Pax, Journey Home

by Sara Pennypacker

illustrated by Jon Klassen

When you read Pax by Sara Pennypacker, you will probably want to have closure on several fronts. What happens to Peter? What happens to Pax? Will they ever unite? Will Peter ever return to live with Vola or will he return to his old home?

In Pax, Journey Home the focus is no longer the war, but the aftermath of the war—deserted towns, water poisoned with heavy metals, and animals who have died or fled. Peter joins the Water Warriors in a junior capacity and is able to help some of the adults with his survival skills. Peter’s story turns more tender here as he finally deals with grief and guilt. 

Like the first book, Pax, this book provides many opportunities for discussion about war and its impact on families. It adds to that framework environmental topics related to war.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Children’s Fiction

Notes: 1.  Ages 9-11

        Grades 3-7

    2. I liked this book better than the first. Although this book  shows Peter confronting issues from his past, in Pax, Journey Home, he overcomes them. He learns how to be strong and brave in his decisions. There is more positivity and gentleness in this book. I do advise reading Pax first.

Publication:  January 31, 2023—Balzer + Bray

Memorable Lines:

Memories were so treacherous. Always lurking under the surface, ready to bushwhack you with a blade to the heart when you weren’t careful.

“Well, that is not what I believe.” Vola said it in a completely neutral voice. No challenge, no judgement on someone who believed something else.  Peter had come to appreciate Vola’s technique. It defused things, let the other person hold a different side without asking for a fight.

When they’d pulled into the outpost, she’d advised him again. “Fill your cup whenever you can,” and this time he’d understood that she wasn’t talking about water and his eyes had stung.