"Goodnight Mister Tom" is a novel by Michelle Magorian set during World War II. It tells the story of a young boy named William Beech, who is evacuated from London to the countryside to escape the bombings. He is placed in the care of a reclusive man named Tom Oakley, who initially struggles with the boy's arrival but gradually forms a deep bond with him. As the story unfolds, William learns to overcome his traumatic past and discovers love and friendship in his new home. The novel explores themes of abuse, friendship, and the impact of war on children, highlighting the transformative power of kindness and understanding.