The story The Madman of Piney Woods is centered around two 13-year-old boys. Benji Alston, a descendent of African slaves, and Alvin “Red” Stockard, an Irish immigrant. They have their cultural differences, but the boys become close friends and adventure to uncover the mystery behind the “Madman of Piney Woods.” They are surprised to discover the monster of their imaginations is, in fact, a kind, quiet, rational man, who has chosen to live in the woods. Overtime, the madman causes the past of their cultural differences to come up and wash over
