Goodnight, Mr. Tom
Overview & Summary
Abused and neglected young William Beech is evacuated from London to the English countryside at the outbreak of World War II and placed in the care of the gruff, grieving widower Tom Oakley, who slowly, reluctantly comes to love the boy as his own. When William is called back to London, both must confront devastating truths about what he's been sent home to. Michelle Magorian's novel is a moving story of healing and found family set against the wartime evacuation of British children.
Available Formats
- Hardcover
- Kindle
- Other Bindings
- Paperback
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Who This Book Is For
A great pick for High school students (Grades 9–12) studying History and Humanities. Helps students connect historical events with real human stories and broader perspectives.
Why CE Recommends This Book
A foundational Classic text. Reading canonical literature builds deep comprehension, exposes students to mature writing styles, and prepares them to write thoughtful essays and participate in classroom discussions.



