The Madman of Piney Woods

The Madman of Piney Woods by Christopher Paul Curtis tells the story of two boys, Benji and Red, who come from very different backgrounds and don't know each other. Benji is from a Black family in the town of Chatham, while Red is a white boy living in the nearby Piney Woods. Their lives intersect after a fateful encounter that reveals a strange, haunting presence in the forest: a figure known as the Madman of Piney Woods. Both boys have encountered this mysterious figure separately, and they must now join forces to uncover the truth behind the eerie presence and whether the Madman is real or just a legend. The story delves into themes of friendship, fear, bravery, and discovering common ground despite differences.