Pax is a coming-of-age novel by American author Sara Pennypacker. It was published in 2016 by Balzer and Bray as the first book in the Pax series. Initially planned as a one-off novel, the sequel titled Pax, Journey Home was published in 2021.
Set in the small town of Hampton, Pax is an orphaned fox who is adopted by Peter. Soon enough, they build a strong and inseparable bond. With the battle front fast approaching, Peter is forced to leave his home and his beloved pet behind. In the middle of the night, Peter sneaks out of his grandfather's house and goes on a journey back to find Pax.
This is a story of two friends finding their way back to each other, despite the individual struggles that await them on that journey. Through all the hurdles, the pair will learn to be resilient and independent long enough to reunite.
The motivations behind this novel is truly poetic and beautiful, evidenced by the illustrations by Canadian illustrator Jon Klassen.
Pax won the 2017 Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children's Literature, 2018 California Young Reader's Medal for Intermediate, 2018 The Magnolia Award, 2019 William Allen White Children's Book Award, and 2019 Hea Lasteraamat. It was nominated for the 2016 National Book Award for Young People's Literature, 2018 Great Lakes Great Books Award.
