Goodnight Mister Tom

Goodnight Mister Tom cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Technical
  • ID: 842
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780141329703
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2010-06-03
  • Formats: 134
  • Reviews: 4

Goodnight Mister Tom tells the story of Willie Beech, a young boy evacuated to the English countryside at the start of World War II. Initially a sad and deprived child, Willie slowly begins to flourish under the care of Tom Oakley, an elderly man who provides him with love and stability. Their bond deepens as Willie experiences the simple joys of rural life, but his newfound happiness is threatened when his mother summons him back to London. This touching novel explores themes of love, loss, and the healing power of kindness, ultimately winning the Guardian Children's Fiction Award for its poignant storytelling. The book is celebrated for its emotional depth and historical context, offering a glimpse into the lives of children affected by war and the profound impact of compassionate mentorship. Through its vivid characters and evocative setting, Goodnight Mister Tom captures the essence of resilience and the enduring power of human connection.

Reviews
Jemima Pett · Jemima Pett · 2021-05-01
classic 4.75

The book is a classic that has left a lasting impression as a children's book of high calibre.

Jemima Pett reflects on how 'Goodnight Mister Tom' has become a classic children's book that stands alongside other timeless stories. She highlights the book's ability to seep into the minds of readers, leaving a lasting impression. Pett appreciates the exceptional storytelling and the deep emotional impact the book has, making it a must-read for both children and adults.


Quick quotes

    Goodnight Mister Tom had already seeped into the recesses of my brain as a children's book to match the credentials of those such as Wind in the Willows.

    It's a superbly written and deeply moving tale.

    Which shows that even the most unlikely people can become exceptional.

Susan's Bookshelves · Susan Elkin · 2021-01-01
uplifting 4.50

The book sensitively addresses mental health, child abuse, and bereavement while remaining richly optimistic.

Susan Elkin praises 'Goodnight Mister Tom' for its sensitive handling of complex and heavy themes such as mental health and child abuse. Despite these serious topics, she finds the book to be richly optimistic and positive. She appreciates how the story manages to uplift readers even as it tackles difficult subjects, making it a deeply moving and impactful read.


Quick quotes

    It deals sensitively with issues such as mental health, child abuse, death and bereavement among many other things.

    It's richly optimistic and positive.

    It's a beautifully written story.

Julia's Books · 2020-11-12
thoughtful 4.00

The book is a tough read with dark moments but ends on a happy note. It provides young readers with an insightful perspective on serious issues without being frightening.

This reviewer acknowledges that 'Goodnight Mister Tom' is a challenging read due to its dark themes, but they appreciate that it handles these topics sensitively. They believe it offers young readers a valuable glimpse into serious issues like mental health and child abuse, all while maintaining a hopeful and optimistic tone. The happy ending is seen as a crucial element that balances the heavier parts of the story.


Quick quotes

    It is a tough read, though it does have a happy ending.

    It is quite dark in parts, but not in a frightening way.

    It will give young readers an insight into...

Claire's Reads and Reviews · Claire · 2020-08-19
heartwarming 4.50

The lessons learned by Mister Tom and the town's residents through the evacuation of children are deeply appreciated.

Claire highlights the valuable lessons that Mister Tom and the town's residents learn through the evacuation of children. She particularly loves how the story emphasizes the transformative power of kindness and community. The character development and the emotional journey of the protagonists are what make this book stand out for her.


Quick quotes

    I loved the lessons that Mister Tom and the people of the town all learnt through the taking in of these evacuated children.

    And I really loved how the story showed the transformative power of kindness and community.

    A deeply moving and beautifully written tale.