The Pixel Mask

The Pixel Mask: Canadian YA Fiction on Digital Identity, Authenticity, and Finding Dignity in Winnipeg’s Arts Community

What if the most authentic version of yourself is the one you only share online? For Nathan, a quiet Canadian teenager, his vibrant digital creations are a secret outlet for emotions he can’t express in words. Operating under the anonymous handle ‘Ghost_Pixel,’ his intricate pixel art goes viral, quickly earning him a devoted online following who see and value his true artistic spirit. Online, Nathan is celebrated; offline, he remains the quiet kid, struggling to maintain a “normal” life among his popular friends.

This growing chasm forces Nathan to confront a monumental choice: continue hiding his true passions and personality behind the ‘Pixel Mask,’ or bravely embrace his whole, complex self. This powerful new Canadian young adult short story by Winnipeg author Jamie Bell explores the internal struggle of balancing digital and real-world identities, urging young readers to consider the profound dignity that comes from being truly seen and understood.

Discover this compelling story about identity, courage, and finding your voice in a world that often pressures you to conform. The book is an excellent resource 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, making it a great addition to Canadian children’s literature curricula.

Available now in major bookstores globally, supporting Canadian publishing initiatives.

ISBN: 9798232078171

About the Author: Jamie Bell, Winnipeg Artist and Interdisciplinary Writer

Jamie Bell is an interdisciplinary artist and writer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with a passionate belief in the power of shared stories. His work explores themes of community and connection through creative projects and participatory research across the Prairies. When he’s not behind a pen or a camera, you can find him in the garden, a space where he draws inspiration from the quiet dignity of growth, a theme central to his Canadian young adult fiction.

Nurturing Storytelling Capacity: Supporting Arts in Northwestern Ontario and Beyond

This book is part of the Art Borups Corners Storytelling Club library, which proudly champions the incredible creativity and talent of the Northern Ontario and Manitoba community, including Indigenous writers and emerging voices. This special interdisciplinary arts and capacity building program ran in the summer of 2025, supported by the Ontario Arts Council Multi and Inter-Arts Projects program, the central Arts Incubator Winnipeg Hub, Ottawa-based Global Dignity Canada, and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design Creative Entrepreneurship Program. We extend heartfelt thanks to the Local Services Board of Melgund and the many community members, artists, and creators who made this celebration of Northwestern Ontario arts and Canadian storytelling possible.

Key Subject Areas: Canadian Young Adult Fiction, Digital Identity, Self-Acceptance, Winnipeg Author, Manitoba Arts, Northwestern Ontario Storytelling.