The central catalyst for the action in Good Night, Mr. Tom is the war, particularly the burgeoning threats of attacks on London. It is the evacuation of children from the city to the Northern English countryside that sets the scene for Willie to encounter a better life with Tom Oakley and the denizens of Little Weirwold. England, as one of the dominant European countries and a major Ally force against the Nazis, served as an important battleground in World War II. The death toll in England was among the highest of Europe, with 1 soldier death for every 66 inhabitants. Magorian brings her novel to life through weaving in the historical details of this time, such as messages from Prime Minister Chamberlain, precautionary measures like putting up blackout curtains, and the wave of air raids in London which kill Zach and his family.
This backdrop of war and all of the intense conflict it comes with perhaps seems like an odd choice of setting for a children's book. Literary critic Jackie Wullschläger has noted how the World Wars have shaken up definitions of what constitutes children's literature, arguing that political uncertainty in places like England have resulted in young adult books that also reflect this stark outlook. Following the war, there was a decline in fantastical children's fiction along the lines of Winnie-the-Pooh, indicative of a society that was "neither secure, innocent nor optimistic about the future." What has emerged is a growing genre of children's literature that does not shy away from tackling the darker aspects of life, such as death and trauma. Many young adult readers seek out more realistic novels that touch on sophisticated subjects, with characters that are relatable. Thus, in the reality of an often-chaotic world, books like Good Night, Mr. Tom provide representations that bring comfort and understanding to a younger audience.
Michelle Magorian has managed to write a book about wartime that is still hopeful in tone, and with a happy ending despite the traumatic events that occur throughout the story. In interviews, she has stated that she believes children today will be able to relate to a story about evacuees, perhaps even experiencing or knowing someone who has experienced similar sorts of dangerous situations.
