Team 1

Stand on the Sky (Erin Bow) vs This Place: 150 Years Retold  (Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm)

                                    

Smackdown at its finest~ We have a tie right down to the 11th hour and are waiting with baited breath to see where the last three votes will be allotted. 

The consensus was that both books have a place on the bookshelf and could easily be recommended to students; in fact, they should be.

Here's bits about what some said about This Place:

I voted for This Place because of the variety of stories included. The authors and illustrators provide much needed representation and the fact that it’s a graphic novel is obviously a plus. (Caitlin)

 It’s important to start to fill in the gaps that exist in the Canadian consciousness about the Treaties, when they were made, what was promised, and how things have gone from there. (Erin)

 ... incredible visuals, the background to each story, and the historical narratives it told. (Lynette)

 I think this text affords us the possibility to discuss the intersection of print and visual text with students, and the varying complexities in the narratives allow us to discuss the “how?” and “why?” of authorial choice.  ... pages that inspire classroom discussions about craft and style and aesthetic effect (I’ve already built a “Form Informing Content” commentary assignment for pages 132/133). (Brad)

 It will definitely have a place in my teaching of Grade 9 Social moving forward. (Renee)

This graphic novel is an essential read for all Canadians - not just our youth. This Place is a celebration of truth, resiliency and story-telling from a perspective that is often slogged by systemic racism. (Isaac)

It is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel told in short stories. (Amine)

The font is difficult to read and I am not sure how many young people will persevere and push through it, however, it is an important collection of essential stories. (Gisele)

Here's pieces about what some said about Stand on the Sky:

Stand on the Sky seems like a straightforward read, and the characters are certainly relatable for younger readers. That said, Bow makes many artful choices and weaves thoughtful motifs throughout that contribute to deeper understanding. Her narrative style drew me into their world that was both unforgiving and beautiful (and not just because we’re colder than Antarctica in Alberta right now.). (Carrie)

Did I mention there were horses?  There’s nothing like a great horse story.  The imagery created with Aisulu racing to beat the impending storm was incredible, right down to the description of the kids using the horse blankets to create a shelter while the horses huddled together to weather the storm. (Kym)

 And now a word from our sponsor ... Take it away, Suanne.

One little tidbit I discovered is Erin Bow, author of Stand on the Sky, lives in Canada. Another interesting fact is that she is a physicist (shout out to Women and Girls in Science!), poet and novelist. Kenneth Oppal just picked Stand on the Sky as his next #ReadCanadian Day pick.

  I appreciated that this “feels” like a big book for older readers, but it’s written simply so that a student who may be below grade level can get it. Although the author isn’t from this culture, I think she must have done some research before doing this book. Maybe it could inspire other authors actually from this group to tell their own authentic stories.... (Brandy Lee)

It is definitely written for a younger audience, and there were missed opportunities to develop themes. My concern with this text is the “researched voice” of the author. (Shelley)

The courage that many of the characters exhibited resonated with me and it is meant for a younger audience... I think it is a worthy read. (Maureen)

So, there are some thoughts from Team 1. Looks like you will have to wait for Part Two before we declare a winner.

Part Two: At the stroke of midnight we declare Stand on the Sky as the book moving on to the next round.

Apparently there is a Part Three: We have had a voter flip (just wondering if Brad contacted any of you...hmmmm) so our official winner and the book moving to the next round is This Place.