Figurative Language in A Mango-Shaped Space

The author uses many different types of figurative language throughout the story. Some other examples of figurative language that are used are similes, metaphors, personification, idioms, and onomatopoeia. For this activity, students will identify and illustrate three examples of figurative language in A Mango-Shaped Space. Teachers may want to give the students a list of examples, or have them do a “scavenger hunt” either as they read, or as an activity after reading.

Examples of Figurative Language from A Mango-Shaped Space

• Page 29: ”The thunder fills the air with streaks of charcoal-black spirals, and for a split second I think they’re trying to pound me into the ground.” (Personification)
• Page 44: ”Roger’s sobs, however, are loud and clear and as blue as a swimming pool.” (Simile)
• Page 50: “I’m viewing her through a jumble of colors that come together like lumpy oatmeal.” (Simile)
• Page 57: “The bubbling up inside me has gotten too strong. I can feel it rising to the surface. Bubble, bubble, simmer, fizz, and BOOM!” (Onomatopoeia)
• Page 60: “This conversation has taken an unexpected turn, and my head is going back and forth like a Ping-Pong ball.” (Simile)
• Page 69: “I keep glancing at my mother, but she is wearing her just-be-patient face.” (Personification)
• Page 75: “I lie down on the bed and let the silence seep into me like a cool breeze.” (Personification)
• Page 110: “But if I couldn’t use my colors, the world would seem so bland - like vanilla ice cream without the gummy bears on top.” (Simile)
• Page 197: “A sigh of relief escapes my lips.” (Personification)
• Page 227: “My head is swimming and I feel like I am going to pass out.” (Personification)