Booklist starred (November 1, 2015 (Vol. 112, No. 5))
Grades 4-7. Peter and Pax, his pet fox he found as a kit on the day of his mother’s funeral, are inseparable. That is, until Peter’s dad enlists in the military and Peter is forced to abandon Pax before moving to his grandfather’s house. Almost as soon as he gets there, however, he slips out, determined to hike the hundreds of miles back to where he left his pet. Not long into his journey, he is injured and reluctantly taken in by Vola, a war veteran and amputee who stubbornly lives on her own. In chapters from the fox’s point of view, Pax struggles in the wild until a grizzled old fox agrees to help him get home. Pennypacker alternates between Pax’s and Peter’s perspectives, while the simmering war between unnamed countries grows dangerously close to home. As she slowly reveals secrets about Peter’s and Vola’s pasts, she sensitively and engagingly explores questions about anger, wildness, isolation, and family. Meanwhile, both fox and boy grow in unexpected ways. While there’s a lot of emotional complexity here, the focus is solidly on the earthy, tense wilderness adventure, which is likely what will draw young readers most. Pennypacker’s expert, evenhanded storytelling reveals stunning depth in a relatively small package. Final illustrations by Caldecott Medal winner Klassen not seen.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Pennypacker is no stranger to the New York Times best-seller list, and with award-winning Klassen in the mix, this adventure story should easily find a wildly enthusiastic audience.
For as many books as I've read aloud to my class, none has created such excitement as Pax is creating right now as it captures the attention of every single one of my fourth graders every day. They beg me to begin early and finish late to see what is going to happen next to the characters that have become so believable and lovable. The suspense and anticipation keeps the kids engrossed completely. When I do have to reluctantly close the book for the day, the kids instantly start rattling off connections they have with their own pets and/or family in life. I couldn't have chosen a more perfect book to inspire children to love the magic that comes to life from the pages of a book.
Posted by Liz Stafford
For as many books as I've read aloud to my class, none has created such excitement as Pax is creating right now as it captures the attention of every single one of my fourth graders every day. They beg me to begin early and finish late to see what is going to happen next to the characters that have become so believable and lovable. The suspense and anticipation keeps the kids engrossed completely. When I do have to reluctantly close the book for the day, the kids instantly start rattling off connections they have with their own pets and/or family in life. I couldn't have chosen a more perfect book to inspire children to love the magic that comes to life from the pages of a book.
Posted by Liz Stafford
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