Pax by Sara Pennypacker
Reviewed by: Elizabeth Anderson, Communications Assistant
Genre: Middle Grade Fiction
Suggested Age: Tweens, Teens
What is the book about?: Twelve year old Peter is forced to abandon his pet fox, Pax, when his father enlists in the military. Stricken by grief and his undying loyalty to his pet, he sets off on a journey to find him. As obstacles bar the path to reunion, both Peter and Pax discover more about themselves and their duties to the new friends they’ve made.
My Review: Like many stories about animals, this is a book that strives to strike an emotional chord with the reader, and it has moments where it hits the mark. The story is thoughtful and layered with deeper, more symbolic connections for older readers, while still offering a straightforward tale for a younger audience. I enjoyed Pennypacker’s fresh and vivid sensory descriptions, and appreciated that she was able to paint a scene without slowing down the narrative for a more restless reader. The chapters alternate between the point of view of Peter and Pax, allowing for the growth and development of both characters. The deepening of the characters in this story and the unfolding image of their lives is, in my opinion, one of the strongest aspects of this book. Though the ending was not an unexpected one, I did find it a little abrupt because I felt there were some loose ends. That being said, life is often riddled with such loose ends, and one could argue that it makes this story hit a little closer to home.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Vivid, thoughtful, unrelenting
Give This a Try if You Like… Foxy by Helen V. Griffith, A Dog Called Homeless by Sarah Lean, and My Life of Crime by Richard W. Jennings
Rating: 4/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!