Good Night, Mr. Tom

War is imminent, and William, an eight-year-old boy, has been evacuated out of London, away from his life with a disturbed single mom, to stay with a reserved old man, Tom, in the country. William, Tom discovers, has been bullied at school, has never learned to read, and has been beaten by his mother. Tom, we learn, has lost his young wife and son early in his married life, and has never recovered, has retreated from life.

William needs Tom. Tom needs William. Both boy and man begin to bloom.

Then William's mom sends a message that the boy is needed back home.

This is one of my favorite kinds of stories, the story of redemption through the power of human care and concern. It's a beautiful story, full of joy and bits of sadness, too.

It's a 1001 Children's Book You Must Read.