Pax by Sara Pennypacker

Pax by Sara Pennypacker

Realistic Fiction, War and Peace, Pets, Fathers and Sons, Perserverance
Age 10-13
Grade 5-8
 288 pages
c. 2016

Peter and his pet fox, Pax, have been very close since the time Peter found him as a baby. Peter is a sensitive boy, unlike his father, who has enlisted in the war that is going on and requires Peter to move into his grandfather’s house and leave Pax behind. This is devastating news to Peter and although he goes the many miles away to his grandfather’s house, he quickly decides he must go back and rescue Pax, who doesn’t know how to survive in the wild.

            Chapters alternate between Peter’s point of view and Pax, who is learning how to survive in the wild but also hoping that Peter will return for him. Both Peter and Pax have many adventures, trials and help as Peter makes the 300 mile journey back to Pax. Much has happened to both of them during this time. Peter has grown into a confident young man and Pax has become part of a new family of foxes. Spoiler Alert: Peter decides it is better for Pax to remain where he is but takes home with him the young fox that lost his back legs from a land mine.

            The violence and ugliness of war is clearly shown but not in a graphic way. There is sadness but also hope. It is a thoughtful book that clearly shows the consequences of war but also the courage, determination, and sacrifice that can bring about peace.