A New Short Story by Tony Eetak
A new short story, “Mona’s Secret Songs” by young Inuk author Tony Eetak, is now available, offering young readers a thoughtful look at kindness and standing up for others in the digital age. The story introduces Mona, a student who finds herself in a tricky situation when her friends use a secret music app to create a mean playlist targeting a classmate. Instead of confronting them directly, Mona quietly uses the same app to add songs of encouragement, showing a different path.
The narrative gently addresses the important theme of the Dignity of Others, highlighting how small acts of compassion can make a big difference. Mona’s quiet courage in the face of peer pressure provides a relatable scenario for youth and young adults navigating online interactions and the complexities of friendship. Her actions remind us that even when it feels hard, choosing kindness is always an option.
This powerful story emerges from the Northwestern Ontario and Manitoba storytelling program, an initiative dedicated to nurturing new voices in regional literature. The program, led by the Art Borups Corners collective, focuses on supporting emerging writers and providing platforms for their work. “Mona’s Secret Songs” is a prime example of the engaging content this program aims to bring to young audiences.
Projects like this are vital for fostering arts-focused skill development among young creators. They not only give authors like Tony Eetak a chance to share their work but also help readers build crucial digital literacy skills by presenting scenarios they might encounter online. By encouraging diverse perspectives, the program also quietly champions the rich tradition of Indigenous storytelling, ensuring a wide range of voices are heard and valued within our communities.
This latest short story will be in bookstores online in early October as part of the Storytelling Club’s Global Dignity month activities. Readers are encouraged to discover “Mona’s Secret Songs” and reflect on its message. It’s a story that speaks to the power of individual choices and the impact we have on each other, both online and off.
About the Author
