Award-winning author Wendy Mass grew up reading. Some of her favorite authors were C. S. Lewis, Judy Blume, Paula Danzinger and Katherine Patterson. Weendy grew up "reading beneath the covers with a flashlight" in Livingston, New Jersey with her family and cat Muffin. Muffin was also the main character in Wendy's first writing attempt with her younger sisters.
During high school Wendy worked in the local library, the local bookstore and edited a literary magazine. At Tufts University she decided that writing would be her career. After earning her degree in English she set out for California to seek a career in the entertainment industry. She worked at various jobs that included working for a literary agent, a television casting company and also as a script reader. But a decision to go back to school finally helped her find her true calling as a writer for children and young adults.
Her first novel, "A Mango-Shaped Space" (Little, Brown and Company) introduces readers to 13 year old Mia Winchell. Mia has a secret. She has synesthesia. This is a unique condition that allows those who have to see colors in sounds, numbers and letters. Mia knows this is unusual and that other people do not have this ability. She feels like a freak. How Mia learns to deal with her condition reveals her strengths. Many facts about this condition are discovered in the book. "A Mango-Shaped Space" has received many awards some of which include:
2004 YA Top 40 IN Pennsylvania School Libraries A VOYA Top Shelf Selection 2003 Autumn 2003 Children's Book Sense Pick 2004/05 New York Public Libraries Best Books for Teenagers
"Leap Day" (Little, Brown and Company) is Wendy's second novel. This young adult novel introduces 16 year old Josie Taylor who has the good fortune of being born on Leap Year. The novel follows Josie through her special "fourth" birthday.
"Ray Bradbury: A Biography" (Enslow) introduces readers to this beloved and prolific author. This book is one in a series titled, "Authors Teens Love". It details Bradbury's fascinating life and his famous novels such as "Farenheit 451".
