Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1228 in Books
• Published on: 2003-09-12
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
The gruff and surly Mr Thomas Oakley is less than pleased when he is landed with a scrawny little city boy as a guest, but because it is compulsory that each villager takes in an evacuee he reluctantly agrees. It soon becomes obvious to Mister Tom that young Willie Beech is hiding something, and as the pair begin to form an unlikely bond and Willie grows in stature and in confidence he begins to forget the past. But when he has to return to war-torn London to face his mother again he retreats into his shy and awkward ways once more.

Goodnight Mister Tom is one of the most touching and powerful stories ever written. As the relationship between Willie and Tom begins to transform them both, Magorian's powerful yet gentle writing tugs at the heart, taking the reader on an incredibly emotional journey that never once stoops to unnecessary sentimentality. --Susan Harrison

Synopsis
Young Willie Beech is evacuated to the country as Britain stands on the brink of WW2. A sad, deprived child, he slowly begins to flourish under the care of old Tom Oakley - but his new-found happiness is shattered by a summons from his mother back in London...This title is winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Award.

Customer Reviews

One Of The Best Books Of All Time
i first read this book in year 16 its now 7 years later and ive read it countless times since it find its the only book i can over and over again i love how tom starts out seemingly old and grumpy but this young boy turns him in to a big softie really :P . Its amazing !!!

A Fantastic Read
I read this book as an 11 year old and 25 years on I have enjoyed it again reading it to my 10 year old son. It is a very emotional read about a WW2 evacuee who to the amazement of the villagers finds true kindness in the home of a grumpy widower.

It covers some very delicate issues (e.g. physical abuse, suicide, death etc.), so I was glad I was able to explain these to my son for better understanding. Aside from these morbid topics it is a very well written book which brings tears of joy and sadness to both young and old.

The details of WW2 were of particular interest to my son since this was a topic he particularly enjoyed at school.

I would recommend this book for ages 10+ although it deals with some sad issues which could benefit from an adult explanation, so if you are a parent perhaps read it first so that you are ready to answer any questions. Having said that many children gloss over what they don't understand so it may not present a problem. But it certainly makes for a better read if you do explain the finer issues. I don't want to give away the story but it will make sense once you've read the book.

It's probably my favourite book, it certainly stayed in my memory for 25 years. Considering this is the only Michelle Magorian book I've ever read, I still remembered the title, author and story. I would recommend this book and am sure it will leave a lasting memory.

Poor Willie
I was immersed in the book and could not put it down! I think this book is fantastic and would recommend it to children of all ages and abilities.
I loved this book and the way the author made me feel all the emotions the characters were feeling.
I feel quite sorry for Will as he gets smacked and that should never happen to anyone.
Young Willie Beech is evacuated to the country as London is being bombed in the Second World War. To start with he is really miserable but soon cheers up. He slowly begins to flourish as he is being looked after by old Tom Oakley; he new nothing could last for ever and his new found glee is ruined when an order from his mother, back in London, comes...