Representing the best
Finnish authors abroad
Finnish authors abroad
What if hiding your face gave you a voice? A hurtful incident at school leads teenager Daniel to stop talking in front of people. A paper bag seems like a solution to him. When Daniel posts a video with his mask on, he feels braver and calls out injustice and speaks out the uncomfortable truths about being a teenager – and the world listens. #baghead’s popularity soars, yet irl Daniel is still not talking to those closest to him. A sharp, tender and highly original novel about shame, kindness, visibility, fame, and the courage it takes to truly be seen.
Teenager Daniel Penne is reading his essay in front of the class when his teacher offhandedly remarks on the size of his jaw. Mortified, Daniel decides he’ll never speak again—at least not if anyone can see his face. For his next assignment, a video, Daniel opts to put a paper bag with holes for eyes over his head before pressing record.
Feeling safe and more confident behind his paperbag mask, Daniel also posts a video online—opening up about some of the real challenges of being a teenager. That single post goes viral, and so he makes another.
The following for Daniel’s #baghead, who calls out injustice and speaks uncomfortable truths, grows quickly online. Soon Daniel finds himself with an agent and full-blown media machine behind him—with celebrities lined up to be interviewed – by #baghead.
With fame comes power, and Daniel realizes he can use #baghead’s platform to do good. Like Amelié, he starts trying to fix things for the people around him in real life. But living a double life takes its toll, and the more attention #baghead gets, the more Daniel realizes that he longs to speak to people in his own life. As Danielle Penne. Without the bag.
Perfect for readers of Wonder by R.J. Palacio, Front Desk by Kelly Yang, and Upload by M.G. Leonard – stories where young people find their voice, challenge injustice, and navigate identity in the spotlight.
Finnish edition
