Dog Years

An artist who has written three nonfiction books for adults, Warner makes her children's book debut with this intermittently poignant novel. Case Hill, a mature 12-year-old, is adjusting to some major changes. His father, convicted of robbery, has been sent to prison, and Case, his mother and six-year-old sister have moved from suburban New Jersey into a shabby apartment in Philadelphia, where the boy sleeps in a curtained-off alcove of the living room. When his class begins to publish a newspaper, Case puts his artistic talent to use and creates a weekly cartoon lampooning school life. The endeavor lands Case in unexpected trouble-and teaches him a lesson. Warner incisively reveals Case's rapport with his hard-working mother, his spunky sister, their caring landlord and his one real friend. Adding further dimension to this likable character are the letters he writes to his estranged father, reproduced at the start and at the close of the story. Ages 9-12. (Apr.)