The Mask

by Clayton Marshall Adams, Rohan Daniel Eason (Illustrations)

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.

10 to 16

48 pages, Hardcover

Published October 28, 2021

Reviews

[Melany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I teared up. This story is so short, but so deep and speaks volumes about humans and the endurance ones who get bullied have. This is very eye opening with several thought provoking moments, it just reminds you to be a more kind human and spread kindness. It's such a beautiful yet sad story, that truly makes you feel for the characters as well as the author. I want to personally thank the family for publishing this beautiful piece of work for Clayton in his remembrance as you can see his talent shine in this piece. Clayton may have left this world too soon, but this story will have an everlasting affect on me and others who read this story. Breathtaking, heartbreaking and beautiful all in one quick read.

I received this book from NetGalley and the publishers to read and review. All statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this short story/book.

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mask can be considered a children’s picture book, but I think it is much more than that. It shares a profound message to never judge a person by their looks, but it does so through a dark fantasy story that is beautifully creepy, with a seductively ominous atmosphere and a gorgeously grotesque protagonist. This is an intelligent and philosophical story that can be read by children, but I think will truly be appreciated by adults, because of some of the adult themes found throughout the story, but mostly because of its avant-garde storytelling.

This book reminds me of Alvin Schwartz collection of short children’s stories “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark”, but taken to a new level for middle grade readers. The art throughout this book is superb and does a fantastic job of setting the eerie atmosphere in the story that matches the feel of the book.

I found my self entranced with the story. Our protagonist, Mil, finds a mask that makes him beautiful but at a cost that is only found out later. I thought I knew where this story was going, but I was wrong. Not completely wrong, but wrong in that I could not have guessed what the mask could have wanted. The ending to the novel is…. well it leaves you on a cliff hanger, but it is absolutely perfect.

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.

The Mask is a unique and thoughtful picture book with gorgeous illustrations that will leave you pondering long after you’ve closed the book.

[Angelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ordered this book through my library’s Zipbooks’ program after seeing Mychal Threets share it on TikTok.

This was a beautifully illustrated story, and an emotional one too. The author’s parents’ note at the end was heart wrenching. I liked that the ending was ambiguous; it helps readers focus on the main theme of how our experiences can impact our choices, which in turn influence the effects we make on this earth for others. Highly recommended.

[bunnireadsalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was short but it was so powerful, so good!! The story was put together so well along with the illustrations. Beautiful!!!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew! Powerful book

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got my copy of THE MASK for review.

The first thing that caught my interest was the absolutely gorgeous illustrations. Rohan Eason's artwork is amazing and fits the story well. As I read the story I felt for Mil in his awful daily existence. Born with freakish disabilities he is living the life of a recluse in the woods. After a particularly horrible incident with a bully Mil finds a mask and so begins his dream come true and worse nightmare. I highly recommend, THE MASK it gets a little dark and scary, but is a great read.

[G.P. Gottlieb · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a moving story, published by the grieving family of the young author after he died, and filled with questions about who we are behind the facade of our looks. Although it's a bit scary at times, it's an important story for kids, especially those who don't understand the lasting repercussions of bullying. Clayton's family might find comfort in knowing that his story might cause a ripple effect of kindness.

[Paulina Bellantonio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but powerful! It’s a story of a boy who was born disfigured. He is bullied and shunned.
When he finds a magical mask in the dirt - he has to ask himself what is the price of beauty?
He strikes up a deal with the devilish mask - he can wear it but when the mask comes to call for payment he must do as he is told. Years go by before the mask asks for something - and it is a very high price.
Makes you think - what price would you pay for beauty,m and acceptance?

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional book!

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mil is a deformed young man who is treated like a monster. When he stumbles upon a mask that promises to grant him a better life in exchange for doing what it asks when the time comes, Mill takes the chance.

This story is one that I feel like had a number of good morals within it and probably more that I missed. For such a short book, it is deep. The Mask is one that will leave the reader thinking. It will leave them contemplating how to spread kindness and where their morals are even after things have changed for them.

The art style was something I really enjoyed. The style and coloring of it really gave it the feel of an older story which really pulled me in. It was beautiful and really connected well with the written words.

My one complaint would be the cliffhanger at the end. At the same time, that cliffhanger had me reflect even more on the contents, so it could do that with others.

The Mask is a short read that is well worth the time. While I do feel like this could be read with children, I would recommend a little older as I think a number of good discussions could happen with it.

[Charlie Helton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all here is a short story the world needs to read and takenote about a man that was born looking different than the rest. He’s shunned andridiculed by the villagers for being different. One day he’s offered a chanceto change his life and his looks in exchange for an unknown price. Is thatprice worth it? This story is so powerful, bringing to light all the issues ofbullying and body image that I feel like everyone can relate to, maybe not in an extreme way as some, but everyone has issues and has seen people treat othersdifferently.  If you pick this up to read it, make sure to read the noteby the parents of the author at the end. The author himself had his own issueswith bullying and sadly committed suicide. His parents found this short storyon his computer and shared it with the world. It is so heartbreaking that therewill not be another story by this talented author, but even more heartbreakingis how this could have been prevented if we just learned to not judge people bytheir outsides, and teach our kids to be kind.  “When you are kind to others, it not only changes you, itchanges the world.” – Rabbi Harold Kushner (quoted form the parent’s epilogue).

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was heartbreaking, as was the story about the author whose personal life influenced the content of his book. Mil is a severely deformed young man, treated like a monster by those in his village. He comes across a mask that promises to grant him a better life and in exchange must do as the mask asks of him when called upon. This story dove deep into how cruel humanity can be towards those who are different and how it affects those who take the brunt of that cruelty. It broke my heart to read about the author, Clayton Marshall Adams and his short life. Trigger warnings include bullying, abuse, abandonment, and suicide. Parents who are interested this book for their children, make sure that you read the book first so that you are prepared to discuss the topics with your child/teen as the content is serious and not to be taken lightly.

[Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mil is a disformed young man who once old enough to survive on his own, was abandoned by his parents to live in the forest. The villagers from his village treat him horribly and he is left to live a solitary life, having his carvings for friends. On a fateful day he discovers a mask that offers him a deal; beautiful for a future favour which you will not be able to ignore or your beauty will be gone.

This is a heartbreakingly beautiful story, that is wonderfully illustrated. It is very short, but packs a punch right to the emotions. The story brings even more weight with the author's personal story at the end. This is a wonderful story that reminds us all the impacts of bullying and reminds and encourages us all to be better people.

Thank you to NetGalley and the family of Clayton Marshall Adams for this ARC.

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was moving, deep and a little bit dark. And it ends with the beautiful and tragic story of the author. I read this with my nearly 13yo and it sparked a great conversation about bullying, mental health and more. I would certainly recommend this story for parents to read with their child.

I received a digital Advanced Review Copy from NetGalley, Darcie Rowan PR, and CJ Sparrow Publication in exchange for an honest review.

[Kassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the front cover of this book. It’s one of the reasons I requested to read it. I also love the story behind the writing of the books. I thought it was a pretty deep book for such a young man to write it. To have such deep emotions and thoughts at 16. Wow. It’s not a story I would read to my 6 year old, but I could see reading it with an older group and then sharing the story behind the book.

[Navya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book on Mychal the librarian's tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@mychal3ts?lan...) and immediately wanted to read it! This is a great short story and the illustrations are so good too?!?! I feel like it falls into the category of the books your teacher read to you in early elementary school that had a deeper message that you could understand/appreciate as you grew older. Clayton, thank you for writing this book.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a tough read. Actually took me 3 sittings at least. Thankful to Mychal Threets for talking about it. It was written by a sixteen year old while he was being bullied at school which ultimately shaped and ended his life. It was published posthumously by his parents. Very intense.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just for kids, but for grown-ups too. A reminder for us to embrace our own shadows…

[Christopher Childress Sr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short gem

A beautifully done short by a young author that is both a testament to the ills of society and the power of choosing the right path. RIP young man.

[KJ Incidentally · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful work by a beautiful man

Thank you for publishing this book in honor of its author, your son. It is a treasure that will surely make its mark.

[Lizanne Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book’s powerful message deserves a prominent spot in my hs library.

[Elizabeth Allred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like the story of the author’s short life, it leaves you wanting more. Being different from others can be so so lonely. Having faith in the pure love and kindness of people can be terrifying.

[Jodi Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

I rarely write reviews, but I found this book after watching a TikTok by Mychal the Librarian and it really touched me. I will definitely be reading this with each of the middle school students I tutor and with my own teens. I am sorry for your loss, your tribute to Clayton shows what a bright light he was and will continue to be to those who get a glimpse of him through his work.

[Guy Wheatley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated book. The story is one of endurance and morality. The protagonist is treated very bad by the village people because of his disfigurement, but he doesn’t allow it to make him bitter.
He is forced to make a moral decision. My only complaint is that we don’t get to see the most important consequence of his decision. It’s hinted at, but not confirmed.
This is a short read, likely a single setting. It’s well worth the time.

[Ms. Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended by the authors personal story. The story it's self carries a very crucial lesson that everyone should learn.