Goodnight Mister Tom
Puffin Books 1996
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.1 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
Themes include healing from abuse, wartime evacuation
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Genre
Themes
- found family
- resilience
- healing from abuse
- friendship
- courage
- wartime evacuation
- grief and loss
- community
About this book
When World War II begins, young Willie Beech is evacuated from London to a quiet English village, where he’s placed in the care of gruff but kind Tom Oakley. As Willie settles into country life, he discovers safety, friendship, and the chance to heal from a difficult past. The story blends history and heart, offering an emotional, hopeful journey that resonates with upper-elementary and middle school readers. Kids are drawn to its memorable characters, rich setting, and themes of resilience and found family.
Setting: a small English village and wartime London during World War II (early 1940s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Goodnight Mister Tom right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Goodnight Mister 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 found family, resilience, healing from abuse.
How long does it take to read Goodnight Mister Tom?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Goodnight Mister Tom takes around 7.9h to finish. The book has 78,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Goodnight Mister Tom have an AR quiz?
Yes — Goodnight Mister Tom has an AR quiz available, worth 11 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 Goodnight Mister Tom?
Goodnight Mister 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.