The Mask

Written by Clayton Marshall Adams

Illustrated by Rohan Daniel Eason

He was born this way.

Few would forgive his appearance. Fear and revulsion, even rage, were not unfamiliar to him. The villagers, but for one small child, have not been kind. The forest, his home, was not only a sanctuary, ironically, it also became his prison. One day, the forest offered him something more. What he found both chilled and excited him. It was a discovery that would change his life forever.

Middle Reader

"The Mask is a story that lingers in your heart and soul long after the last page is read. Intriguing, haunting, and with a little bit of magical realism thrown in, this short story is one that every child who has ever been bullied should read. As well, every child who has ever been the bully should read this tale to see the terrible heartache they have caused. Undoubtedly, this story will change some lives."

- Holly Connors, Feathered Quill Book Reviews

"A young, laudable voice tells an indelible story of acceptance and prejudice."

– Kirkus Reviews, Star Review

Best Indie Children's Book of 2021

"Wow softly escaped my lips as I finished the final page of this story...[The Mask] is a great awakening to bullying, pressures, and the price they extract without mercy."

– Darleen Wohlfeil, Story Monsters Ink Magazine

"This enchanting, dark fairytale uses imagination and evocative imagery to challenge readers to explore complex issues."

– The Children's Book Review

"Fans of vintage, creepy fairy tales will find more than a moral in this short but moving story."

– BookLife Reviews Editors Pick

"A fitting tribute to the teenager who could see so clearly and feel so deeply, The Mask is an allegory that teachers and parents will welcome as a starting point for discussions about many of the most valuable and elusive of human traits—love, courage, integrity, and kindness. Beautifully illustrated by Rohan Daniel Eason."

– BookLife Prize from Publishers Weekly

The Mask is a masterpiece and should be in every school across the world.. I will cherish this beautiful story forever.

– Amy Louise Hill, Reader's Favorite

I’m glad I read this book towards the end of 2021 so that I could compare it to the rest of the books I have read this year and appropriately say that this is one of the most striking and thought-provoking children’s books I have read this year.

– Literary Titan

"The writing and illustrations are truly remarkable…I think every middle school child and older should read this and be part of the discussion. The story is universally relatable."

– Lynn A Paulus, Psy.D, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

CJ Sparrow Publication

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