Pax
by Sara Pennypacker
ISBN 9780008158286
Twelve-year-old Peter, finds a lonely, orphaned baby fox. His father suggests the kit should be left to die but Peter rescues it, cares for it and the two become inseparable, best friends. Peter’s father enlists in the military so Peter has to live with his grandfather. On the way to grandfather’s house, Peter is forced to return Pax to the wild. They are separated and Peter is heartbroken. His guilt at leaving his fox eats away at him. He misses Pax so much, that in utter desperation, he packs his bag and runs away, determined to find his companion. Pax also misses Peter and sets out on own journey too.
The story of Peter and Pax is beautifully written. The language and style often made me stop and reread the sentences or paragraphs just to soak in the language and imagery. The story of loss, grief, separation, guilt and loneliness is often sad, but it is also hopeful.
Peter’s pain is palpable and the story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. I loved Peter’s vulnerability, but also his determination to be reunited with Pax. Told in alternate points of view chapters, this is just such a wonderful story to read.
Pax : Journey home
ISBN 9780008470289
Oh my goodness, what a sequel. Peter has suffered even more loss after his father was killed in the war. I can feel Peter’s heart breaking with every sentence. Now orphaned, he is determined to be strong and not let anyone, or anything, get close to him, for fear of losing anyone else. In his young life, he has suffered one loss after another, so he builds walls all around himself but the reality is, people need other people. Leaving Viola, the old woman who has been caring for him, Peter sets out to start a new life and joins the Water Warriors, a group of people trying to fix the land after the damage from the war. In a parallel storyline Pax now has his own family but needs help when one of the young kits gets very sick.
So begins the journey to be reunited.
Trust and love are big themes here. Pax and Pax: Journey home are both very special books to treasure, and to read again and again. I loved both books and Peter and Pax will stay with me for a long time. Oh yeah, tissues may be needed! Quality writing and storytelling at its best. Great to read alone, great for a class read aloud, and perfect to share as a family read.