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Sara Pennypacker

Jon Klassen

Pax Kindle Edition

by Sara Pennypacker (Author), Jon Klassen (Illustrator) Format: Kindle Edition

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National Book Award Longlist * New York Times Bestseller * An Amazon Best Book of the Year

From bestselling and award-winning author Sara Pennypacker comes a beautifully wrought, utterly compelling novel about the powerful relationship between a boy and his fox. Pax is destined to become a classic, beloved for generations to come. This middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 6, especially during homeschooling. It’s a fun way to keep your child entertained and engaged while not in the classroom.

Pax and Peter have been inseparable ever since Peter rescued him as a kit. But one day, the unimaginable happens: Peter's dad enlists in the military and makes him return the fox to the wild.

At his grandfather's house, three hundred miles away from home, Peter knows he isn't where he should be—with Pax. He strikes out on his own despite the encroaching war, spurred by love, loyalty, and grief, to be reunited with his fox.

Meanwhile Pax, steadfastly waiting for his boy, embarks on adventures and discoveries of his own. . . .

Plus, don't miss Here in the Real World, Sarah Pennypacker's next gorgeous and heartfelt middle grade novel, coming in 2020!

Length: 272 pages	Word Wise: Enabled	Enhanced Typesetting: Enabled
Page Flip: Enabled	Audible book: Audible book Switch back and forth between reading the Kindle book and listening to the Audible book with Whispersync for Voice. Add the Audible book for a reduced price of $11.99 when you buy the Kindle book. Available	Age Level: 8 - 12
Grade Level: 3 - 7

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From the Publisher

Introducing PAX!

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From the Back Cover

Pax and Peter have been inseparable ever since Peter rescued him as a kit. But one day the unimaginable happens: Peter’s dad enlists in the military and makes him return the fox to the wild.

At his grandfather’s house three hundred miles away from home, Peter knows he isn’t where he should be—with Pax. He strikes out on his own despite the encroaching war, spurred by love, loyalty, and grief, to be reunited with his fox.

Meanwhile Pax, steadfastly waiting for his boy, embarks on adventures and discoveries of his own. . . .

From bestselling and award-winning author Sara Pennypacker comes a beautifully wrought, utterly compelling novel about the essential truths that define us and the devastating costs of war. Pax is destined to become a beloved classic.

Review

“Pax the book is like Pax the fox: half wild and wholly beautiful.” (New York Times Book Review)

“Moving and poetic.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))

“Pennypacker’s expert, evenhanded storytelling reveals stunning depth in a relatively small package.” (Booklist (starred review))

“In an exceptionally powerful, if grim story, Pennypacker does a remarkable job of conveying the gritty perspective of a sheltered animal that must instantly learn to live in the wild.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review))

“A startling work of fiction that should be read-and discussed-by children and adults alike.” (School Library Journal (starred review))

“An emotional, thought-provoking story of conflict, loyalty, and love.” (The Horn Book)

“Sometimes an author steps aside from a popular series to break new ground, as evidenced in this arresting novel, at once a wilderness adventure about survival and a philosophical foray into big questions.” (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Pennypacker’s elegant language and insight into human nature spin a fable extolling empathy above all. By the novel’s poignant ending, Pennypacker has gently made the case that all of us should aspire to that view—children and adults alike.” (Time magazine)

“Searingly honest and heartbreakingly lovely, Pax is, quite simply, a masterpiece.” (Katherine Applegate, Newbery Award-winning author of The One and Only Ivan)

“A sweeping and enchanting wartime story of trust, loyalty, betrayal, and the love of a boy for the fox he’s raised since he was a kit. A master storyteller, Pennypacker leads the reader along a path of shifting hopes to the story’s heart-wrenching conclusion.” (Ann M. Martin, Newbery Honoree, author of Rain Reign)

From School Library Journal

Gr 4–7—A viscerally affecting story of war, loss, and the power of friendship. Pennypacker, author of the exuberant "Clementine" series (Disney-Hyperion) and the charmingly morbid Summer of the Gypsy Moths (HarperCollins, 2012), here displays not only her formidable writing skills and a willingness to stretch her storytelling into increasingly complex narrative forms but also her ability to tackle dark and weighty themes with sensitivity and respect for the child reader. Set in an intentionally undefined time and place that could very well be a near-future America, the novel opens with a heartbreaking scene of a tame red fox, Pax, being abandoned at the side of the road by his beloved boy, Peter. Perspectives alternate between the boy and the fox, and readers learn that a terrible war rages in this land. Peter's father is about to leave for the frontlines, and while he's away, Peter must live with his grandfather out in the country—and his father makes it clear that there is no place for Pax in Peter's temporary home. Almost as soon as he arrives at his grandfather's, Peter is overcome with guilt, and he sets off under the cover of darkness to trek the 300 miles back to his home, where he prays he'll find Pax. The loyal fox, meanwhile, must figure out how to survive in the wild—though never losing hope that his boy will return for him. As the protagonists struggle to reunite in a world in the grip of violence and destruction, they each find helpers who assist them on their respective journeys: Peter breaks his foot and is rehabilitated by Vola, a hermit suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, while Pax is taken in by a leash of foxes who teach him the basics of foraging and hunting. Pennypacker doesn't shy away from some of the more realistic aspects of war, though she keeps most of the violence slightly off-screen: in one scene, the wild foxes define war for the naive Pax as a "human sickness" that causes them to turn on their own kind, akin to rabies; later, as the battle creeps closer, several creatures are maimed and killed by land mines. Black-and-white drawings by Klassen offer a respite for readers, while adding to the haunting atmosphere.With spare, lyrical prose, Pennypacker manages to infuse this tearjerker with a tender hope, showing that peace and love can require just as much sacrifice as war. VERDICT A startling work of fiction that should be read—and discussed—by children and adults alike.—Kiera Parrott, School Library Journal

About the Author

Sara Pennypacker is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Pax; the award-winning Clementine books and its spinoff series, Waylon!; and the acclaimed novel Summer of the Gypsy Moths. She divides her time between Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Florida. You can visit her online at www.sarapennypacker.com.

Jon Klassen grew up in Niagara Falls, Canada, and now lives in Los Angeles, California. He is the Caldecott Award-winning author and illustrator of I Want My Hat Back and This Is Not My Hat, as well as the illustrator of Sam and Dave Dig a Hole and Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett; The Dark by Lemony Snicket; House Held Up by Trees by Ted Kooser; Cats' Night Out by Caroline Stutson; and the first three books in the Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place series.

File Size: 11825 KB
Print Length: 272 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (February 2, 2016)
Publication Date: February 2, 2016
Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers
Language: English
ASIN: B00Y87XMUQ
Text-to-Speech: Enabled
X-Ray:

Enabled
Word Wise: Enabled
Lending: Not Enabled
Screen Reader: Supported
Enhanced Typesetting: Enabled
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,952 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
- #9 in Children's Fox Books
- #33 in Children's Fox & Wolf Books (Books)
- #55 in Children's Nature Books (Kindle Store)

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Customer reviews

5 star		80%
4 star		11%
3 star		5%
2 star		2%
1 star		3%

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David Van Keuren

Ten Stars If I Could

Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2017

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I'm not much of a fiction reader, especially "kid" fiction. My library is pretty much military history, but when I stumbled across this book on Amazon and saw all the great reviews I thought I would give it a read. I don't very often wonder off the beaten track of military history and the last time I did I was well rewarded with the great book All The Light We Cannot See, so I thought I would take a chance on Pax. I have to say that Pax was one of those books that you feel sorry for people who have never read it. I cannot recommend this book enough. I will be reading it to my younger grandkids, passing it on to my older grandkids and I'll be giving it away to friends and family. Don't miss this one. The rave reviews you see here are rave for a reason. This is one outstanding and very, very special book. So glad I stumbled upon it while surfing around Amazon books. If I could give it ten stars I would.

181 people found this helpful

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David Spisak

A wonderful story.

Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2016

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I'm an almost 60 year old man. My wife bought this book from because I love foxes. It's a beautifully written story. Have a box of tissues nearby. It has a proper ending. I won't say anything else about the story other than I enjoyed the journey immensely.

349 people found this helpful

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“…You Will Find A Truth of Your Own …”

Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2016

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Targeted at the 8 – 12 year old group, Sara Pennypacker’s latest novel “Pax” is a book that carries universal truths and one that will touch readers of any age. Illustrated by Jon Klassen, the pen and ink drawings contained in the book enhance the story, strengthening the overall impact of the passages associated with each specific drawing.

Set in an unidentified country during an unspecified time, “Pax” serves to remind readers that war and destruction may affect anyone – or anything. Twelve-year old Peter has cared for his pet fox, “Pax”, for five years. Orphaned as a kit, “Pax” is now as domesticated as any wild animal can be; he has never had to survive in the wild. “…distrust is no match for kindness administered consistently and unmeasured …”

Having enlisted in the army, Peter’s father takes his son to live with his grandfather and demands that Peter release “Pax” back into the wild. Knowing Peter would not abandon him “Pax” waits patiently for his return. “…Pax would stay …ignore all temptations …until his boy came for him …” Haunted by his belief he has betrayed “Pax”, Peter leaves his grandfather’s home to recover his pet. A broken leg, an encounter with an amputee-veteran whose unnamed war occurred twenty years previously, and a realization – by both Peter and “Pax” – that each must be true to his own nature creates an emotional, poignant story that will touch your heart.

Writing in the third person voice, Sara Pennypacker alternates the focus of “Pax” between developments affecting Peter and those in which “Pax” learns what it is to be a fox. Each chapter remains true to the focal character. In Peter’s, the reader learns about his life and his past. "…if he could visit the kind-eyed therapist, he’s smash those toy cars …Just to make everybody see …” The reader also watches Peter grow in his understanding of himself and of others. Talking to his benefactor about her war experience, Peter empathizes with her emotional state and begins to formulate a plan that will free her from her self-imposed exile. In Pax’s chapters, the narrative does not humanize the animals but remains realistic when it details the actions and responses to their surroundings. By Sara Pennypacker doing so, those portions of the narrative seems less fictitious and more like an appealing nature documentary. In both characters’ chapters, the horrors and the impact of war overshadow the narrative.

One of Jon Klassen’s drawings, shown on pages 164 and 165, is quite memorable. The shadowing and use of contrasting white ”rain” against the darker background drawing is the strongest in terms of atmosphere and locale.

“Pax” is a novel that will touch your heart. It is suitable for the target age group as well as anyone who loves an outstanding story. I recommend that parents or grandparents read “Pax” before sharing it with younger, advanced readers or with those in the target age group who may be very sensitive.

247 people found this helpful

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Movie Lover

A profoundly beautiful book

Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2016

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A truly beautiful book however I think kids should be over 10 prior to reading it. It's message is powerful and at times very unsettling. I loved it and am wildly thinking of people I can buy it for (both adults and chikdren)

141 people found this helpful

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Bitty

One of the best books I've read in my life

Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2017

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One of the best books I've read in my life. I bought it for my daughter and chose to "pre read" it for appropriateness.... Made my husband read it before we passed it on to the kids. We both agree it will be a classic. Do not second guess this purchase! Beautifully written. The perfect hero's adventure, in Joseph Campbell's words. When my 8 year old finished it, tears were pouring down her face, and when I started to wonder if I should have let her read it, she described how much she loved the characters and how sad she was the story was over. Truly wonderful read.

64 people found this helpful

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Rose

Heartbreaking but wonderful!!

Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2016

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I've been a teacher for 13 years and I'm currently teaching 4th grade. I chose this book because of my love for animals. This book was introduced to me through the Global Read Aloud (GRA). My students loved this book and so did I. It teaches of responsibility, courage, love, and sacrifice. I hated for the book to end😕.

52 people found this helpful

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Pav

Great book!

Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2016

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Bought it for my 10 yr old. Both me and my son loved the book a lot. Fantastic narration about relationships, courage, kindness. I loved the interaction between Vola and Peter. The characters inspired each other. And Pax was awesome too.. I had great time explaining some great literature like "Two but not Two" to my son. My son picked this as his school reading project and made a gift and greeting card for Peter to cheer him up!!

63 people found this helpful

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Noel C. Borden

A story that might be a bit much for a very young reader.

Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2016

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The concept of Pax is really intriguing. My heart felt for both Pax and his boy Peter; as the story progressed. The fact that both having a voice was really wonderful; the reader is able to watch the growth of both Peter and Pax as they lived through what was going on in their lives. The story is very well written.
However some distance in to the book had me wondering how old a child would read this story and not be upset by events transpiring. I went back to see the 'suggested' age for children and thought that kid must have a strong support system. The subject matter almost had me stop reading because I wasn't sure if this ended bad that I wanted to know.
Perhaps I misread the blurb, but I assumed it was about a father joining the military and not that war was rampant where the story took place.

34 people found this helpful

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Top international reviews

Dan Thompson

I really wanted to enjoy this book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 10, 2018

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I really wanted to enjoy this book, and to some extent, once I got past my expectations, I did. I much preferred the chapters told by the fox Pax. The front cover and illustrations are amazing and fit the tone brilliantly. The story is quite interesting with the usual moralistic 'war is bad' undertones running throughout. Not preachily told though. An interesting scene with deer is a pure example - 'why do humans have to ruin everything?'

But I was expecting tears and heartache and a Homeward Bound style adventure in which we see Pax and Peter united. I got none of that. In fact, much of the book is static, staying in the same place once Peter stays with Vola - a hermit style woman ex-military living all alone.

I couldn't quite get my head around when this book was set. It is set during a war - and I couldn't get the American Civil War out of my head, but then Pennypacker mentions car radios and other modern lifestyle items which really makes that impossible.

I'm not sure if this is one of those books really aimed at Adults wrapped up in child wrapping paper. It certainly felt so.

9 people found this helpful

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Jake

A heart-breakingly wonderful story

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 13, 2018

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Pax is a stunning read. A story about a fox's search for his missing owner leads to many moments of pure heartbreak (have the tissues ready!) You are immersed in a world where loyalty and friendship is second to none and you are fully rooting for a happy ending. As a primary school teacher, this book has been well received by my class and I will continue to use it in the classroom because of how special this book is.

3 people found this helpful

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Alex Mclugash

A review by Drew in year 6! (aged 10)

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 23, 2017

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So far in this book it has been amazing. It has been fun to read and I've only read 15 pages so far! I can not wait to finish Pax and to read more of the books you have written. The book I am reading at the moment is a school book, which I can't keep so I am going to ask my mum to buy it for me when I get home tonight! I will also ask my teacher to bring some more of your brilliant books in to school!

7 people found this helpful

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Victoria

Stunning

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 2, 2017

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A wonderful book with a story and a message for the world. It's about overcoming emotional and physical difficulties, its about triumph, futility of war and it's effects on nature. But mostly it's a story about a boy and a fox. I loved it.

5 people found this helpful

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Manumit

Good with reservations

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 27, 2019

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I enjoyed this well written book, but was slightly irritated the lack of clarification as to time and place ,which is never made clear. Where is it set? sounds very American with the indigenous wildlife and dialogue, but then what war exactly?
Who were all the 'war sick ' fighting and why, doesn't fit with America. I would have enjoyed it more if this aspect hadn't kept niggling away in the background.

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Stue1975

Amazing book that balks at the normal happy ending...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 6, 2018

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I bought this because the cover looked great - not a brilliant way to choose books, but sometimes something just catches your eye! I loved it so much that it was read in one sitting. And then I took it to school (I teach Year 6). It was snaffled by my Teaching Assistant, who cursed me having read it, as it was so good, and made her cry. One of my 10 year-old pupils came storming in after reading it and said "why!", but both of them agreed it was one of the best things they had read in a long time. It is unconventional for a children's book, in a brilliant way, and I am incredibly glad I found it. So are my TA and the pupil!

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Ms. J. Carpenter

Beautiful.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 9, 2019

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What a beautiful book. At first I was really worried all the time, but as the book progressed and I settled into the rhythm of it I relaxed. My daughter, an assistant head and English teacher, said she would not give it to her children to read. I would because it is a story about hope, loss and love, and children should be prepared for this.

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Sommerled

Fox & friendship.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 5, 2019

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A beautiful book. My granddaughter (7 years old) read it very fast. A love story between a child and a fox.
Beautifully written.
We are Lucky enough to have a old fox coming in our garden late evening. This book made a big difference.

One person found this helpful

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the book worm

finally

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 22, 2019

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I have waited such a long time for it,, I dont even remember when I ordered it,, but now it finally made onto my bookshelf,, I am have way through and its really good,,

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Ell Dee

loved it! In fact

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 21, 2018

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On behalf of my 13 year old son for whom it was bought: loved it! In fact, he still talks about it 7 months later, and all foxes are now 'Pax'

One person found this helpful

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Emma Hughes

Fox and boy in a heart wrenching tale

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 2, 2018

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This is more than a story about a boy and his fox. It is a story about nature, trust and friendship. This is a rollercoaster of a tale that will leave you needing to know 'what happened next'.

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Steve143

Fantastic

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 24, 2019

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A truest fantastic read, as a teacher I’m always on the look out for high quality texts and this one really excels.

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Amazon Customer

Good read

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 16, 2019

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Brilliant read for kids or adults

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Dan M.

Animals and friendship

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 31, 2016

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I liked this book because it was a journey of life and the power of friendship.
The pace of the book was slow at times but worth keeping with it.
I would recommend it to kids who like foxes.

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Fee

Lovely gift

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 16, 2018

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Bought as a gift but beautiful book

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Introducing PAX!

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About the Author

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