The Alabama Writers’ Forum
The Alabama Writers’ Forum, a partnership program of the Alabama State Council on the Arts, works to cultivate our state’s literary culture. We do that through supporting writers at all stages. We encourage our young writers to find their creative voice through the Father Goose Poetry Festival for Kids!–and through our Alabama High School Literary Arts Awards. We support the work of our state’s literary community through our Alabama Authors Directory, First Draft magazine, and other programming and opportunities for writers across the state. And we celebrate our state’s rich literary legacy through the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame. We are, above all, a community of writers united by our desire to advance the literary arts in Alabama. If that describes you — join us! There are many ways to get involved.
Bones at the Crossroads
Bones at the Crossroads By LaDarrion Williams Penguin Random House, 2025 Hardback: $20.99 Genre: Contemporary Fantasy / Young Adult Reviewed by Dr. Candice N. Hale In Bones at the Crossroads, the rousing sequel to Blood at the Root, LaDarrion Williams brings readers back to Caiman University for a story wielding more secrets and betrayals than Malik Barron can handle. Although Malik is continuing his studies as a budding Black conjurer at his HBCU, he cannot release the abandonment, hurt, and trauma that characterized his life before this journey. He is on a mission to understand not only his powers at Caiman but also his true legacy. In Blood at the Root, we see how quickly Black Boy Joy is extinguished. Malik carries the weight of societal expectations for Black boys alongside his own trauma, abandonment, and pain. So, when Malik finally meets his grandmother and gains access to the prestigious Caiman U to hone and perfect his magical abilities, he learns to be happy, cultivates new friendships, discovers himself, and enjoys Black boyhood. Yet, that joy is [...]
