The Pixel Mask

Northern Short Stories

What if the truest version of yourself is the one you keep hidden? For Nathan, a quiet teenager, his vibrant digital art is a secret language, a raw expression of emotions he can’t speak aloud. Behind the anonymous handle ‘Ghost_Pixel,’ his intricate pixel worlds capture hearts, unexpectedly making his work go viral and earning him a devoted online following. Here, he is seen, understood, and truly valued.

But in the real world, Nathan is just the quiet kid, carefully curating a ‘normal’ life that fits in with his popular friends. He struggles to reconcile his authentic, artistic self with the persona he presents offline, creating a growing chasm between who he truly is and who he thinks he needs to be. As his two worlds begin to collide, Nathan faces a monumental choice: continue hiding his true passions and personality behind the ‘Pixel Mask,’ or bravely embrace his whole, complex self, risking everything for the profound dignity of being truly seen and understood.

Discover a powerful story about identity, courage, and finding your voice in a world that often asks you to blend in. Perfect for young readers navigating their own journey of self-discovery.

This short story includes a guide with questions for reflection and group discussions ideal for families, classes, book clubs and group discussions.