Good Night, Mr. Tom by Michelle Magorian Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Good Night, Mr. Tom
Book Review: 6th grade student
Summary: 5 Stars
Good Night, Mr. Tom is a suspenseful book that will melt your heart. It is set when London is on the verge of joining World War II. Willie is an evacuee from a poor part of the city whose mother is abusive. Mr. Tom is an old man who has shut himself out and only goes out for shopping, etc. Tom is chosen to house Will while the war is going on.The first reason I love this book is how well developed the characters are. They all have there own adventures and lives. You really get to know them and understand their parts. Good job to Michelle Magian, the author. This excellent novel is about friends, moving on, and discovering yourself. I would recommend it to anyone, of all ages and backgrounds, who likes to be pulled right into a book and never put it down.
Book Review: A Father is Born
Summary: 4 Stars
Set in pre WW2 Britain this award-winning novel describesthe birth and growing pains of affection between two strangers, joined by the bizarre circumstances of war. Eight-year-old Willie Beech is one of many London kids sent to the country for safety in the late 30's. Recognizing their children as the country's most precious assets, London parents reluctantly
sacrifice the presence of their offspring by entrusting them to the care of country folk. Paired with Tom Oakley, the crusty recluse who lives next door to the church, the lad arrives terrified of everything: the friendly dog, asking questions,
even of smiling. Expecting nothing, he dares not hope to be recognized as a human being.
Not that he has had anything to smile abobut in his miserable years alone with a mentally- disturbed, abusive mother. Mr. Tom, as the boy calls him, quickly realizes that the boy is in desperate need of healing: for his tortured body, his twisted mind and his lonely young heart. As the dour man cares for the sick child (malnutrition, bedwetting, nightmares) he develops an unspoken but deep fondess for the unloved and friendless boy. Compassion for Willie brings out Tom's long-buried tenderness. It takes many months for Willie's true self to emerge: good country air, tender care of his battered body, cultivation of his active mind, and the boon of natural socialization with his peers. Gradually sloughing off his urban shell of fear, Willie makes his first friends, learns to read and write, and then discovers his natural talent as an artist.
But these evacuees are only temporary residents of Little Weirwold; we realize that eventual separation and future heartbreak are inevitable. What happens when their rightful parents reclaim these kids? This is a heartwarming tale of the transformation of a rejected weakling into a healthy, lively and accepted member of a generous country village. It is also a story of gradual healing and rejoining of the human race by Mr. Tom, the embittered host--who never came to terms with the death of his young wife and infant decades earlier. We learn many details of Britain's preparation for war and the blitz. But this story is really about the value of human relationships. Two separate entities can become a self-contained family unit, but will the authorities permit the boy to stay with the older man, who is no blood kin? Magorian provides touching insight into the mysteries of friendship and the nature of grief, as one abused little boy takes the country cure. GOOD NIGHT MR. TOM presents readers with an historical setting for contemporary understanding of child abuse issues.
Book Review: A Great Book For Grade 6 Class Novel
Summary: 5 Stars
If you are a sixth grade language arts teacher and you are looking for a great book to use as a class novel, Good Night, Mr. Tom is it. Michelle Magorian has a gift of transfering you back into the era of World War II. Unfortunately, there are no novelties packets made up for this novel. However, if you are interested in obtaining some great activities and projects for your students, you can e-mail me and I would be happy to help you out. Enjoy and hope to hear from you soon!Paul Silano e-mail (paulsilano@hotmail.com)
Book Review: A Great Book for Realistic Fiction Lovers!
Summary: 5 Stars
Willie (Will) Beech, the likable main character in "Good Night, Mr. Tom", is a shy, scared, malnourished 8-year-old evacuated to the English countryside from London in World War II. Willie goes to live with a kind older man, Tom Oakley, whom Willie affectionately calls Mr. Tom. Willie, who was frequently abused by his mother in the past, learns new, loving ways of life while in the care of Tom. He grows both physically and emotionally during his stay, but many times this growth is interrupted by thrilling plot-twists.
Though "Good Night, Mr. Tom" is heart-warming and most definitely a page-turner, there are parts that are quite graphic, and others that are remarkably sad. I would not recommend it to those who prefer stories that are entirely happy, or to those who cannot tolerate gore. However, I would definitely recommend "Good Night, Mr. Tom" to anyone else.
USEFUL INFORMATION: Since the story is set in England, (the English countryside, more specifically), the author writes each word exactly as the characters would say it. This dialect can be a bit confusing, but it's not too hard to comprehend.
Book Review: A MUST READ, fantastic and thrilling
Summary: 5 Stars
I LOVED the book Good Night Mr. TOm. My whole 8th grade had to read it over the summer and they couldn't have picked a better book make everyone read. Anyone will love this book no matter what books you usually like. THis is a book that fits all categories and always has you showing a different emotion. I could not put it down. My favorite character was Zach because he was always happy and thoughtful.