Introduction by Julia Eccleshare, Puffin Modern Classics series editor

Evacuated from the bombs in London, Willie Beech arrives in the country alone and afraid. Not surprising given the times, but Willie's terrors are caused by something much deeper than the fear of bombing: Why can't he sleep in a bed? And why does the dog scare him so much? Watching Willie learn to trust, and even to love, as his terrible past is unravelled and laid to rest is an emotional rollercoaster. But Goodnight Mister Tom is not just the story of Willie. It is also the story of gnarled old Tom Oakley, who never wanted to have anything to do with a child - he is only doing his duty by taking in an evacuee - but who soon finds himself caring not only for the physical needs of young Willie, but also filling in the gaps in his life, from education to love. Like Willie, Toms capacity for love swells as the relationship between the two of them develops, and both of them begin to reach out to others in their small community.

Reading Goodnight Mister Tom, there are moments of such sadness that it is almost too distressing to go on. There are few secrets as terrible as the one Tom uncovers when he discovers the truth of Willie's real home and, in a different way, the explanation for Tom's gruff detachment from society is as heartrending. But these are offset by the delights of Willie's new experience of the country and the people in it and, above all, by the underlying joy of Willie and Tom's blossoming life together.

It is impossible not to be touched by this story, set against the wider picture of the effect of the Second World War on the ordinary people of Britain.

Goodnight Mister Tom was Michelle Magorian's first novel. It won the [1982] Guardian Children's Book prize and has been adapted into a TV drama starring the late John Thaw.

I love this book. I've read it several times over the years & it never loses its charm.

A great story, definitely worth the reading. Not a lightweight children's tale - it covers some serious issues but as part of the story and without undue emphasis. An enjoyable tale for both kids & adults. Will isn't the only one to benefit from the relationship. Tom is a widower and a bit of a misanthropist who also flourishes from his contact with Will. I want to know what happened to Will when he grew up.

Sent to ApoloniaX for the Shangrila Orphanage in Nepal.

Thank you so much for sending so many books!

This book has been added to the SIS library - thank you so much!!!