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The Things That Matter Most‘ is a powerful and moving debut novel about a school community in crisis from the bestselling author of Teacher.

‘Gabbie Stroud is a teacher whose classroom has expanded to embrace an entire nation. First in non fiction and now in moving, powerful fiction, Stroud educates us all about the tender, excruciating burden on the hearts of teachers today.’ – Annabel Crabb

‘Lionel Merrick stumbled into my heart like a kid late for class, then the whole book swept in after him … gut-wrenching and important.’ –Trent Dalton, bestselling author of Boy Swallows Universe

The staff of St Margaret’s Primary School are hanging by a thread. There’s serious litigation pending, the school is due for registration, and a powerful parent named Janet Bellevue has a lot to say about everything. As teachers they’re trying to remain professional, as people they’re unravelling fast.

There’s Tyson, first year out of uni and nervous as hell, Derek the Assistant Principal who’s dropped the ball on administration, Bev from the office who’s confronting a serious diagnosis, and Sally-Ann who’s desperate for a child of her own.

Thank goodness for kids like Lionel Merrick. Lionel is the student who steals your heart and makes the whole teaching gig worthwhile: he’s cheerful, likeable, helpful – and devoted to his little sister Lacey. But Lionel has a secret of his own. As his future slides from vulnerable to dangerous, will someone from St Margaret’s realise before it’s too late?

As secrets threaten to be exposed and working demands increase, each staff member struggles to recall the things that matter most.

A moving and compelling novel about teachers and their students by the acclaimed author of the bestselling books Teacher and Dear Parents.

‘A real page-turner and heartbreaker, it will leave you aching with appreciation for the work good teachers do.’ – Alice Pung, author of One Hundred Days and Laurinda

‘Gabbie Stroud has written a powerful novel that captures the raw, the real, the heart wrenching and the absolute beauty of teaching in a community … I couldn’t put it down. Stroud captures the raw and real truth of the life changing challenges of teaching in today’s test focused, document driven, schooling system’ –Maggie Dent, author, educator and parenting & resilience specialist

‘In this emotionally charged debut, Gabbie Stroud gives us characters we care about, instantly drawing us into the school community of a tough farming town. We feel the pain of these characters as they each face their own challenges and they’re unable to focus on what matters most. This heart-wrenching story made me laugh and it made me cry. Poignant and compelling. A riveting, thought-provoking debut.’ – Petronella McGovern, author of Six Minutes and The Liars

‘A bittersweet love song to those who educate and care for our children, The Things That Matter Most is a profoundly moving novel. Brimming with love and heartache and anger and hope, this is a raw and passionate work, its characters so vividly and tenderly drawn, I keep wondering how they are and hoping that life is good to them.’ – Suzanne Leal, author of The Teacher’s Secret

‘A rollicking ride through the gamut of emotions – laughter, sorrow, rage, outrage, joy. The Things that Matter Most lifts the lid on social injustice and the unreasonable demands we make of teachers while we abdicate responsibility ourselves’ – Joanna Jenkins, author of How to Kill a Client

‘An unflinching and deeply moving account of the complex tapestry of human lives woven into and around a school community.‘ – Brendan James Murray, author of The School

Please note this competition is open from 28th August 2023 until 24th September 2023 and is only available to members of Mouths Of Mums. This competition is a game of skill – answer in 50 words or less. We are unable to accept entries posted via facebook. Facebook LIKE functionality is not a requirement of entry to this competition. The winners of this competition will be published on this page. Winners’ name and address will be provided to the promoter of this competition and prizes will be sent to the address you have in Your Profile. Please ensure your details are up to date so that you receive your prize.

Winners for this competition

  1. L. PannunzioSA
  2. R. DauQLD
  3. T. DeaneVIC
  4. J. PonttSA
  5. K. DarcyVIC
  6. S. McMeekenWA
  7. T. SpillaneWA
  8. J. DentonVIC
  9. B. DaviesSA
  10. T. KeenWA
  11. C. SwalesQLD
  12. A. RedwoodNSW
  13. E. CironaVIC
  14. J. PetersonWA
  15. K. SanderQLD
  16. P. ThorpeNSW
  • Working in a school with disadvantaged and high-needs children, I pour my heart and soul into providing the best support and education for children in my care. It’s so rewarding but emotionally draining. This book would be a perfect read to reinvigorate my energies over the school holidays!


  • This book sounds very familiar as Mother was a teacher for45 years and l was
    a Teachers Aide for 10 years. Novels are so lifelike, we feel like we are there. Children are so special we just need to understand their circumstances.


  • The Things That Matter Most include the intangibles like fantastic competent and caring teachers. In the face of society’s often cruel and neglectful manner what a brilliant way to inspire. Love to be immersed in this book and the gamut of emotions from it and feel the ultimate hope!


  • Teachers are the lifeblood of our society, education and their dedication to it is awe inspiring. I would love to read their stories, a fascinating insight into their lives of the daily path to educating our country


  • Teacher love! Gabby is a hero!


  • To gift to my mum who is an avid reader. I’d be the best daughter for this!


  • I’d really love to read this book especially after reading the reviews written by some of the authors. Sounds like a real page turner!


  • This seems like a book with great intrigue. I like books that are relatable and set in environments we all know like a school with characters that we know.


  • We just had to cancel our family holiday due to the rising cost of living. Reading a book in the sunshine is the next best thing.


  • I have been teaching for 30 years. Recently there have been some days when I can no longer remember the passionate young teacher that I once was. A good holiday read like this would be the ultimate boost.


  • Having this book means I have the time to sit and read. I would love that


  • Sounds like a lovely story. We can’t have enough appreciated for those who teach our kids day in day out !


  • The things that matter most, for when you need to decide, remember and be part of a community.


  • Because I love reading and it looks good.


  • I’d like to know more about Lionel Merrick….and that’s all I have to say until I read the book!


  • I just really really want a good book to read!


  • Great excuse for me to have some “me time” with a great book


  • This book looks amazing and right up my ally, I love to read and am always looking for a new book


  • Firstly a character in the book has my name Sally-ann. Secondly I’m having troubles at school with my child and would like to read a teachers life and what they have to deal with.


  • I love reading and would love to read this book.


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