Pax - A Quick Review

Pax by Sara Pennypacker has been on my nightstand for awhile and I'm happy to have finally finished it.  Pax is rumored to be in the running for this years Newbery Medal and is being hailed a modern classic by many.  Here are my first thoughts in list form.

-The book is heavy.  Peter, the main character is living with anxiety and trying to find more than just the fox that he loves (and that loves him). He is trying to find inner peace and the courage to confront his angry and emotionally distant father.

-The book is rich in character development.

-The book has a  modern tone and feel but could be set in any time or place.  Peter is a boy who loves baseball and his fox - there is not one mention of cell phones or snapchat.

-Peter is angry at his father and recognizes that he hopes to become a different man than his dad while fearing that will become just like his father.

-Peter and Vola's relationship is refreshing.  Vola is an middle aged woman Peter encounters on his journey.  Peter challenges Vola as much as Vola challenges him.

-There is a brief moment of self-injury in the book.

-Spoiler alert........In the end Peter learns to let go of Pax.  Letting go of Pax is really a symbol of letting go of so much more.

Discussion Questions and more on Pax to follow!