KidsBuzz

Clayton Marshall Adams

Dear Librarians,

THE MASK is an old-world story with hints of modern-day life. It is an unconventional fairy tale that captures your imagination as you vicariously experience the life of a misshapen boy as he navigates his lonely existence. It is not until he discovers a supernatural entity, a mask, which has the power to transform his world, that he can have hope. Now, he can escape the taunting and brutality of bullies from the village. He can forge a new identity and create a new life.  But is the promise that he must make to the mask for his newfound freedom worth the price?

Written by my son Clayton, who died at the age of 21, I've published THE MASK to honor him and help parents and teachers start meaningful conversations with children and teens about the realities that affects their lives: bullying, body image, courage, integrity, and love.

Spike Adams
www.cjsparrowpublication.com
FREE downloadable discussion guide

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

"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, Story Monsters Ink

"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