In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

  • 2013 Stellar Series
  • Kate Quealy-Gainer, Assistant Editor
Cooper, Michelle. A Brief History of Montmaray. Knopf, 2009. Gr. 7–10 (BCCB 11/09)
Cooper, Michelle. The FitzOsbornes in Exile. Knopf, 2010. Gr. 7–10 (BCCB 4/11)
Cooper, Michelle. The FitzOsbornes at War. Knopf, 2012. Gr. 7–10 (BCCB 11/12)
Lynch, Chris. I Pledge Allegiance. Scholastic, 2011. Gr. 6–9 (BCCB 12/11)
Lynch, Chris. Sharpshooter. Scholastic, 2012. Gr. 6–9 (BCCB 5/12)
Lynch, Chris. Freefire Zone. Scholastic, 2012. Gr. 6–9 (BCCB 12/12)
Lynch, Chris. Casualties of War. Scholastic, 2013. Gr. 6–9 (BCCB 1/13)
Marchetta, Melina. Finnikin of the Rock. Candlewick, 2010. Gr. 9 up (BCCB 3/10)
Marchetta, Melina. Froi of the Exiles. Candlewick, 2012. Gr. 9 up (BCCB 5/11)
Marchetta, Melina. Quintana of Charyn. Cancdlewick, 2013. Gr. 9 up (BCCB 4/13)

We’re pleased this month to bring to print our annual Stellar Series list, a previously online-only feature that highlights notable series. While the multiple-volume boom is certainly popular with readers, it has presented a unique challenge to reviewers. The individual books that make up a series are parts of a greater whole, often relying on the previous and subsequent installments to inform their plot, character development, themes, etc., yet such literary achievements do not translate easily into an individual volume’s inclusion in an annual best-of-the-year list. Our Stellar Series list recognizes those books that collectively achieve the level of excellence that our Blue Ribbons salutes in individual titles. The series listed here have at least three volumes, the most recent of which has been published in the last twelve months. While some of these series are a completed trilogy, tetralogy, etc., others may not have concluded, but their existing volumes nonetheless constitute a series achievement worth recognizing.

Political conflict seems to be the theme of this year’s group, as it includes two works of historical fiction set during war, one a captivating portrait of a family of exiled royals during World War II, the other a tightly focused look at four teens changed forever by their service in the Vietnam War. The battle between two fictional lands in our third series is no less powerful, although it is especially suited for those readers who like their fantasies epic and their heroes flawed.

Just in time for the lazy days of summer, this list gives readers plenty to keep them entertained and absorbed as they while away those long, sunny afternoons.

The Montmaray Journals

Narrator Princess Sophie relays her family’s struggles as they try to hold on to their tiny, island nation during World War II through Nazi attacks, political exile, and wartime losses. Blending political intrigue and domestic drama, Cooper offers readers an eminently readable slice of historical fiction with rich characterizations and authentic details that convey the despair, boredom, guilt and hope of living through a war. [End Page 489]

Vietnam

Veteran chronicler of the American guy experience, Lynch here examines the profound and life-changing experiences four best friends have when they pledge to serve in the Vietnam War together. Each book focuses on one of the four: Morris chooses the Navy; Rudi, the eldest, is called up and joins the Marines; Ivan, always the most belligerent, can hardly wait to get to the Army recruiter; Beck, the brainiac, withstands his family’s disappointment as he abandons his college plans and joins the Air Force. Readers are forced into the thick of the action, but it’s the devastating emotional impact and the realistic portrayal of a friendship changed forever that will stick with readers long after the last shot is fired.

The Lumatere Chronicles

This stunning and epic series follows the conflict between Lumatere and Charyn, two fictional lands trapped under two horrific curses, brought on by the sins of their former rulers. Australian author Marchetta seamlessly weaves together the personal and the political, exploring the larger societal implications of her characters’ actions while keeping a tight focus on their emotional lives. The obstacles in their relationships mirror the tensions built by prejudices and ignorance throughout their lands, and the setbacks they experience as they work toward...

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