A New Favorite: Goodnight Mister Tom

Goodnight Mr. Tom by Michelle Magorian had been a mystery to me for some time. It is a part of my Puffin clothbound children’s classics, which was my first exposure to the story. I knew nothing about it but my bookish friends repeatedly told me that it was worth my time. So finally I read it. And you guys, it is completely adorable.

Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian won the Guardian Children's Fiction Award.

Mum said war was a punishment from God for people's sins, so he'd better watch out. She didn't tell him what to watch out for, though.

When the Second World War breaks out, young Willie Beech is evacuated to the countryside. A sad, deprived child, he slowly begins to flourish under the care of kind old Tom Oakley. But then his cruel mother summons him back to war-torn London . . .

Will he ever see Mister Tom again?

'Everyone's idea of a smash-hit first novel: full-blown characters to love and hate, moments of grief and joy, and a marvellous story that knows just how to grab the emotions' Guardian

Why You Should Read Goodnight Mister Tom: 

This novel has the quintessential feel of a children’s story. It has a simple plot, is sprinkled with sadness, has fantastic characters, and is wonderfully warm-hearted. 

Goodnight Mister Tom is a tale about an abused little boy, William Beech, who is sent to the London countryside as an evacuee to be kept safe from the London bombings during WWII. He is taken in by Tom Oakley, an older man who lives alone with his dog Sammy. The story that unfolds from there is perfect. 

William Beech is such a good protagonist for little kids. He’s not special or remarkable in any unachievable way. He’s just a scrawny little boy who finds joy in his life. His friend, Zach, is the same. Great, realistic role models for children. 

The way that Mister Tom allows William to come out of his shell, and the way that Mister Tom, in turn, comes out of his will melt your ice-cold heart and on numerous occasions bring tears to your eyes. I mean, for most of the last 100 pages of the novel I was smiling while reading it. ACTUALLY SMILING.

I don’t want to spoil anything by sharing any of the moments that are so perfect in the story, but I really, REALLY want to encourage you to read this sweet children’s book if you haven’t yet. A Little Princess is my favorite children’s novel and one of my favorite stories of all time, and now this one is giving it a run for its money.

I WANT EVERYONE TO READ THIS! Especially if you’re a lover of children’s stories. 

What’s your favorite children’s novel?

A.S. Thornton

A.S. Thornton has evolved from book blogger to author with a particular fondness for writing forbidden love in ancient deserts. When not writing, she’s caring for dogs and cats as a veterinarian. You’ll never find animals at the center of her writing, though, because those fictional worlds don’t have veterinarians and her literal brain can’t accept that the poor critters would be without parasite prevention. Thornton’s debut, DAUGHTER OF THE SALT KING is available wherever books are sold.