Pax is a novel by Sara Pennypacker, which, as the NYTimes reviewed it, is "half wild and half beautiful". The word I come away with, despite some harsh realities, is 'graceful'. This was long listed for the National Book Award.
Pennypacker is an accomplished author of children's books including the Clemetine series. Like the best books written for young adults, its appeal is ageless - in fact, I would only read this to teens and up as it deals with grief at a mother's death, abandonment, and some violent effects of war. But then, I'm surprised kids read Hunger Games. Pax appeals equally to adults, and they should read it.
12 year-old Peter raised his fox Pax from a small kit found abandoned in the forest. There was no mother and he was the only one of his litter to survive. They became inseparable, sleeping and eating together for years. Peter's mother has also died and he lives with his unresponsive father until War arrives, and his father enlists. Peter will stay with his equally disinterested Grandfather, and Pax must be sent back to the forest. They drive deep into the hills and leave Pax there, breaking Peter's heart. The story is also told from Pax's point on view, in an original and natural way, the way animals communicate rather than the way humans speak. Pax sees Peter's anguish at leaving him and so, decides at first to wait for him to return. Peter realizes his mistake and runs away from home, heading on foot over 200 miles back across the hills to Pax. Naturalized by living with Humans, Pax begins to discover the other animals in the hills, and meets groups of his kind who teach him to hunt. He is learning to become a fox again. Peter's adventures lead him to a farmhouse owned by Vola, an off-the-grid woodworker and artist. Her acceptance of him as an equal, as well as her demands that he honestly face his traumas, help them both heal and grow.
The War moves closer to the hills - trenches are dug and wire for landmines network the fields, endangering the hunting grounds and living spaces of all the animals.
If Peter is to find Pax, it must be soon, but will they recognize how changed they have both become?
As Pax had been abandoned, Peter also is on his own within his family. His solo journey and living on the land matures him, especially when he stays with Vola. Written for middle grade (8 to 12) I would give a warning - not so much for the themes of grief and betrayal, but there are scenes of animals hitting landmines, and in particular a baby fox named Runt who must recover from a devastating injury. The unspecified location and year give it a timeless quality and Pennypacker's writing style is simple yet filled with heartfelt meaning - especially in the natural way the animals relate - giving it an ageless appeal.
This is a revelatory journey for both Peter and Pax that should also be marketed to adults.
Recommended for anyone who loves animals and bonds we have with them.
2016 / Tradeback / 277 pages
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