Pax, Journey Home

Written by Sara Pennypacker

Narrated by Michael Curran-Dorsano

From award-winning author Sara Pennypacker comes the long-awaited sequel to Pax; this is a gorgeously crafted, utterly compelling novel about chosen families and the healing power of love. A New York Times bestseller!

It’s been a year since Peter and his pet fox, Pax, have seen each other. Once inseparable, they now lead very different lives.

Pax and his mate, Bristle, have welcomed a litter of kits they must protect in a dangerous world. Meanwhile Peter—newly orphaned after the war, racked with guilt and loneliness—leaves his adopted home with Vola to join the Water Warriors, a group of people determined to heal the land from the scars of the war.

When one of Pax's kits falls desperately ill, he turns to the one human he knows he can trust. And no matter how hard Peter tries to harden his broken heart, love keeps finding a way in. Now both boy and fox find themselves on journeys toward home, healing—and each other, once again.

As he did for Pax, Jon Klassen, New York Times bestseller, Caldecott medalist, and two-time Caldecott Honoree, has created stunning jacket and interior illustrations.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Sep 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9780063117457

Sara Pennypacker

Sara Pennypacker is the author of the New York Times bestselling Pax and Pax, Journey Home; the award-winning Clementine series and its spinoff series, Waylon; and the acclaimed novels Summer of the Gypsy Moths and Here in the Real World. She divides her time between Cape Cod, MA, and Florida. You can visit her online at sarapennypacker.com.

Reviews for Pax, Journey Home

[bookwyrmm_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I think this sequel may be even more touching than the original.

[Stephanie McMahon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The first book about Pax was very touching with lots of life lessons. This book is full of even more lessons with an appreciation for nature and the personal growth of a young boy who had many scares. It’s about healing for the boy, the grandfather, Pax’s daughter, the old lady and especially the earth and it’s people after war.

[Livia Bundy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am tipically a fan of books with an extreme climax. I also like books from Sara Pennypacker and I like both the books of Pax.

[Trisha Carpinello · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An absolutely amazing sequel to the book, Pax. I loved every minute of it. I’d have to say the only thing I disliked was the amount of time skipped at the end, but other than that, this is one of my favorites.

[Kathleen Limborg · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great story again! Wishing there will be more, so glad to have found this! Thanks for sharing your passion with others! So heartwarming!

[RyanShelby Collings · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have loved Pax for so long, that when I found out there was a sequel, I just about started to cry! This book is so heart warming, and full of love!

[bookwren · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was so glad to be back in Pax and Peter's world!

[oldandnewbooksmell · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The love awaited sequel to Pax has arrived!

It's been a year since Peter and his pet fox, Pax, have seen each other. Pax and his mate, Bristle, have welcomed a litter of 3 kits, that they now must protect from the dangerous world. Peter, who is newly orphaned after the war and filled with guilt and grief, leaves his adopted home with Vola to join the Water Warriors, a group consisting mostly of kids and teens who are determined to heal the shattered earth around them.

When the runt of his litter falls desperately ill, Pax turns to the only human he knows he can trust. And no matter how hard Peter tries to build the walls around his heart, love keeps finding its way in. Now both boy and fox are on a journey back home.

The first book of this series, Pax is one that I've adored since I read it in 2019. It's been on my recommendation list ever since and Pax and Peter never left my mind. When I found out there was a sequel coming out, I began counting down the days and got my hands on a copy as soon as I could. I don't think I was too concerned that Pax, Journey Home wouldn't hold up to the first one... I just wanted to be back with Pax and Peter. And boy, this sequel is everything I wanted.

Told between alternative perspectives of Peter and Pax, the novel is able to depict the struggles they are both having: Peter with his grief of losing his father, his only living parent, and Pax as he makes selfless sacrifices for the runt of his new litter. The novel highlights the injustice felt, especially by both children and animals, during and after wartime. Pennypacker also shows the bonds from different backgrounds that are merged to fight against a common enemy. Richly engaging, the novel shows the power of friendship and how much being surrounded by those who love you and you love back, can help a world that was shattered apart be mended back together.

Though this book is aimed at elementary/middle grade, I would recommend this book (and it's 1st) to anybody who just wants a nice book to read. It's truly a wonderful book about loss, grief, forgiveness, kindness, family (both blood and found), and that sliver of greatness that refuses to give up.

[jbd1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A followup to Pax, set a year later. Even more sad in parts than its predecessor, but still just as excellent a read.