Mia, a thirteen-year-old eighth grader, wants nothing more than to be absolutely normal. That is, however, until she discovers that the secret that would make her known as a freak, the fact that she can see colors for letters, numbers, and sounds, is not insanity but a gift known as synesthesia. The book A Mango-Shaped Space is about a snapshot in Mia's journey through adolescence, which is anything but normal. Throughout the book, Mia interacts with a slew of interesting, original characters, such as handsome fourteen-year-old synesthete Adam Dickinson, Mia's younger brother Zack, who's kept a chart of every McDonald's hamburger he's consumed; her older sister Beth, who is obsessed with hair-dye, vegetarianism, and yoga; her outspoken best friend Jenna, the cute-for-a-grown-up neurologist Jerry; Roger, a boy who may be more than just her partner for history homework; Billy Henkle, a five-year-old boy who is thought crazy by his family because of his synesthesia; and, of course, Mango, Mia's beloved cat who wheezes and meows in shades of orange-yellow, holds a piece of Mia's grandfather's soul, and will steal the heart of the reader. A Mango Shaped Space is an interesting, moving novel that will warm the reader's heart and send tears to his or her eyes. When I first began this book, it reminded me of many other books that I'd read. However, as the story progressed, I saw that this is not the typical story of a gifted middle-schooler. In A Mango-Shaped Space, author Wendy Mass tells an intriguing, original story. However, I wouldn't saw this book is for everyone. If you like high-action stories or dislike realistic fiction, this may not be the book for you. But, if your favorite books are inspiring, emotional, and moving, you would like A Mango-Shaped Space. Also, if you're a cat-lover like I am, you will relate with Mia, the protagonist, because of her love for Mango, and will probably appreciate and be saddened by Mia and Mango's story. If you are looking for a heart-warming, original, sensitive book to read, you will thoroughly enjoy A Mango-Shaped Space.
A Mango-Shaped Space
By Wendy Mass
| Interest Level | Reading Level | Reading A-Z | ATOS | Word Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grades 4 - 8 | Grades 3 - 8 | V | 4.7 | 58208 |
Book Reviews (61)
I cried SO much at the end because (spoiler alert) Mango dies but I absoulutly LOVE this book!
It's awesome and amazing. i wish I could see like her. Wendy Mass has such a gr8 way of describing it .it feels like I can c it.
I have it too. I can control it mostly...I could realate to this so much! You guys can give me a name or a musical note and I'll make it into a color!
This is a amazing story!!! Mia is a normal 13 year old except for one thing; she can "see" colors, by just hearing a persons name or a sound!!! You guys sould read it because not only is it funny, but also has some tearful moments
A really good book by Wendy Mass. If you want something inspiring and heartwarming (with a little bit of wacky) then be sure to read this awesome novel.
Mia Winchell has synesthesia, the mingling of perceptions whereby a person can see sounds, smell colors, or taste shapes. Forced to reveal her condition, she must look to herself to develop an understanding and appreciation of her gift. A very touching tale and I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
This is a great, great, great, awesome, awesome, awesome book. I love it so much and I recommend it to every one. I also recommend any of the Wendy Mass books.
Taught me to not be afraid of who I am!!!!
this book is amazing Wendy MAss is a GENIUS