WW2, war, evacuation, evacuee, abuse, love, family, frienship
Goodnight Mister Tom
by Michelle Magorian
Key information
Author: Michelle Magorian
Illustrator: various publications
Original release Date: 1981
Star rating: ★★★★★
Book type: Chapter, pages, historical fiction, hardback
Reader level: Confident (10+)
Age: Year 5+
Overview
When the war begins, William Beech is evacuated to the countryside and put into the care of Mister Tom, one of the village's oldest and grumpiest residents. At first, both Tom and William struggle to adapt to their new lives and the whole village wonders whether this was a huge mistake until one day, the dark secrets of William's childhood come to light. From this moment on, Mister Tom becomes determined to protect William and provide the love and kindness that every child deserves.
Throughout their time together, Mister Tom and William's bond continues to strengthen and they make many happy memories together. However, devastating news arrives through the post and shatters whatever happiness the couple had built together; William is to return home to his abusive mother, for good.
With William gone and his letters remaining unanswered, Mister Tom soon fears for William's safety and sets out on a risky journey to investigate. Arriving in London amidst the chaos of war, Mister Tom eventually locates William and breaks into his home when the door remains unanswered. Inside the house, Mister Tom finds a scene more devastating than anything he has seen before. With their mother missing, Tom takes William and his baby sister from their home while the police begin their search for justice.
Shortly after his arrival in London, William is taken back to the countryside by Mister Tom, who makes a permanent space for him in his home. Despite the trauma he has experienced, William is grateful to have been saved by Mister Tom and accepts his offer of adoption.
Key concepts/themes
- War
- Evacuation
- Evacuee
- Family
- Abuse
- Friendship
- Love
- Kindness
Considerations
- War
- Evacuation
- Child abuse
- Neglect
- Death
- Grief
Curriculum links
History - WW2, evacuation, London
Additional teaching opportunities
1. Writing
Letters (From Mister Tom to William)
Recount (Mister Tom or William)
Setting description (countryside/London)
Explanation text (preparation for airstrikes)
Character description (Mister Tom/William)
Diary entry (William leaving Mister Tom)
Newspaper report (airstrikes in London)
2. RSHE
- Grief
- Loss
- Moving home
- Kindness and empathy
- Adoption
Vocabulary
| Tier 2 | Tier 3 |
|---|---|
| apologetically, harssed, bewildered, exhausted, obligatory, threadbare, urgently, beamed | declaration of war, mackintosh, warden, air-raid, evacuee, telegram, haversack, Anderson shelter, blackouts, Chamerlain, Dig For Victory |
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