Good Night, Mr. Tom

Michelle Magorian

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horrors of war

kindness and friendship

children's book

emotional depth for adults

rural england during wwii

abusive mother

rebirth theme

engaging writing style

character growth

well developed characters

steady pacing

plot twists

journey of a young boy

unique supporting characters

Good Night, Mr. Tom is a heartwarming story set during World War II, where children are evacuated to the countryside. The book follows the journey of a young boy named Will, who escapes his abusive mother to live with an old man named Tom. Through their relationship, both characters experience a rebirth, with themes of kindness, friendship, and the horrors of war beautifully intertwined. The writing style is captivating, with plot twists and unique supporting characters that make the story fascinating, especially for young readers.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, particularly the duo of William and Tom, who evolve significantly through their relationship.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is straightforward and accessible, making it engaging for younger readers while still providing emotional depth for adults.

Plot/Storyline:

The story narrates the journey of a young boy sent to the countryside during World War II, highlighting themes of friendship and healing while facing the horrors of life.

Setting:

The setting is primarily in rural England during WWII, which significantly influences the characters' experiences.

Pacing:

The pacing is steady, allowing for character growth while maintaining reader engagement.

She stepped to one side. Behind the large iron gate that stood at the end of the graveyard was a small group of children. Many of them were filthy and very poorly clad. Only a handful had a blazer or ...

Notes:

The story is set during World War II, focusing on a young boy named William who is evacuated from London.

William is sent to live with an old man named Tom, who has isolated himself after suffering personal losses.

The book explores themes of friendship, healing, and resilience amidst the horrors of war.

Readers find it emotionally impactful, with many crying during poignant moments in the story.

The book is described as suitable for various ages, including children as young as 8 and adults.

It addresses serious issues like domestic abuse and mental illness, making it a profound read for both kids and adults.

Goodnight Mr Tom has won multiple prestigious awards, highlighting its significance in children's literature.

The characters, particularly the relationship between William and Tom, demonstrate significant growth and development throughout the story.

The supporting characters, like Zach, provide comic relief and depth to the narrative while highlighting the theme of friendship.

The book is often recommended for discussions about kindness and the impact of war on children.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Good Night, Mr. Tom include explicit descriptions of child abuse and neglect, trauma, and death.

From The Publisher:

Library of Congress Children's Books

International Reading Association Children's Book Award

Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)

Virginia Young Readers Award

IRA/CBC Children's Choice

ALA Notable Children's Book

ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults

Horn Book Fanfare

ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults

Now featuring gorgeous new cover art, this classic, powerfully emotional, award-winning novel is the perfect read to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.

London is poised on the brink of World War II. Eight-year-old Willie Beech is evacuated to the English countryside and lands on Thomas Oakley's doorstep, timid and scarred from abuse. Mr. Tom, a gruff but kindly old man, is deeply moved for the boy, treating him with a gentleness he's forgotten he's even capable of. With Mr. Tom's help, Willie leaves behind his hateful past and learns to love a world he never knew existed, a world of friendship and affection and joy.

But then a telegram comes, and Willie is ordered to return to London. When weeks pass without word from him, Mr. Tom sets out for London to once again rescue the boy he's come to love as a son.

This heartwarming and much-honored classic is an excellent choice for independent or shared reading.

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