Are you looking for some fun and interesting Pax teaching activities? You’ve come to the right place.
Reading Level
Lexile 760L
Interest Level
Grades 3-5
Length
272 pages
Award
National Book Award Longlist
Jump to Section
⭐ About the Book: Pax
Pax by Sara Pennypacker is a powerful, heart‑wrenching novel that explores the bond between a boy and his fox against the backdrop of war. When twelve‑year‑old Peter is forced to release his beloved companion Pax into the wild, the two embark on separate journeys that test their courage, loyalty, and resilience. Through alternating chapters told from Peter’s and Pax’s perspectives, readers experience both the human and animal cost of conflict.
As Peter sets out on a dangerous quest to reunite with Pax, he confronts the realities of war, the weight of responsibility, and the meaning of peace. Meanwhile, Pax must learn to survive on his own, navigating a world filled with threats and uncertainty. Their parallel paths create a deeply emotional story that resonates with readers long after the final page.
This beautifully written novel is perfect for upper elementary and middle‑grade students. Its themes of separation, war, healing, and personal growth make it ideal for lessons on character development, theme, symbolism, and point of view.
⭐ Book Details
| Publication Date | February 2, 2016 |
| Reading Level | Lexile 760L • Guided Reading Level T |
| Interest Level | Grades 3–5 (Ages 8–12) |
| Awards | National Book Award Longlist • New York Times Bestseller • Amazon Best Book of the Year • California Young Readers Medal (2018) • Great Lakes Great Books Award Nominee (2018) • Judy Lopez Memorial Award (2017) |
| Length | 272 pages (approx. 48,575 words) |
| Estimated Reading Time | About 3 hours and 14 minutes |
| Audiobook Length | 5 hours and 32 minutes |
| Genre | Fiction |
| Setting | A dystopian future in North America — Hampton, the abandoned rope mill, Grandfather’s house, Vola’s house |
| Themes | War, Quest, Separation |
| Point of View | Third-person limited, alternating between Pax and Peter |
| Memorable Quote | “Because I am exactly where I should be, doing exactly what I should be doing. That is peace.” |
| First Line | “The fox felt the car slow before the boy did, as he felt everything first.” |
Pax Teaching Activities
Book Unit Samples
This sample contains the following:
- Vocabulary Practice for Chapters 1-2
- Comprehension Questions for Chapters 1-2
- Constructed Response Question – Character Traits
Pax Teaching Activities #1 – Discussion Questions
What are the different themes explored in the novel? How are these themes relevant to our world today?
- the impact of war on individuals and animals
- the importance of friendship and loyalty
- the significance of family, the struggle for survival
- the need for compassion and understanding
These themes are relevant to our world today because war, conflict, and the struggle for survival continue to impact individuals and communities around the world.
What are the different perspectives on war presented in the book? How does the war affect the human and animal characters in the story?
The book presents different perspectives on war, including the experiences of soldiers, civilians, and animals. The war affects the human and animal characters in the story in different ways:
- physical injury
- emotional trauma
- loss and grief
Pax Teaching Activities #2 – The Book’s Title
Have students research to determine the significance of the title, Pax.
Pax is the Latin word for peace. The title relates to the themes and events of the story because both Peter and Pax are searching for peace and a sense of belonging in a world that is torn apart by war.
Pax Teaching Activities #3 – The Life of a Fox
Have students conduct research on foxes, including their habitat, behavior, and relationship with humans.
Foxes are found in many habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and even urban areas. They are highly adaptable animals that can live in close proximity to humans. They are usually most active at night. Foxes are known for their curious and playful behavior. They are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including small mammals, birds, insects, and fruits.
Foxes are often seen as pests by farmers and homeowners. They can cause damage to crops and livestock. Many people for their beauty and intelligence. In some cultures, foxes are associated with trickery and cunning. In other cultures, foxes are seen as symbols of good fortune.
Foxes are generally shy and avoid contact with people. However, in areas where they have become accustomed to human presence. In some cases, they even rely on human-provided food. In urban areas, foxes have been known to take up residence in gardens, parks, and even under buildings.
Pax Teaching Activities #4 – Father and Son Relationships
Peter has a difficult relationship with his father. Explore different father and son relationships by having students listen to songs.
Cat Stevens “Father and Son”
In this song by Cat Stevens, the father tries to give his son advice about how to live his life. The son is tired of being ordered to listen. He needs to go out on his own and make his own decisions; he can’t just simply follow his dad’s advice.
Dan Fogelberg “Leader of the Band”
Dan Fogelberg is honoring his father in this song. He tells a little about his father’s life. He thanks him for giving him the talent of music.
Neil Young “Old Man”
The video with this song is super powerful in its message. It will help the students understand the meaning of the song. The son realizes that he is very much like his father.
Harry Chapin “Cat’s in the Cradle”
The father is super busy working and doesn’t spend time with his son. The son grows up to be just like his father.
Brad Paisley “He Didn’t Have to Be”
This is a son/stepfather relationship. The son loves his stepfather. The son hopes “He is at least half the man that he didn’t have to be.”
Bruce Springsteen “My Father’s House”
The son returns to his father’s house. The house is still there, but his father isn’t. The implied message is that the son and father separated after a disagreement. The son waited a long time to make amends, too long; his father is no longer there.
Will Smith “Just the Two of Us”
The father tells his son how much he loves him. He gives advice to his son about how to be good.
Rodney Atkins “Watching You”
The father tells the story of his small son. The son watches his dad and imitates his father’s actions.
See the product that inspired this post.
Pax Novel Study includes vocabulary practice, comprehension questions, constructed response writing, and skill practice.
