Pax by Sara Pennypacker

Published in 2016, Pax by Sara Pennypacker has been on my list of "want to reads" for several months. I found an ARC at a thrift store a couple of weeks ago and picked it up, but I discovered while reading it that it is missing all the artwork by the talented Jon Klassen. That's what happens in advance reader's editions.

Pax is the story of a fox who was rescued as a newborn by a boy named Peter who has raised him for several years. Their bond is strong, and when Peter's father makes him abandon the fox in the forest, Peter chooses to run away to rescue Pax.

Pax waits for Peter at the side of the rode for a long time, but when Peter doesn't return, Pax must find a way to survive. He doesn't give up on Peter, but he must eat and find water.

This story is about more than the loyalty of a boy and his fox. It is about the damage of war, the pain of loss, the ability to recreate oneself after loss, friendship, trust, and helping others.

I know this book is on many shortlists of those deserving of awards. I'd be surprised if it doesn't have a shiny gold or silver circle on it next year. I'll wait until then to by a new copy that has that medal on the front cover along with all the artwork inside.

This book would work in a classroom to teach responsibility - responsibility to ourselves, our pets, our world, and to others.

Sara Pennypacker is the author of the Clementine series, which are well written and complex - especially because they are written for young readers.

Pennypacker is a storyteller who will be around for a while. She puts you in her character's heads. At this point, I will buy everything she writes.

Read to a child today even if that child is you.