Pax

On the day of his mother's funeral, Peter rescued a fox kit, and they've inseparable ever since.  But now war is looming, and his father has volunteered.  Peter must stay with his grandfather in the meantime, and he can't take Pax.  Peter's father forces him to abandon his friend on the side of the road.

It's not long after his arrival that Peter realizes he has betrayed his friend, and he sets out to find Pax.  Along the way, he will face dangers and learn some truths about himself.  When an accident threatens his plans, he meets a woman has a painful past of her own.

Meanwhile Pax is on his own for the first time with no idea how to live in the wild.  It will be a painful journey as tries to make new friends and learn how to survive.

There is also the looming threat of war over both Peter and Pax as the battle ground moves closer.

Sara Pennypacker's new novel is a beautiful and heartbreaking story about friendship, love, and the painful consequences of war.  Pet lovers especially will appreciate and understand the love between a boy and his pet.  Highly recommended.