I first came across the book 'Goodnight Mr Tom' when my daughter (now in her thirties) read it in her final year at primary school as part of a project on the Second World War.
I have always made it a rule to read any of the books my kids were studying so that I could discuss it with them, and I remember being very touched by this lovely story.
I have read the book since and still enjoy it; I think it is just as suitable for adults as well as children. The television adaption with John Thaw in the late 90's was also very good, and is available on DVD..
The book was written by Michelle Magorian, and published in 1981. 'Goodnight Mr Tom' comes from one child's point of view, a thin young boy named William. His mother calls him Willie, but his new carer, Mr. Tom Oakley, chooses to call him the more imposing name of Will.

Michelle Magorian skilfully develops the relationship between nine year old Will and the reserved widower, Tom to give us a gratifying story of a true friendship. This friendship not only improves Will's physical well being, but also his emotional well being. In fact, not only does Will undergo a powerful change in this book, but so also does Mr. Tom. The raw pain of this loss of his wife and child has never left the old man, who turned sour because of it. When Will arrives, Mr. Tom immediately demonstrates his kind nature by acquiring good, warm clothing and good, hearty food. He goes out of his way to help along Will's education.
He suddenly acquires new respect in the village, as well as new friends.
Finally, he overcomes a major obstacle, going into an art store. He would never do this, because his late wife was a painter and the art store produced too many bad memories. For Will's sake, he enters the store and purchases paints and brushes.
Then a telegram comes. Willie must return to his mother in London. When weeks pass by with no word from Willie, Mr. Tom sets out for London to look for the young boy he has come to love as a son.

The characters are well introduced and expertly placed throughout the story,
their stories make you laugh and cry. The experiences of Will, Zach, Mr Tom and their many other friends became your friends, and you never want the book to end.
The descriptions of the little village of Weirwold and the people who live their are lovely and a sharp contrast to the life that Will has left behind and has to return to in London.
As well as being a poignant and very readable book it is also very helpful with being to explain to children some of the aspects of living through the Second World War, especially for children.

BOOK AWARDS
Highly Commended, The Carnegie Medal 1982 for Goodnight Mister Tom
The Guardian Fiction Award 1982 for Goodnight Mister Tom
International Reading Association Award 1982 for Goodnight Mister Tom
Runner-up for The Young Observer Prize 1982 for Goodnight Mister Tom
Western Australian Young Readers Book Award 1982 for Goodnight Mister Tom
American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults 1984 for Back Home
Western Australian Young Readers Book Award 1984 for Back Home
TV AWARDS
National TV Awards 1999: Best Drama for Goodnight Mister Tom
BAFTA 1999: Lew Grade Award for Most Popular Television Programme of 1998 for Goodnight Mister Tom
Television & Radio Industries Club Award 1999: Best ITV/Channel 5 Programme of 1998 for Goodnight Mister Tom

BOOK DETAILS