A Book, A Fox, A Boy And Love In A Frightening, Dystopian World
Updated: Apr 7, 2023
Written by: Rev Kaleel Sakakeeny, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
In the stacks of Young Adult books found pretty much everywhere, I hope there is a copy of Pax by Sara Pennypacker. I hope there is, or if not, you’ll order it.
Considered a Young Adult book, this richly layered, textured story transcends its niche. It’s a moving, heart-touching story and metaphor perfectly appropriate for any age, and for anyone with feelings for life, love and longings for both.
It’s a deep and touching love story between a boy and a fox: Peter and Pax.
It’s about courage and loyalty in the time of a faceless, mindless war, contaminating the land, fouling the forests and streams and marring the souls of the animals and people who live in it.
Unseen shadows of evil in heavy boots trample hope and goodness, while love and devotion between two species, a boy and a fox are bright lights in the gathering doom and darkness.
And, yes, there is inevitable, painful, heartbreaking separation as Peter and Pax grow into their separate destinies as fox and boy, together and yet forever separate as two separated species.
Pennypacker has given us a beautiful metaphor as well as a young adult genre that again and again rises above type.
It ushers us into the very heart of heartbreak and courage.
When was there a more beautiful fox?
When was there a more loving boy?
Why is the world still a cruel yet beautiful place?
The New York Times says that Pax offers a meditation on the bond between humans and animals, to which I add, it's the aching longing for closeness and love.
The Times also notes two things that make the book remarkable: the author’s prose which the Times calls “sharp and restless and vulpine,” and the pull of the love between Peter and Pax.
This is a small book for troubled times and loving hearts.
For teachers or parents looking for a deeper delve into the simple, organic symbolism in the story, or specific teaching moments, this Super Summary guide is solid and reliable.
And because readers wanted more, Pennypacker gave us a sequel, Pax, Journey Home.
Cleverly, the Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Washington) encouraged a sophomore at a local high school to review both books, and she said, “Are we willing to risk the health of our water and the ecosystems it supports for things as petty as our own conflict and profit?
Both books will be a big hit with kids in elementary school (to listen to or read), with parents and teachers enjoying and them very much.”
For now, let us hope that misguided and over-zealous politicians don’t suggest banning Pax because it’s about love between two different species!
While the world wanders lost, following what T.S Eliot might call “Hollow Men,” a boy and a fox show us the way, and come, perhaps to save us!
If you or anyone you know and care for is struggling with pet loss (or any kind of loss) and grief, please take a look at Rev K's simple but helpful ebook A Journey Through Pet Loss and Grief.
Kaleel (Reverend) Sakakeeny is an Executive Contributor to Brainz Magazine, and Director of the Boston-based, nonprofit animal charity, Animal Talks. Animal Talks’ mission and purpose are to advocate for animal rights, and to provide counseling and therapy for anyone suffering the heartbreak of losing their beloved pet to death. Reach him here.
Rev Kaleel Sakakeeny, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Kaleel (Rev K) is one of the country's few ordained Animal Chaplains, nondenominational Pastoral Counselors and Credentialed Pet Loss and Grief Counselors. His work in the field of Loss and Grief, especially Pet Loss and Grief, has earned him recognition from The Washington Post, People Magazine, New York Times and other media. He is a “thought leader” in the emerging field of the animal-human bond studies, and a practicing therapist.
