War is approaching as Hitler flexes his might and invades Poland. England is preparing for war even before it happens, evacuating children from the cities. This is how Tom Oakley finds a warden and a young, skinny boy on his front step.

There has been no warning for Tom. Apparently he is the best candidate for this timid child called William Beech. His mother demanded that Willie be placed with a church-faring family, and living right next to the town church is perfect.

William hasn’t brought much with him, but included in the bag he does have, is a note from his mother and a belt she uses to discipline him with. Declaring her son a bad boy in her note, she sets instructions for his punishments and daily prayers. Tom quickly assures William, he will never use this belt on him.

William is quiet and shy and has no pyjamas. In fact, his underwear have been sewn to his singlet. Unwashed and covered in sores and bruises, Tom Oakley’s heart goes out to this boy from London.

Tom’s heart hasn’t stirred for many years after losing his new wife Rachel and their new-born son within the same hour. Ever since, his gruff manner, unwillingness to join in anything community spirited and reserved manner has been set in concrete.

William is petrified, sure he will cause offence, or upset this gruff stranger. Tom is soon fed, washed, clothed in a cut down nightshirt of Tom’s and shown his room. He can’t believe he has a whole room to himself, and Tom can’t believe that this skinny boy automatically sleeps on the floor under the bed. These are just the first challenges this unlikely pair have to work through.

William has to learn to trust, not only Tom (who he calls Mister Tom), but himself in learning how to play, run, and eventually even laugh. Tom has to let the walls around his heart come down brick by brick until William is an important part of his life.

William makes friends in this little town of kind, thoughtful, friendly folk, and months later and just when he is feeling a part of things, a letter arrives. His mother wants him back.

Returning to London a completely different boy, William is anxious but looking forward to seeing his mother. She might even be proud of his drawings, his healthy, strong body and gifts that have been sent from the village for her. He is wrong.

Months later, with no word from London, Tom Oakley sets off to find William with horrifying results.

This wonderful classic is set in 1939-40, just as WWII is breaking out. Mr Tom Oakley is still grieving decades after losing his wife and baby, and his new charge has his own internal struggles, even at only age eight. Together they help the other heal, through kindness, patience, hope and love.

We hop between character’s thoughts, from Tom and William, to his friends, the neighbours and new people they meet. William makes a special friend in Zach, a bright, confident, Jewish boy, also an evacuee from London. His extrovert personality is the opposite to William, but their bond is built through school, plays, and adventures, along with other children from the village.

Not only a heart wrenching classic, Goodnight Mister Tom is a snapshot of time from the cusp of WWII in England. Hovering over the wireless for news, carrying their new gas masks everywhere, blacking out their windows every evening, and digging a bomb shelter in the backyard were all common, whether rural or city dwellers.

A book to read and read again, definitely earning its Classic status. (Originally published 1981, now republished August 2021 for its 40th Anniversary)

Author – Michelle Magorian

Age – 10+

(1981, 2021, Classic, 40th Anniversary, Historical, Love, Abuse, WWII, The Blitz, Evacuees, Grief, Hope, Trust, Kindness, Friendship, Dog, School plays, Drawing, Painting, Art, School, Loss, Growing Up)