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A Mango-Shaped Space
A MangoShaped Space
Author: Wendy Mass
Thirteen-year-old Mia Winchell has a secret: sounds, numbers, and words appear to her in color. Mia has synesthesia, the mingling of perceptions whereby a person sees sounds or tastes shapes. This coming-of-age novel chronicles Mia's developing appreciation for her gift.
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ISBN-13: 9780316058254
ISBN-10: 0316058254
Publication Date: 2005
Pages: 240
Reading Level: Young Adult
Rating:
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 50

4.2 stars, based on 50 ratings
Publisher: Little, Brown
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

ScoutDarcy avatar reviewed A Mango-Shaped Space on + 19 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Since I am interested in synesthesia, it was a stroke of luck when I found out about this book. I've just finished it this morning, and must say that I was very pleasantly surprised. I'm old enough not to read many YA books anymore, but this one was delightful-- funny and fascinating at the same time, and very touching at the end. Synesthesia is a fascinating subject to me, and I feel that the author did a great job describing it (though I do not have it and neither does she). Mia was a great narrator, sweet and sarcastic, even a little scatterbrained, but hey, we're all human. I most definitely recommend this to people of all ages who want insight into a fascinating condition-- and even those who don't!
reviewed A Mango-Shaped Space on
Helpful Score: 3
Having synaesthesia myself, I sympathized with many of the characters plights throughout the book. This is a book of growing up, tragedy, loss, and love. This is a wonderful book for anybody who wants to relive the days of friendship bracelets and sibling rivalry.
skywriter319 avatar reviewed A Mango-Shaped Space on + 784 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
13-year-old Mia has always been able to see colors and shapes with sounds. For her, letters and numbers have their own colors. Her cat, Mango, whom she found on the day of her grandfather's funeral, is actually named after the orange that his sounds produce. Mia hid her strange condition from her friends and family, but being an eighth grader and failing pre-algebra takes a toll on her, and she finally tells her parents what's going on.

After visiting numerous doctors, Mia learns that she has synesthesia. This knowledge opens her up to a whole new world of people who understand her. At first, she is so fascinated by these new experiences that she almost loses touch with the real world around her. It takes a devastating loss for her to understand that she must incorporate her newfound knowledge with the love of the people who have always been there for her.

This is a sweet and interesting book about an unusual and little-known condition. Readers, especially those in middle school and early high school, will be able to connect with Mia's growing up.
smittydoodle avatar reviewed A Mango-Shaped Space on
Helpful Score: 2
This book is both funny and very touching. I've read it a few times. It always makes me tear up, but don't back away if you don't like those kind of books. It's also very cute and enjoyable.
imnellen avatar reviewed A Mango-Shaped Space on + 246 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book is about a girl. A girl like any other, except that she sees colors in letters, numbers and sound. The story unfolds around her admitting and learning about her colorful world.
A great story that spreads awareness of differences.
Read All 8 Book Reviews of "A MangoShaped Space"


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