand up comedian. Some bad and good stuff happens to him. It’s a lovely relatable funny story, and a debut too. Top marks Helen Rutter.
September 16, 2024
The book was an enjoyable and inspiring read. The protagonist, Billy, navigates the challenges of coping with a stammer and fitting in. It also explores themes of bullying, grief, and overcoming personal fears. My boys and I enjoyed reading this book, particularly Billy's humor.
August 14, 2021
Billy Plimpton ist cool!
August 26, 2021
A book that made me laugh. A boy who made me laugh. A book that provides children to realise that everyone should be valued and everyone has a place in this world
November 30, 2021
Billy loves jokes and dreams of being a comedian., but his stutter keeps him off the stage and out of the limelight. But does it have to?
January 11, 2022
A book you just want to hug. The story of Billy Plimpton and his middle school experience may be unique due to his stuttering, but it is a story many will be able to connect with.
September 6, 2022
Very funny and very friendly. Jokes at the start of the chapters, who knew!
June 19, 2025
This one immediately blew my socks off! Reading as a grown up and as a teacher gave me a real insight into the kid experience and underlines the importance of having safe spaces and trusted adults. A really honest and frank account of the realities of having a stammer and made me want to look into the psychology behind stammering - Very reminiscent of childhood and genuinely funny!
April 26, 2021
Don’t write many reviews of books read but this was so endearing I have to justify the 5stars. If it wasn’t for work and sleep I would have literally read this without a break. I don’t often laugh out loud, or cry at what is a junior book ..but I had to..quite a lot..with this journey of hope, sadness, joy, self-doubting fears, and dreams inside the head of the instantly loveable Billy. If you’re an adult this is a simple story and a joyous book to live through.
March 2, 2022
3.5 stars
This will undoubtedly be a winner with children.
An engaging read that makes up in characters what it lacks in plot. I did enjoy it but didn’t quite make 4 stars from me as I did think it was a bit predicable and so lacked any intrigue or surprises.
My book club thought the same but it didn’t detract from their enjoyment and found it an easy and enjoyable read.
This will undoubtedly be a winner with children.
An engaging read that makes up in characters what it lacks in plot. I did enjoy it but didn’t quite make 4 stars from me as I did think it was a bit predicable and so lacked any intrigue or surprises.
My book club thought the same but it didn’t detract from their enjoyment and found it an easy and enjoyable read.
November 21, 2022
This was a such a lovely audiobook and laugh out loud funny!
I spotted this on Scribd recently and was hooked from the beginning. I loved getting to know soon to be 12 years old Billy, his Mum and Dad and his annoying pony obsessed little sister, Chloe. Oh yes, and Granny Bread, who Billy is especially close to.
As the above synopsis mentions Billy dreams of being a stand up comedian, but unfortunately his has a terrible stammer. He desperately wants to get rid of it and makes lists of ways to make it go away.
Billy was such a lovely boy and so funny! My heart broke for him when his plans didn’t go the way he wanted, I wanted to give him a big hug and tell him everything would be okay.
There were some lovely supporting characters, and one particularly horrible one who I wanted to get by the scruff of the neck and give a good talking to, that’s how good the writing was! Fortunately it’s not all sad, as each chapter starts with a joke, which always made me laugh out loud, but then I do like children’s jokes!
I tend to stay away from audiobooks read by authors as the samples I’ve heard haven’t been very good, but Helen Rutter reads her own book superbly! She knew how to make me laugh out loud, worry for Billy and make me want him to succeed no matter what.
The idea for this story was inspired by Helen Rutter’s son, who has a stammer; she wanted to write a book that he would love to read, starring a child like him.
I highly recommend this on audio if you enjoy books about children overcoming adversity.
I spotted this on Scribd recently and was hooked from the beginning. I loved getting to know soon to be 12 years old Billy, his Mum and Dad and his annoying pony obsessed little sister, Chloe. Oh yes, and Granny Bread, who Billy is especially close to.
As the above synopsis mentions Billy dreams of being a stand up comedian, but unfortunately his has a terrible stammer. He desperately wants to get rid of it and makes lists of ways to make it go away.
Billy was such a lovely boy and so funny! My heart broke for him when his plans didn’t go the way he wanted, I wanted to give him a big hug and tell him everything would be okay.
There were some lovely supporting characters, and one particularly horrible one who I wanted to get by the scruff of the neck and give a good talking to, that’s how good the writing was! Fortunately it’s not all sad, as each chapter starts with a joke, which always made me laugh out loud, but then I do like children’s jokes!
I tend to stay away from audiobooks read by authors as the samples I’ve heard haven’t been very good, but Helen Rutter reads her own book superbly! She knew how to make me laugh out loud, worry for Billy and make me want him to succeed no matter what.
The idea for this story was inspired by Helen Rutter’s son, who has a stammer; she wanted to write a book that he would love to read, starring a child like him.
I highly recommend this on audio if you enjoy books about children overcoming adversity.
February 4, 2021
This is the funniest book that made me cry into my pillow that I've read recently.
I've been reading some fantastic funny books lately. This one is right at the top of the pile. It can also be marketed to fans of Wonder, as it covers a serious real life problem. About one in a hundred people will have a serious stutter for some part of their life, so we're all likely to meet someone with one eventually. Billy's story gives some tips for us as well; I used to try to help to finish sentences, thinking I was being helpful - for instance if they were pointing at something and trying to say the name, I might have said it to help them - but I will definitely stop and wait for them to speak in future.
It's genuinely funny, too. A lot of books about child comics depend on body humour, but Billy's comments and jokes are brilliant. I really enjoyed reading his jokes, the ones at the head of each chapter as well as his routines scattered throughout.
I also cried like a baby at one point, but I won't go into that further. It's very well handled and appropriate for readers.
I'd love to see this as a class novel. There's so much to explore and unpick here. Just brilliant.
I've been reading some fantastic funny books lately. This one is right at the top of the pile. It can also be marketed to fans of Wonder, as it covers a serious real life problem. About one in a hundred people will have a serious stutter for some part of their life, so we're all likely to meet someone with one eventually. Billy's story gives some tips for us as well; I used to try to help to finish sentences, thinking I was being helpful - for instance if they were pointing at something and trying to say the name, I might have said it to help them - but I will definitely stop and wait for them to speak in future.
It's genuinely funny, too. A lot of books about child comics depend on body humour, but Billy's comments and jokes are brilliant. I really enjoyed reading his jokes, the ones at the head of each chapter as well as his routines scattered throughout.
I also cried like a baby at one point, but I won't go into that further. It's very well handled and appropriate for readers.
I'd love to see this as a class novel. There's so much to explore and unpick here. Just brilliant.
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