Good Night, Mr. Tom
Harper & Row 1986
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.1 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Themes include healing from trauma, war and the home front
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Genre
Themes
- healing from trauma
- friendship
- found family
- courage
- resilience
- war and the home front
- kindness and empathy
- identity and self-worth
About this book
During World War II, timid Willie Beech is evacuated from London to a quiet English village, where he’s placed in the care of the gruff but kind widower Tom Oakley. As Willie adjusts to country life, he discovers friendship, safety, and the confidence to be himself. The novel blends historical detail with a deeply moving story of healing and found family. Perfect for upper middle-grade readers who enjoy heartfelt, character-driven historical fiction.
Setting: a rural English village (Little Weirwold) and London during World War II
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Good Night, Mr. Tom right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Good Night, Mr. Tom. The reading level is AR 5.1, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include healing from trauma, friendship, found family.
How long does it take to read Good Night, Mr. Tom?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Good Night, Mr. Tom takes around 8.4h to finish. The book has 83,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Good Night, Mr. Tom have an AR quiz?
Yes — Good Night, Mr. Tom has an AR quiz available, worth 12 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Good Night, Mr. Tom?
Good Night, Mr. Tom has an AR reading level of 5.1, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.