Portrait of Miranda

High schooler Miranda describes her persona as ``vital, vibrant and visible,'' a sharp contrast to her inner self, which she views as an ``empty shell,'' a ``kernel of fear'' rattling within. Throughout this introspective novel readers will see both aspects of the troubled teen, who believes she may inherit deafness, an affliction shared by her mother and her maternal grandmother. Hesitant to voice her worries, Miranda feels isolated until she develops a meaningful relationship with a visiting British student. Although various events--learning family history, rescuing a bag lady, narrowly escaping rape, and acting in a Shakespeare play--seem disconnected at first, Mango deftly ties loose ends together as she convincingly traces changes in her heroine's personality and perceptions. Ultimate resolutions may be too pat for some; nonetheless, Miranda emerges as a sympathetic character whose quest for her true identity is absorbing and touching. Ages 12-up. (Feb.)