Good Night, Mr. Tom

"Good Night, Mr. Tom" by Michelle MagorianWinner, 1982 International Reading Association Children's Book AwardNotable Children's Books of 1982 (ALA)1982 Best Books for Young Adults (ALA)1983 Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book)1982 Young Adult Editors' Choices (BL)1983 Teachers' Choices (NCTE)Notable 1982 Children's Trade Books in Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)1988 Choices (Association of Booksellers for Children)Children's Books of 1982 (Library of Congress)It's not often that a book receives so many honors from so many different groups, making "Good Night, Mr. Tom" very special. The story is set during early World War II when London and coastal cities in England were being bombed. Children in these areas were evacuated to the country where willing families took them in for unspecified lengths of service. (If you recall  The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe , the book or film, then you understand this evacuation.)Pale, thin, and small for his age, William Beech (Willie, he is called) is placed with Tom Oakley, a gruff man in his 60's and resident of Wierwold, a tiny village north of London. What Tom discovers is a multitude of bruises and sores from repeated beatings with Willie's big belt and buckle that hold up his pants.It's with this discovery that Tom rises up outside himself to become not only a caretaker for the duration, but eventually a father figure. As a young man, Tom lost his beloved wife and baby son in childbirth and became the town's recluse. We don't know his occupation, but I wouldn't be surprised if he hadn't been a weaver, much like that one in Raveloe, who also was reclaimed by a foundling, that ol' Silas Marner.Like Silas, Tom has not had much to do with other villagers until now. Caring for an abused boy brings him out of himself and into the world to assume the care--quite capably and generously--for this bedraggled boy.In the six months or so that Tom has the boy, Willie grows out of his fear into love and friendship. Even at 10 he cannot read, but Tom teaches him. Willie slowly joins a world he didn't know existed. Also, he becomes very best friends with Zach, another evacuee (his first friend at that).All good things come to an end. Tom receives a telegram from the mother, requesting Willie return home. She is ill and needs him. Willie can barely remember this creature he calls his mother and fears this trip."Good Night, Mr. Tom" is truly a heartwarming book. Watching not only Will learn to love, but also Tom is a reading experience to savor. Fearing for Will as he returns to the viper's nest is painful.The first half of the book is about the opening of hearts and thewelcoming of love and relationships. The second half is about family love.This is truly a book well worth the reading!

I'm 80 years old and I found this book to be sweet and lovely. Very real and touching characters fill the book including a young boy named Will and his best friend Zach who's always bursting with energy. Mr. Tom rounds out the characters even though he is 60 plus years old. Wonderful for children ages 8 plus and for old-timers like me who reflect on the vulnerability and innocence of youth.

When I received this book, I read it cover to cover. It would also be an excellent book for young teens. The values passed from Mr. Tom to his student (so to speak) was living a good life, being a compassionate human being and how important love of family is. In our times today we need more Mr. Toms and less of the people that hate life and wallow in what they don't have rather than in what they could have if they placed their energy in an upward motion rather than down.

This has been my favorite book since I first read it in the third grade. Being an adult I've come to love it even more.Good Night, Mr. Tom will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It's a must read for everybody of any age

I liked the fact that this book is a sweet story with no questionable behaviors. I think that this book is perfect for a young teen who enjoys a predictable happy ending. I'm young at heart, so, at 84, I enjoyed the story.

As soon as I started the book, I realised that it was aimed at a young audience. The basic language, the lack of deep hidden meanings and the basic plot were giveaways. I'm glad I persisted because I soon realised, these were the book's charms. If you're just looking for something not too heavy to read - something to relax with on your verandah while you have a cup of tea - this is for you. I quickly had an appreciation of the things we take for granted these days (like cars, electric lights and indoor toilets), the simple life, the beauty that surrounds us and the horror of war.This should be prescribed reading for everyone. Go ahead, read it, feel the lump in your throat and the tear in your eye. You won't regret it.

When the book arrived in the mail I was sad to see a large crease on the front cover of the book. Other than that it was perfect.

We have read this book with our children twice. The book is wonderfully written about the life in Great Britain during WW II. Our kids love the story and we all cry and laugh together. It also opens for conversations with the kids about so many things, kindness, the horrors of war, friendship, and mental illness. We have shared this book with family and friends and its been loved by all. Even our youngest, two years old at the first time we read the book, would demand to listen. She would close her eyes and shiver with fear at the darkest passages but as we kept reading and all was well in Tom's loving care, she would love Tom even more.We have bought several copies of this book both as gifts and to replace our own copy when not returned. Our book case is not complete without it.

Read in one day.

Read this book when I was a child, and re-read it a number of times since. So much better than the film! Give it a go.

‘’If I don’t read a book soon I think I’ll explode.’’Carrie, please don’t expose me!!!! (Damn!)My heart is still breaking thinking about the neglect, abuse and abandonment. Triggering at parts and most disturbing I would say, the book is actually perfect.You will love Tom. He’s the perfect adult character of all time for me! I just wish every adult to be this giving, caring and nurturing towards every child.You will also get to know one of the worst mothers ever.Not going to tell the story all over again. I would just recommend you to pick up this book and feel all there’s the feel about a very much neglected/abandoned child, the child healing slowly, the way a community helps in the healing process as and when the child facing PTSD effects.The writing is really good! Hope everyone gets to read this book.The adult reading the book will get to learn to be more kinder and understanding towards children.The child reading this book will get to learn the difference between when an adult misbehaves and when an adult actually cares.This book!Zach, I will always remember you. You are one the best souls I have ever come to know.

A brilliant book beautifully written for children, and even adults have enjoyed it.

No dragons, castles or princesses - just an honest and wonderfully written book about a young boy evacuated to the countryside in WW2. I have read several books on this same theme but this one ranks #1. Will appeal to a range of ages from 10 up. Expect some emotional moments while reading it.