A Mango-Shaped Space

If I had to compare Wendy Mass to an author I treasured as I was growing up, I'd have to say she is this generation's Judy Blume.  Life has gotten considerably more complicated for tweens and teens.  Wendy Mass seems to be able to identify with today's teens.  That's not to say that there's been an increase in children affected with synesthesia or more children born on February 29.  But, her books go to the root of growing up and feeling different, whether that difference is perception or reality.

Mia has a secret.  In her life everything has color:  sounds, letters and numbers.  She has named her cat Mango, not because of his orange eyes, but because his purrs sound yellow-orange.  Pre-Algebra is difficult for her because the letters x and y already have colors, but not necessarily the color that the answer is.  Learning that she is not a freak and realizing that differences are empowering is what Wendy Mass's  A Mango-Shaped Space is all about.

I am jealous of Mia.  I love the thought that letters, sounds and numbers are much more than just what they are.  I'd like to think that my name is the color of the sky right at sunset, that beautiful pinky-orange color.  Wendy Mass does a beautiful job introducing the phenomenon of  synesthesia and all of it's many variations.  Mass has recommended the book, The Man Who Tasted Shapes for those who would like to learn more about this fascinating topic. The subplots of dealing with a best friend and the death of a pet are intertwined so flawlessly.  The best book every for dealing with the loss of a pet is The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst.  Although, Wendy Mass has done a fabulous job dealing with both subjects!