"The Madman of Piney Woods"

"The Madman of Piney Woods" is a novel by Christopher Paul Curtis, set in the early 1900s in a small town in Michigan. It follows the intertwined stories of two young boys, Ben and Alex, who have different backgrounds but share a friendship despite societal tensions. The story explores themes of race, friendship, and personal growth against the backdrop of a mysterious figure rumored to be a madman living in the woods. The boys confront their fears and prejudices, ultimately learning important lessons about understanding and empathy. The book is both entertaining and thought-provoking.