Good Night, Mr. Tom - by Michelle Magorian (Paperback)

About the Book

London's poised on the brink of World War II. Timid, scrawny Willie Beech--the abused child of a single mother--is evacuated to the English countryside. At first, he's terrified of everything: of the country sounds and sights, even of Mr. Tom, the gruff, kindly old man who has taken him in. But gradually Willie forgets the hate and despair of his past.

Book Synopsis

Now featuring gorgeous new cover art, this classic, powerfully emotional, award-winning novel is the perfect read to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of the end of World War II.

London is poised on the brink of World War II. Eight-year-old Willie Beech is evacuated to the English countryside and lands on Thomas Oakley's doorstep, timid and scarred from abuse. Mr. Tom, a gruff but kindly old man, is deeply moved for the boy, treating him with a gentleness he's forgotten he's even capable of. With Mr. Tom's help, Willie leaves behind his hateful past and learns to love a world he never knew existed, a world of friendship and affection and joy.

But then a telegram comes, and Willie is ordered to return to London. When weeks pass without word from him, Mr. Tom sets out for London to once again rescue the boy he's come to love as a son.

This heartwarming and much-honored classic is an excellent choice for independent or shared reading.