A Mango-Shaped Space

A Mango-Shaped Space is a young adult novel written by author Wendy Mass. First published in 2003, the book explores the life of Mia Winchell, a thirteen-year-old girl living with a rare neurological condition known as synesthesia. This condition leads her to perceive sounds, numbers, and letters in colors. The novel delves into themes of identity, adolescence, and the challenges of being different.

Plot Summary

The story follows Mia Winchell, who has kept her synesthesia a secret from everyone except her family, fearing being considered abnormal. However, as she grows older, the challenges of hiding her condition become more pronounced. The turning point comes when Mia decides to reveal her secret to her classmates, leading to a mix of reactions and a journey of self-acceptance.

Mia's synesthesia is portrayed as both a gift and a burden. It complicates her school life and social interactions but also gives her a unique perspective on the world. Throughout the novel, Mia learns to embrace her differences and finds that what makes her unique can also be a source of strength.

Themes

A Mango-Shaped Space addresses several key themes, including:

• Identity and Self-Acceptance: Mia's journey is one of coming to terms with her synesthesia and understanding how it shapes her identity.
• The Challenges of Adolescence: The novel explores the difficulties of growing up, fitting in, and dealing with change.
• Family and Friendship: Mia's relationships with her family and friends play a crucial role in her journey towards acceptance.

Reception

The novel has been praised for its sensitive and insightful portrayal of synesthesia, a condition not widely known at the time of publication. It has received several awards, including the American Library Association's Schneider Family Book Award.

Impact

A Mango-Shaped Space has contributed to raising awareness about synesthesia and has been used in educational settings to discuss topics such as diversity, empathy, and the importance of understanding and accepting differences.

See Also

• Synesthesia
• Young Adult Literature
• Wendy Mass