Goodnight Mister Tom

Michelle Magorian

Cover of Goodnight Mister Tom

Goodnight Mister Tom

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Michelle Magorian

Reading Level 8 12IE Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 8th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.

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About This Book

The sharp scent of burning wood fills the cold air as Willie steps into the quiet countryside, far from the noise of war. The soft creak of old Tom Oakley’s house becomes a safe rhythm in Willie's heart, where friendship and hope begin to grow. But a shadow from the past calls him back — can the warmth of this new home survive the darkness he faces?

Themes

FriendshipFamilyWar & ConflictPrejudice & RacismComing of Age

Quick Assessment

Set during World War II, this middle-grade novel follows Willie Beech, a neglected boy evacuated from London to the countryside, where he finds care and friendship with Tom Oakley. The story sensitively explores themes of trauma, healing, and the impact of war on children, making it suitable for readers ages 9-12. Parents should note the book addresses serious topics such as child abuse and the realities of wartime hardship.

For Parents

Content Intensity

12IE — Intense — Emotional
Emotional
Intense
Physical
Light
Social
Moderate
Thematic
Moderate

Real stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.

Content Flags

Child Abuse War Impact
Data confidence: standard

Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

5/10

Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
7
Emotional Weight
6
Theme Richness
7
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

429 pages
ISBN
9780140372335
Pages
429
Publisher
Puffin Books
Published
2003
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

Social TopicsPrejudice & RacismHistoricalMilitary & WarsPeople & PlacesEuropeYoung Adult FictionWorld War1939-1945England