He was born that 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.

The Mask is an allegorical tale that touches upon our human frailties, inspires us to find our inner truth, and dares us to be more courageous than we can imagine.

Beautifully illustrated and designed, The Mask compels a reader to ponder important social issues such as bullying and body image as well as the meaning of beauty and truth.

“The Mask is a story that will stay with you long after you've finished reading. Simple yet fascinating, it deserves to be shared with both pre-teens and teens."
- Feathered Quill Book Reviews

"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, StoryMonsters 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

“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

"A young laudable voice tells an indelible story of acceptance and prejudice. This story…is a remarkable allegory with a superb open ending.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“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

Release Date: 10/28/2021