This is a book everyone can, and will, enjoy. The story will stay with you for a long time. It’s a perfect read aloud for upper elementary and middle school students.
The story begins as twelve year old Peter and his father drive out to the woods with Peter’s beloved pet fox, Pax. Peter’s father is about to enlist in the war, and Peter will have to go live with his grandfather. Pax cannot go with Peter. Peter throws Pax’s favorite toy into the woods, and as Pax goes to retrieve it, Peter and his father drive away.
At first confused, Pax is determined to find Peter, “his boy.” Peter tries to accept life with his grandfather, but ultimately runs away to search for Pax. Pax meets a young fox, Bristle, and her brother Runt, who help him on his journey. Peter is taken in by Vola, a fiercely independent woman who lives on her own in the woods. Vola helps Peter cope with the death of his mother, and Peter helps Vola deal with her feelings about her role in a previous war. Peter, Vola, and Pax end up finding strength they didn’t know they had.
This story of friendship, loyalty, determination, grief, independence, grit, family, and acceptance
is told from Peter and Pax’s perspectives in alternating chapters.
The end may break your heart, but it works for the story. After all, sometimes the apple rolls very far from the tree.
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