“Goodnight Mr. Tom”
Book Review Questions
1. Who is the author of the book?
2. What is happening in Britain at the time the novel is
set?
3. What has caused Mr. Tom to be a recluse?
4. Describe Willie when he first comes to live with Mr.
Tom.
5. Describe two examples of when Mr. Tom shows
great kindness and patience to Willie.
6. When does Mr. Tom realize how much he loves and
needs Willie?
7. Choose three events from the novel that show how
Willie evacuation experience allows him to grow
physically and emotionally as a person?
8. Contrast the two settings in the novel. How are they
different?
9. Choose ONE theme and discuss why you think it is
important in the novel.
10. What methods does the author use to develop our understanding of the important characters. You
might like to discuss the vocabulary used and the way in which the novel is written.
Significant Quotes from the novel.
In your own words, show what important ideas or information is communicated in the following
quotes:
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" . . .after he entered the paint shop, he had felt as if a heavy wave of sadness had suddenly been lifted from
out of him. Memories of her didn't seem as painful as he had imagined." Page 109.
"This is your room. You does what you like. . . ." Page 132.
"I ent leavin' the boy with a load of strangers." Page 219.
"The sores will heal. They healed before. It's the wounds inside that will take the longest to heal." Page 235.
"Keep breathin', boy. Don't you go holdin' it in." Page 237.
"Better to accept than pretend that he never existed." Page 299.
"Takes yer time, everything in its own time." Page 305.
"It was just that the Zach part of himself, the outgoing, cheeky part of himself, had been buried inside him,
and it was his friendship with Zach that had brought those qualities to the surface." Page 307.
Empathy Responses: Writing a Letter and Diary Entry
Each text type requires three paragraphs and use of typical features for both forms.
Letter:
The description of how Willie is abused emotionally and physically by his own mum is very upsetting: “he curled
himself tightly into a frozen ball praying that soon he would fall asleep”.
Willie desperately wants to be with Mister Tom – “he hadn’t been used to this pain for a long time. He had
softened. ‘Mister Tom’ he whispered in the darkness. ‘Mister Tom. I want you Mister Tom’.”
If Willie had time to write to Mister Tom to ask him to help, what would he say? Think about the possible points
below that you could include in a letter from Will to Tom.
 what has happened since you left him
 about Trudy the baby
 how you have been hurt
describe the atmosphere of the bombed city and being back in the city
Diary Entry:
As Mr. Tom, record your feelings now that Will has returned to London and you still have not heard from him. As
this is a private text type, remember that you can make reference to private feelings, fears and concerns. Try to
include comments that demonstrate the transformation that has taken place in both characters. If you can,
indicate that suffering is often the trigger for growth and healing.
Crossword: Goodnight Mister Tom
Across
3. Willie has to sleep up here
4. These were carried everywhere by everyone during the war in case of an attack
7. Children have these round their necks
8. Name of child in the story
12. Means leaving your home to stay safe during the war
13. Name of Tom's dead wife
14. Willie thinks Tom is going to burn him with this object
15. Tom's voice sounds like this
Down
1. Man who looks after main character
2. Author of story
5. Willie freezes when he sees this creature
6. Tom knows Willie has been hurt when he sees these
9. Name of dog in story
10. Willie lived in this city
11. Willie thinks he is a _ _ _ child
Sum Up:
In at least four sentences, explain what you liked best about the novel? Try and use subject specific terminology
and a variety of sentence types.