Pax

The questions inside

One per chapter, across all 34 chapters — every question is editable before you print.

1. How does Chapter 1 show the special bond between Peter and Pax, even during a very painful moment?
2. Pax is alone for the first time in Chapter 2. What does he understand about Peter, and what does he not understand yet?
3. In Chapter 3, Peter begins to think about what he must do next. What does his plan tell you about his character?
4. When Pax meets wild foxes, how do their actions show that the wild is very different from the life Pax has known?
5. Peter faces danger and pain as he starts his journey. How does he show determination in this chapter?
6. What are your first impressions of Bristle and Runt? Use details from the chapter to explain your thinking.
7. Vola helps Peter, but she is not exactly warm or friendly at first. Why do you think she acts this way?
8. What signs of war appear in Pax’s world, and how do they affect the animals?
9. Peter and Vola both seem stubborn. How are they alike, and how are they different?
10. Choose one word to describe Vola in this chapter. What evidence supports your word choice?
11. Pax has to learn new ways to survive. What is one lesson he learns from the wild foxes?
12. How do chores, rules, or hard work at Vola’s home help Peter change?
13. Bristle has strong feelings about humans. What experiences help explain why she feels this way?
14. Vola’s puppets are important to her. What do they reveal about her feelings or her past?
15. How does Pax’s relationship with Runt grow in this chapter?
16. Peter thinks about anger, family, and responsibility. What is one feeling he is struggling with, and why?
17. What lesson about war or guilt does Vola’s story teach Peter?
18. Pax notices danger that humans have brought into the wild. How does this danger change the mood of the story?
19. How is Peter healing in more than one way during his time with Vola?
20. Pax makes choices that protect others. What do these choices show about who he is?
21. How does learning to use puppets or storytelling help Peter understand himself better?
22. Pax begins to feel pulled between his old life with Peter and his new life in the wild. What makes this choice difficult?
23. When Peter prepares to leave Vola, what has he learned from her that he can carry with him?
24. How does Vola change because of Peter’s visit?
25. As Pax travels through dangerous places, what strengths help him keep going?
26. Peter sees more clearly what war has done to people and places. What detail from the chapter stands out to you most?
27. How do Bristle, Runt, and Pax begin to seem like a family?
28. What does Peter learn about the meaning of home in this part of the story?
29. Describe a moment when Pax shows bravery. Why is it brave?
30. Peter keeps moving toward Pax even when the journey is hard. What motivates him?
31. When Peter and Pax finally come close to each other again, what emotions do you notice?
32. Why is Peter’s final decision about Pax so difficult but also loving?
33. What theme, or big message, do you think the author wants readers to understand near the end of the story?
34. After finishing the book, how have Peter and Pax both changed from the beginning?

Example answers

Printed at the front of the booklet, so your reader can see what a strong answer looks like.

What lesson about war or guilt does Vola’s story teach Peter?

I think Vola’s story teaches Peter that war hurts people even after the fighting is over. Vola feels guilty about things she did and things she could not stop. Peter learns that hiding from pain does not make it disappear. He also learns that people can try to heal by helping others and telling the truth.

Why is Peter’s final decision about Pax so difficult but also loving?

Peter’s decision is difficult because he loves Pax and has missed him so much. He wanted to find Pax and bring him home, so letting him go is not what he planned. But it is loving because Peter sees that Pax belongs with his fox family now. Peter puts Pax’s needs before his own feelings.

What are your first impressions of Bristle and Runt? Use details from the chapter to explain your thinking.

My first impression is that Bristle is tough and careful, while Runt is more curious and gentle. Bristle does not trust Pax right away, which makes sense because she has had to survive in the wild. Runt seems interested in Pax and not as harsh. Together, they show Pax that the wild can be both dangerous and full of possible friends.