A Mango-Shaped Space

A novel by Wendy Mass

A Mango-Shaped Space is a novel written by Wendy Mass. It was first published in 2003 and is aimed at a young adult audience. The book explores themes of synesthesia, identity, and the challenges of growing up.

Plot summary

The story follows a thirteen-year-old girl named Mia Winchell who has synesthesia, a condition where one sense is simultaneously perceived as if by one or more additional senses. For Mia, sounds, numbers, and letters are associated with colors. She has kept this a secret from everyone, including her family, until she begins to struggle in school and decides to reveal her condition.

Mia's journey is one of self-discovery as she learns more about her synesthesia and how it affects her life. She meets other people with the condition and learns to appreciate her unique way of experiencing the world. The novel also deals with Mia's relationships with her family and friends, and her struggle to fit in while embracing her differences.

Characters

• Mia Winchell - The protagonist, a thirteen-year-old girl with synesthesia.
• Jenna Davis - Mia's best friend who initially struggles to understand Mia's condition.
• Zack Winchell - Mia's younger brother who is curious and supportive.
• Beth Winchell - Mia's older sister who is focused on her own interests.
• Mango - Mia's beloved cat, who plays a significant role in her life.

Themes

The novel explores several themes, including:

• Identity and self-acceptance - Mia's journey to accept her synesthesia as part of who she is.
• Family and friendship - The dynamics of Mia's relationships with her family and friends.
• Understanding and empathy - The importance of understanding and accepting differences in others.

Reception

A Mango-Shaped Space received positive reviews for its sensitive portrayal of synesthesia and its engaging narrative. It has been praised for raising awareness about the condition and for its relatable depiction of a young girl's coming-of-age story.

Related pages

• Synesthesia
• Young adult fiction
• Wendy Mass

Gallery

• First edition cover of A Mango-Shaped Space
  First edition cover of A Mango-Shaped Space

A Mango-Shaped Space

• 1st edition copy of A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass
  1st edition copy of A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass