Pax by Sara Pennypacker

I had purchased this book at one of our Book Fairs last year and after our author visit with Sara Pennypacker this year, I finally read it.  Although I have had a Winnona Park student tell me they read it, it is a somewhat dystopian story involving the friendship, and separation, of a 12 year old boy and a fox, a war, and includes the death of the child's mother.  I would say it's a little dark and scary for most third graders but the story of the friendship between the boy and the fox would be appropriate and it could make a good read aloud which would encourage discussion about some important topics.  Here are some reviews from Common Sense media.