55 pages • 1 hour read
Michelle MagorianGoodnight Mister Tom
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1981A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian, eight-year-old William Beech is evacuated from London at the start of WWII to stay with elderly recluse Thomas Oakley in the countryside. Initially traumatized by past abuse, Will slowly heals through Tom's care, making friends and learning to trust. As Will and Tom confront their own pasts, they form a deep, transformative bond. This book involves significant physical and emotional child abuse and the resultant trauma of that abuse.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Michelle Magorian’s Goodnight Mister Tom has been widely praised for its heartwarming and poignant narrative, vivid characters, and historical accuracy, making it a compelling read for both young adults and older audiences. However, some readers found the pacing slow and certain themes emotionally heavy. Overall, it is celebrated for its touching depiction of friendship and resilience during wartime.
Who Should Read Goodnight Mister Tom?
Readers who would enjoy Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian are typically fans of poignant historical fiction centered on World War II. They appreciate heartwarming tales of resilience and friendship. Comparable titles include The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne and War Horse by Michael Morpurgo.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsBook Details
Historical Fiction
Military / War
WWII / World War II
Emotions/Behavior: Fear
Emotions/Behavior: Gratitude
Emotions/Behavior: Love