Christopher Paul Curtis revisits the Ontario, Canada, setting (40 years later) of his Newbery Honor book Elijah of Buxton with this multilayered companion novel that stands soundly on its own.
Set in 1901, the story alternates between the first-person narratives of two 13-year-old boys and the woods (and other factors) that separate them. Benjamin "Benji" Alston, an aspiring journalist, lives in Buxton, which was settled by former slaves. Scientifically minded Alvin "Red" Stockard hails from Chatham, where he's being raised by his prejudiced Irish grandmother. When the boys attend a forensics competition, their chance meeting blossoms into an uncommon and remarkable friendship. Both boys are fascinated and terrified of their local myths: Buxton's Madman of Piney Woods and Chatham's South Woods Lion Man. As Red and Benji's friendship deepens, the boys each encounter an apparent wild man in the woods. Could the Lion Man and the Madman be the same person? What could drive a man to live in such solitude?
Curtis tackles racism, prejudice, alcoholism and child abuse in startlingly honest light. Benji and Red are at an age where they're grappling with how to confront these issues. The truth behind the Madman brings to light further issues of war and heroism. Despite the gravity of these themes, Curtis balances the tale with humor and levity. His sense of place, particularly in Piney Woods, will enchant readers. The author captures the spirit of adventure and opportunity that comes with being young, as well as his characters' innate sense of justice. --Kyla Paterno, reviewer