Worse Things

by Sally Murphy

Worse Things follows the lives of three main characters: Blake, an Aussie Rules football player who suffers a devastating injury; Jolene, a hockey player who hates the game and and is grieving over the recent death of her father; and Amed, a soccer-loving, non-English speaking orphan who feels like an outsider since arriving in Australia after being raised in a refugee camp.

Genres: Friendship, Realistic Fiction, Family, Middle Grade, Childrens, Poetry, School

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Sally Murphy is an Australian author of over 30 children's books. She's also the slightly crazy mother of six beautiful kids. You'll find bits of her buried somewhere in every one of her books. She loves reading, writing, and speaking about reading and writing.

PEARL VERSES THE WORLD won the 2010 Australian Family Therapists’ Award for Children’s Literature as well as the 2010 Australian Speech Pathology Book of the Year Award for Best Book for Language Development. It was also an Honour Book in the CBCA Children's Book of the Year Awards.

TOPPLING won the children's book category of both the Queensland and Western Australian Premier's Book Awards, and was short-listed in the CBCA Children's Book of the Year Awards.

Reviews

[Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Thank you Walker Books for this book in exchange for an honest review

Worse Things was a really quick emotional read told in verse. It wasn’t what I expected but it did make it worthwhile! In Worse Things we focus on three kids who are struggling with feeling alone and the heaviness of life that is placed upon them.
Amed is fairly new to Australia after being raised in a refugee camp and now living with his aunt. The language barrier is making it hard for Amed to make friends and reach out to people, so he sits back and hopes for people to approach him.
Jolene is playing hockey even though she really despises the sport. Her mother is a control freak who constantly forced Jolene to play hockey.
Blake breaks his arm while playing football and now that he has been sidelined he feels as though his friends have forgotten about him and without football he has lost his identity.
You can find yourself feeling pity for the children as you get to know them and you began to think if you were nearby would you offer help?
While you live through the emotions of these kids’ lives, I thought there would have been a little bit more depth to the book and to their stories, but I suppose that is the downside to a verse told story.

[Kathy Talbot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a book of verse depicting the lives of three teenagers living parallel lives. Each character has their trials and tribulations. All connected through school they see way other from their own perspective with much they don’t know.

Their stories are unlike those of teens today. Each has a sport they love but struggle to connect with their peers for different reasons....

Written with compassion and poise, an engaging read for a reluctant reader, or for those looking for real story to connect with.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not a huge fan of verse novels, but for reluctant readers I think they work well as it enables them to read a book quickly.
This book dealt with pretty big issues of death, bullying, friendship, families etc
It was good to see the school through the ideas of a newly arrived non English speaking refugee and 2 kids that seem to have it all.
I won’t be reading this to my students as I cried and cried at the end. I will recommend it highly and hope that the students connect with it as well.

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Studying this book with my class. Amazing book for teaching perspective and context. I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed the free verse poetry. I absolutely loved the ending, had tears in my eyes.

[Zac · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thing I love about verse novels is that they pack so much emotion and imagery in to so few words. Each chapter or poem is like a snapshot of the character’s life. Worse Things is Sally Murphy’s fourth illustrated verse novel and this story is proof of her mastery of this form of storytelling. Sally takes us inside the lives and minds of three very different kids whose stories intertwine.

Jolene is the daughter of two doctors. Her mother is always busy but lives her life vicariously through her daughter. Her mum’s dreams of hockey stardom were shattered when she was younger and she just wants her daughter to excel in the sport. Jolene hates hockey. She also hates that her father is saving lives on the other side of the world rather than being at home with her. Blake is footy-mad but his season is over when he fractures his arm. He doesn’t feel included with his footy mates and doesn’t know who he is without footy. Amed is a refugee who has spent most of his life in a refugee camp. He now lives in Australia with his Aunty but he knows very little English. This leaves him feeling left out and struggling to make friends. There are always worse things than a nagging mum, missing out on footy or not having friends.

I loved each of the characters because they are all dealing with their own issues. My favourite character was Amed because he had been through a lot in his life and he was able to put things in to perspective more than Jolene and Blake. I especially loved this thought from Amed:

‘If I could talk to you
I might explain
just what it’s like
to be an outsider since birth
to be so outside
you wonder if you will ever be safe.

And then
when you finally are
to find yourself kept separate again
by the invisible fence of language.’

Sally’s writing is just so beautiful and her imagery so rich. This is a story that works so well in verse form, and like many stories told in verse, it probably wouldn’t have the same impact as a novel.

Grab yourself a comfy spot and an hour or two to savour this wonderful book.

[Kylie Purdie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following on from my reading of all the shortlisted YA books on the Children's Book Council Book of Year list, I've moved onto the shortlisted younger reader books.
I love children's books told in verse. I think it's an incredibly accessible format, especially for those who struggle with reading and find a whole chapter book intimidating. Add to this the amazing pictures of Sarah Davis and you have a fantastic book here. (Really take the time to look at Davis' drawings, they add so much to the story.)
Worse Things is told by three kids, all connected by sport and all feeling disconnected and alienated in some way. Blake loves footy, it's his friendship group and his identity. A broken bone leaves him on the sideline and removed from the all the action. Jolene is an up and coming hockey player who is sick of hockey, sick of her mum's obsession with hockey and sick of her father being away. Amar is a newly arrived refugee who can only stand on the sidelines, watch and try to work out these new sports and his place in this new world.
Scattered throughout the book are little poetry definitions

LONELY

[lone*ly] (adj.)
To stand apart
sit apart
be apart
but not a part

Not only are the words incredibly emotive, Sarah Davis illustrations lift the quotes off the page and into your heart.
Worse Things is a beautiful novel that is rich in text and pictures. Like many verse novels it says so much with so few words. It gives space for children to insert themselves in the story and identify times that themselves have felt on the outer, isolated and alone. While it is shortlisted in the younger readers category, I would suggest it belongs at the upper end of that age group and could just as easily ended up in the YA category.

[idreamofallthebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of prose verse told from the perspectives of three young people – Blake, Jolene and Ahmed.

The rhythm and pacing of the poems allowed for a variety of heavier ideas – war, grief, loneliness – to be explored in an inclusive yet accessible way for younger readers. Murphy uses the points of view of the three main characters to show how things are not always as they seem, and that despite being the centre of attention, people can be inherently alone. At times, however, I wish I could have had a little more insight into Ahmed’s life, especially through Jolene’s perspective of him.

I enjoyed the structure of this novel – especially the definitions of certain key words amongst the relevant parts of the story. For me, it was a clever addition on Murphy’s part, as it further supported the character of Ahmed and how he was struggling to learn the English language. It was as if we were learning the deeper meaning of our language alongside of him.

In addition to this, the illustrations that were interspersed throughout the poetry was engaging – an interesting graffiti style that will have younger tween readers turning the page.

Thank you @walkerbooksaus for gifting me a copy to read and review!

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fully engaging multi voice verse novel with memorable and believable characters. Although the age is not precisely pinned down they come across as year 6, end of primary with secondary school in the near future.
Jolene, hockey star with an apparently wonderful life as the rich kid with everything. But she is living. her mothers broken dream of hockey stardom, missing her father who is off saving the world, and faced with the dislike of her team mates who think she is stuck up.
Blake, star football player who breaks his arm, is sidelined and starts to understand what loneliness and being outside the group really means.
Ahmed, the silent observer, freshly arrived from a refugee camp and living with his aunt, his struggle with language keeps him isolated, alone and lonely. The book is broken into segments by a word and list of definitions accompanied by evocative graphics that blend, symbols, imagery and photo snippets to portray key emotions and events.
All three have difficulties to overcome and discover that there are worse things that can happen - there is a strong message of appreciating what you have and those around you.
This is a terrific, thoughtful and convincing read that seamlessly blends a range of diverse characters between its pages.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worse Things is such a good book about belonging and relationships by Sally Murphy. Blake, a passionate soccer player, whose arm is fractured and broken, longs to be again part of his soccer team. Jolene, a girl who deeply desires for her dad's company but has to face her mums freakish control. Amed, a non-English speaker, finds himself all alone in class, lonely and unable to communicate with one another. This story is about how these children grew up in depression, and then come to an understanding, belonging and bond with each another later in the story when they knew that they are not alone, and that some people are as sad as they are.

Despite the above, I am a little disappointed by the cover. In my perspective, it did not capture the true feeling that the story had expressed. Instead it showed the feeling of enthusiasm and energy, which is good. However, I believe that this book has a deeper meaning than 'fun', it is about being part of and connecting with one another. Honestly, I almost did not want to read it before I opened it up and peeped inside! I personally think that maybe a simpler image that really represents the feelings it contained.

[Rennai · Rating 5 out of 5]

So quick to read but so powerful. Each of the three perspectives were touching. Amed, a refugee boy trying to make sense of his new reality. He wants to fit in and to be really "seen" but limited English means he has become a watcher - almost invisible to the other kids. Blake, the popular football champ seems to lose his identity when he is sidelined due to a broken arm. Jolene, the hockey star who is really only playing to keep her mother happy, is devasted by a... (I'm avoiding a spoiler here). The three are linked because they all attend the same primary school. Murphey really makes these characters come to life and their experiences ring true.
This is probably written for upper primary school but any age group would enjoy it. As it is really easy to read and features sport, it may be a way to get the more reluctant reader reading. Friendship is another strong theme and everyone can associate with that! It also says important things about the refugee experience. A really worthwhile and engaging read!

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

We seem to be getting more and more novels in verse coming through. In the last two years of CBCA shortlisted books, we have had The Little Wave, Bindi and this.

Like most verse novels, this is a quick read, with lots of white space. Like The Little Wave, it alternates perspectives of 3 children. We hear from Jolene, a gifted hockey student who is struggling with her family relationships, Blake, an AFL-mad student who is trying to cope with being injured and on the sidelines and Amed, a recently arrived refugee.

These stories slowly interconnect as we learn about each character and the things they are each dealing with. I thought the ending was just beautiful and had just the right tone.

[Cecile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another middle grade/younger readers book that just proves how brilliant Aussie authors are and how well verse novels can introduce children to complex themes in gentle yet impactful ways.

Worse Things is the story of Jolene, Amed and Blake, who are each adapting to changes in their lives and thinking they are alone. Blake, the footy player can’t possibly have anything in common with Amed, the new Australian and Jolene, the hockey queen or can he?

I adored the dictionary ‘definitions’ of important words provided throughout this book and the illustrations just added a lovely touch to remind you this is a children’s novel.

As I’ve mentioned before (a lot) I admire verse novelists so much for the depth of character and place they can build in so few words. It’s a true art form and Sally Murphy does it exceptionally well in this little ripper of a book.

[ADakota · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very powerfully written verse novel that ran three parallel characters pov. It was so succinct, so tender and so emotional. And told with so few words.
I was so moved by this simple but ever so punchy story--I cared for the characters and their journey. It was written with sensitivity and honesty. And the resolve was breath-taking. Straight to the heart.
Just wow.

(The only thing letting this book down, which might deter young readers (or any readers), is the cover. It doesn't speak to the power and the brilliance of the pages within.)

However well deserving of its accolade as Shortlist for CBCA 2021 Younger readers

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story told from three perspectives, dealing with identity, isolation, sport, friendship. Blake, Jolene and Ahmed all attend the same high school. Blake plays AFL, loves the game and his mates when he breaks his arm, he feels the disconnect from the group and feels left out. Jolene is a champion hockey player, the only trouble being she hates it. Driven on by her mother, Jolene misses the company and friendship of her dad, who works overseas. Ahmed is a refugee, language is his barrier but wants to make friends and sense of his new world.

[Hayley Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was hard to rate. I did enjoy it, and I liked the style. I really enjoy novels in verse, and this was a great example. It's obviously targeted at a much younger age than me! For upper primary - mid highschool, I'd probably give it a 5. I kind of think it's a 5 star book, although I didn't enjoy it at a 5 star level!

I started reading it to my class in September last year when we won some competition or something and got access to new library books first. You do lose a bit in the read aloud I think (the illustrations and styling) although it did sound nice.

[Jordan Blair-Bremner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic. The book is written in verse, which is something I was not accustomed to so it took a bit to get around the strangeness of it. However, it is written extremely well, and is seen from the perspectives of three main characters, Amed, Blake, and Jolene. It was great to try something new and enjoy it so much. As there are less than 200 pages and it’s in verse you read it really quickly but still find out a lot about the characters and the story.

[Kerri Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story written in free verse and narrated from three very different protagonists; Blake, an AFL player at school who finds himself on the sidelines through an injury; Jolene, a hockey player who is fulfilling her mother's dreams; and Amed, a refugee who just wants to fit in.
This book is much more than about playing sport, it's about finding your place, looking out for those around you, and being true to yourself.

[Sam Schroder · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is possible that verse novels are my new favourite thing. This crisp, focused book for middle school readers tells a beautiful story of friendship, understanding and belonging. Blake, Jolene and Amed each face individual obstacles that are stopping them from feeling like they have a place in their world. This is a captivating book with a cleverly structured parallel narrative of verse, image and fact. Very highly recommended.

[Wendy Bamber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulously quick read (45mins) which doesn’t do justice to how long it probably took to write it. 3 lonely characters about whom we know very little other than their main defining trait - the footie player, the hockey player, the refugee. Each yearning to be some place else or with some one else. Finding happiness. Recommended to year 5/6 +, I think more 7/8s will read this, might make a nice group set or read aloud.

[H.M. Waugh]

Once again, Sally Murphy has made me cry ... and I love her for that! Worse Things is a beautifully written book that could almost be about our differences, but is actually talking about all the (much more important) things we have in common. It's about friendship and acceptance and perspective and bravery and humanity, all set against a backdrop of sport.
Highly recommended for middle grade readers, this is a masterfully written and cleverly illustrated book.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short and accessible read which focused on loneliness and support networks (from a Middle Grade voice, or three). I really appreciated the forthright writing style and the use of different voices... but I wanted a little more to the story. This is easily a book I can recommend - I just wish the cover wasn't so awful! (It took me almost a year to read this because I just HATE that cover. Sorrynotsorry.)

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really emotional book which primary school students will love, especially reluctant readers as it is in verse and not very long.

Many students will identify with at least one of the very different characters in the story as they deal with friendship, sadness, belonging and loss. Highly recommended!

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book written in verse, looking at the lives of three separate children, each struggling with exclusion and loneliness, and whose lives intersect at the end of the book. An easy read (and somewhat light, too). I enjoyed the use of language too.

[Debbie Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

A verse novel that weaves together three separate life stories. The premise of the book is that of, even though your life is tough and you feel miserable….it could always be worse! I found the book a little disappointing and quite a heavy read for a Younger Readers book.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant offering by Sally Murphy.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful writing, important messages, full of love and warmth (and sadness)

[OrangeAntelope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brought a tear to my eye. Good book for year 5+

[Dianne Wolfer]

Beautiful, I read it in one sitting :-)

[Fiona Mackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, good for Y58, plus Y9-10 learner support. Not enough in it for a personal response text.

[Jacq · Rating 5 out of 5]

A verse novel about feeling alone and making connections. Characteristic Sally Murphy sparseness with an emotional punch.