(4) YA Surviving Southside series. Hardworking Daisy usually spends her time helping at her parents' bodega or raising money for needy friends, but she likes to let loose sometimes. When her new boyfriend asks for sexy pictures, she obliges. Predictably, the pictures are leaked to her peers, leaving Daisy to salvage her reputation. Attention to Daisy's complex emotional struggle lends nuance to this hi-lo cautionary tale.

Reviewer: Jessica Tackett MacDonald

(4) K-3 In an abecedarian format, this homage to Philadelphia will have strictly regional interest. In each double-page spread, a drawing by a local elementary or middle school student faces a page of tour-book-like text. Art and text highlight people (Ben Franklin), places (Elfreth's Alley), and things (cheese steaks). Subjects range from historic to contemporary, from specific to general.

Reviewer: Amy Kellman

(4) K-3 Smithsonian's Backyard series. Illustrated by Higgins Bond. Groundhog leaves his mother and siblings and digs his own burrow nearby. The illustrations feature a realistically rendered creature exploring a suburban backyard and garden, eating beans, encountering the family dog, and defending himself. The text sticks with the animal's point of view, but the illustrations take a few missteps.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) 4-6 Latinos in the Limelight series. Three books in this series feature two baseball players originally from the Dominican Republic and Latino-American Gomez, a hockey player. Quotes from the athletes and their acquaintances abound with little in the way of citations, but the texts are lively enough for the sports fans who will be attracted. Some of the color photos look washed out. A chronology and list of accomplishments are included. Bib., ind. [Review covers these titles: Sammy Sosa, Pedro Martinez, Scott Gomez.]

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(4) 4-6 Latinos in the Limelight series. These formulaic biographies profile well-known Latinos in business, the arts, and sports. After a chapter about the subject's childhood and early years, the books provide basic background information about his or her career. The adulatory texts are accompanied by average-quality photos. A chronology and, where appropriate, lists of accomplishments and awards are appended. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Jeannine M. Chapman

(4) K-3 Smithsonian's Backyard series. Illustrated by Stephen Marchesi. Framed as a story but lacking narrative vigor, this text describes a box turtle's day as she looks for food, takes refuge from the midday sun, finds a safe nesting spot, and lays her eggs. The accompanying illustrations are awash with painterly texture, realistic detail, and rich earth tones. Additional facts about box turtles are appended. Glos.

Reviewer: Erica L. Stahler