A Mango-Shaped Space

Summary
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 in this coming-of-age novel.

Main Characters
Mia- Mia is the main character of this book. She is in eighth grade and lives on a farm in Illinois. She is described with brown hair. Her best friend is Jenna. She has had synesthesia for as long as she can remember. In 4th grade, she got in trouble in math class because she said that numbers had specific colors related to them.

Jenna- Jenna is Mia's best friend. She lives near Mia's house. He mother died when she was young and ever since then she has visited her grave on her birthday. She is unaware of Mia's synesthesia until Mia tells her. She is a good friend, though the two often get into fights throughout the book.

Roger- Mia first meets Roger at the vet. He comes in with his golden retriever. Mia recognizes him, but doesn't talk to him. After they put the dog down, Roger comes out crying. Mia then gets scared and clutches her cat, Mango, to her chest. Mia and Roger become closer throughout the book. They do a history project together, and Roger encourages Mia to do an art project to explain their topic. He is generally the only one who'd doesn't act rude when he finds out Mia ha synesthesia. He feels empathy for her when Mango dies, while Jenna just yells at Mia on the phone for not coming to her party.

Mango- Mango was found by Mia at her grandfather's funeral. She named him that because his wheezes were "Mango colored puffs" that were only visible for her. Mia felt that her grandfathers soul was in her cat because of slight similarities. When Mango dies, Mia grieves and feels very responsible.

Adam- Adam is a 14 year old boy with synesthesia. Adam and Mia first meet online. After a week of e-mailing, they meet each other in person at a meeting.

Trivia
-Many people were inspired by this book, and many people with synesthesia compare their own condition to Mia's.

-There is no sequel planned.

-In The Candymakers and the Great Chocolate Chase (2016) Philip, a character in the book, meets Mia and her brother Zack.