Pax, by Sara Pennypacker, is the story of a boy and his pet fox who are separated because of the coming war threatening their home. Both Peter (the boy) and Pax (the fox) are immediately aware that they should not be separated, and spend a large part of the book trying to reunite with one another. Along the way they each make significant acquaintances that help them to grow. These episodes, along with the larger themes related to the travesty of war, lend great emotion to the book. The book is written with alternating chapters being narrated by the alternating protagonists; Peter narrates odd number chapters while Pax narrates even numbered ones. This brings a unique perspective to the book that I really enjoyed. I felt Pax was a beautifully written book with compelling and believable characters, and deep, abiding messages. I know this book is one that will stay with me for a very long time. I have to admit that I had a knot in the pit of my stomach throughout the book as I worried about what would happen to Pax and to Peter. The strength of that emotion speaks to some of the strength of the writing, but it is also indicative of something else-- there were times when I didn't enjoy this book; in fact, I felt that it put me in a negative and depressed mood at times. That's not a criticism, but it's something to consider when sharing the book with children. Things I loved most about this book were: *the chapters with Pax and the other foxes, and how believable they were; *Klassen's illustrations; *the redemptive nature of the relationship between Peter and Vola; *the overall themes and messages. I feel like this one may be a true contender for a medal when it's time for the book awards next winter, and it has just been named as the middle-grade choice for the Global Read-Aloud in October (https://theglobalreadaloud.com/)!