Another year, another Smackdown.... Here's how it rolled out for Team Sweet Grass:
Vanessa: So much has been said already about these three. For me, Dragon Hoops was a clear third place (and to be honest, lots of other books should have been here before it). I loved Furia and Land of Cranes - they both deserve to be here. And while Land of Cranes could be in my library here at school, I’m picking Furia for the win.
Norma: I don’t like graphic novels but Dragon Hoops was one of the first graphic novels that I can appreciate. I loved Furia and Land of the Cranes. I won’t be disappointed if either was the eventual winner. For me though my choice for the win is Land of the Cranes. It gave me a glimpse into the camps and highlighted the good in people in spite of their circumstances.
Mel:I loved “Land of the Cranes” - her voice telling the story and how she saw things really connected with me. That’s my winner. “Furia” was obviously targeted at a different audience and I thought it was good too although I had to read about 5 chapters before I started to feel into that story (unlike “Cranes” which had me at “Hello”). I like Basketball and sports in general. I love History - especially looking at stories and events from a 3D perspective. BUT . NO. NO. I can not take in that story in pictures. So “Dragon” isn’t a pick for me on any ballot.
Rushmi: I liked Furia and reading about her story, even the expected happy ending. However, the book I would allow to take up some real estate on my bookshelf is Land of Cranes. The topic is not common, and I think the advocacy it brings is excellent. It can reach a number of targeted audiences. It is well written in verse which actually adds to the beauty of the story, and I would think about this character over time because her story made an impact. So, Land of Cranes holds my vote.
Stephanie: I absolutely loved Furia, especially because it took place in Rosario, Argentina and so I felt a special connection to the cultural aspects. I thought the female protagonist was authentic and the storyline interesting. I was immediately hooked by the narrative and it was very eye opening for me to see the more machista side of the Argentine culture because I’ve always studied about the strong females like Las Madres de la plaza de mayo and seen first hand from my mother-in-law’s example, how powerful and effective they have been at evoking change. Despite all of the wonderful reasons why I could choose Furia, my pick is still Land of Cranes. The story is heartbreaking and beautifully told and should be shared with as wide of an audience as possible:)
Emily: Dragon Hoops was okay, but the more I reflect on it, the more frustrated I am that it made it this far. I loved both Land of the Cranes and Furia and I would be happy with either book winning. Land of the Cranes is a painful, beautiful and necessary book, but I’m not sure it’s a book I’ll be able to reread anytime soon. It did take a few chapters for Furia to really grab me, but once it did, I was very invested in the story. I loved Camila’s story of overcoming the expectations and limitations placed upon her. When I think of Furia, the word that comes to mind is “triumphant”. Furia is my pick to win.
Jon: Furia started out strong, but my interest began to wane halfway through. More to come, but my pick is Land of Cranes. Dragon Hoops second place, but Furia didn’t finish as strong as it started.
Cranes - 5, Furia -2
