My 5th grade son’s favorite book continues to be A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass. He read it in the 2nd grade, and it continues to persist as his favorite. Winner of the ALA Schneider Family Book Award – which honors books that embody an artistic expression of the disability experience for child and adolescent audiences – this great novel is a must-read for upper elementary and middle school students.
OVERVIEW: In 3rd grade, Mia learned she was different. Until then, she thought everyone saw the same colors as her – of course the number two is pink and the four is baby blue – but after an embarrassing incident at school, Mia learns she’s the only one who sees words, sounds, numbers, and more as colors. She keeps this difference secret from everyone, including her family and best friend. But now she’s in 8th grade and failing math class – an x is a shiny maroon color, not an unknown number! – so Mia shares her secret with her parents. Mia eventually learns she has synesthesia, and must navigate this new information whilst also navigating life as a 13 year old.
This coming-of-age novel is incredibly well-written. Mia’s family is quirky, yet real and lovable. And her friendship is with her best friend, Jenna, is believable, heartwarming, and dynamic. Mango is Mia’s cat, and he plays a beautiful role in this novel. This book is over 20 years old, but is still a great and relatable read for middle grade students.
AGE RANGE: I recommend this book for 5th – 7th graders; 10-13 year olds. But with that said, my son read it at 7 and loved it.
FAVORITE LINE:
“I think it’s pretty neat,” he says, following me inside.
“You do?”
“Sure,” he says grinning. “Now I know you’re the strangest one in the family after all. And you had some stiff competition!”
THEMES: identity; friendship; family; grief; loss; healing
BONUS INFO:
- Synesthesia: Mass’s descriptions of what Mia experiences are vivid and well-written. For a recent middle grade novel with a protagonist with synesthesia, check out The Color of Sound by Emily Barth Isler
Have you read A Mango-Shaped Space? What did you think?
Birdie's Bookshelf 