Pax

Pax is a fiction novel by Sara Pennypacker that truly defines the relationship between a boy and his pet.  Pax is one of those books that catches your eye as it sits on the shelf: beautiful cover art, raw edges to the pages, and hand-drawn illustrations scattered throughout the novel.  It is about 275 pages long, so an average read for a chapter book. Through each chapter in the novel, the book alternates between the 2 main characters in the novel: Pax and Peter.  The reader is able to follow the adventures of each character, since they are divided by great distance.  If you love Pax, there is a sequel to the novel: Pax, Journey Home.

Pax and Peter have been the best of friends since Peter brought him home when Pax was just a tiny fox.  However, things have changed.  Peter's father has enlisted to fight in the war and is sending Peter to live with his grandfather.  The book begins with Peter's father driving far away from home, where they will release Pax into the wild, unable to continue to care for him. Peter is devastated and begs his father not to do this, but his father does not listen.  Peter is sent to live with his grandfather, since his mother passed away years before.  Peter realizes he cannot imagine his life without his fox - the most important thing in his life and possibly the only other being that truly understands Peter.  Peter packs a bag and sets out in the middle of the night to make the trek to find his fox, no matter what it takes.  Pax, on the other hand, is hurt and confused.  He doesn't understand why his boy has left him, but confident he will return to take him home.  Pax resolves to stay just where Peter's father left him: on the side of the road holding his green toy soldier tightly in his mouth.  But it is danger that will force Pax to leave his post and attempt life in the wilderness on his own.  He has never had to search for shelter or scavenge for food and Pax is overwhelmed by the new smells and sights and other animals. He finds a friend in another fox, Gray. Both Pax and Peter will have to depend on others to try to make it back to each other, despite the war and battle lines that are quickly approaching that bring more danger every day.  

Pax was a precious story that really highlights the deep relationship between a child and pet that can sometimes supercede other relationships in a person's life.  It is a beautiful tale of a fierce love and loyalty.  While I loved the novel and look forward to reading the sequel, I did not love the ending to this novel.  I was relieved to find there was a sequel, not knowing this when I began the novel.  I don't recommend this novel to readers below 5th grade and feel this novel is better suited for middle grade readers.  While some resources suggest this may be an appropriate read for a 4th grader based on Lexile level, the vocabulary in this novel is very advanced.  Sara Pennypacker's writing style is incredibly beautiful and also very detailed.  While the book may not seem like an "action" novel, there is a lot that happens in these pages, but some can be lost in the details.  The novel also shows the impact of war - on people, on families, but also on the animals and nature that have their homes invaded as well when war strikes.  Some of these harsh realities could be difficult for a younger reader.  However, the story of Pax the fox and determined Peter is incredibly beautiful and worth reading every page to understand how deep friendship can run - friendships that have lasted a lifetime, but also new friendships found in the most unusual places and unusual circumstances.