Goodnight, Mr. Tom cover
CE Pick ✦ Award Winner

Goodnight, Mr. Tom

Featured Reading List Award Winners Books Turned Into Movies/Series Canonical Reading Popular Reading

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.

Grade LevelUpper (9-12)
Lexile ComplexityHigh School & Up (1100L+)

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.

Academic & Admissions Takeaways
Grade & Readiness: Aligned for Upper (9-12).
Lexile Complexity: Targeted for High School & Up (1100L+).
Subject Alignment: Enhances historical understanding and essay writing in English Literature, History.
Reading Goal: Lexile growth, classroom discussion readiness & essay depth.