Discussion Questions 

Chapter 1  - What does the quote at the beginning of Chapter 1 

mean to you? 
- What is the meaning behind Pax referring to the boy as 
“his boy”? 
- In what ways does Pax’s instinct show up in the 
chapter?  

Chapter 2-4  - What similarities are there between Peter and Rob (Tiger 
Rising) and their fathers? Differences?  
- What do you think is motivating Peter to go on his 
adventure?  
- Make a prediction about Pax, what will happen to the 
fox? 
- What are the “mistakes” that Peter thinks he has already 
made?  

Chapter 5  - How does the author show that the foxes are 
Pax  communicating with each other?  
- What does Pax learn from the way Bristle and Runt 
interact?  
- Why does Pax follow Bristle and Runt away from the 
road?  

Chapter 6  - What does Peter mean when he says he wishes 

Peter  responsibility was like the ball field?  
- How does Peter hold himself responsible for his mother's 
fate?  
- Make a prediction about what will happen with Peter. 

Chapter 7  - What news does Gray give to Pax? How does it affect 
Pax  Pax?  
- What do you think Gray means by “false acting”? 
- What does Gray think of war and humans?  

Chapter 8  - Why would Peter’s father make the “choice” to go to 

Peter  war?  
- What do you think of Vola? Choose two character traits 
 and discuss.  

Chapter 9-11  - Why does Bristle say “all humans are dangerous”? 
- Why does Vola agree to help Peter?  
- Do you think Bristle is strong? Why or why not? Give 
evidence.  

Chapter 12-13  - Do you agree with Vola when she says that Peter is “a 
soldier going into battle”? 
- Why do you think Vola wants to live alone like this?  
- Runt is turning out to be a good friend to Pax. Why do 
you think he is being so helpful and not just leaving Pax 
to fend for himself?  

Chapter 14  - Why is Vola so insistent that Peter write a note to his 
grandfather?  
- Why is Vola’s house like a nest?  
- What do we learn about Vola that is important?  

Chapter 15-16  - How does Gray know that the war will destroy 
everything?  
- Why does Pax protect Gray?  
- What does “war sick” mean to the foxes?  
- What does Peter think of the puppets?  
- What is “The Seven Voyages of Sinbad?” 

Chapter 17  - What are the wires that the people are laying down?  
- Do you think Pax will find Peter? Is he going in the right 
direction?  
- Make a prediction 

Chapter 18  - How is Peter showing his impatience?  

- Why is this puppet show so important to Vola?  
- How is Peter’s carving similar to Eben (7 wonders) and 
Rob (Tiger RIsing)?  

Chapter 19-20  - How does war impact wilderness?  

- What does Peter think about the time Pax chewed the 
fan? What do we know the truth is?  
 - What does Vola admit to Peter about living by herself?  

Chapter 21-23   

Chapter 24   

Chapter 25-26   

Chapter 27-30   

Chapter 31-33