Wanda Hears the Stars: A Blind Astronomer Listens to the Universe

By WANDA DÍAZ MERCED and Amy S. Hansen

A nonfiction picture book biography of astrophysicist Wanda Díaz Merced and how losing her sight didn't stop her from studying the stars. An inspiring true story of a woman scientist of color that's a riveting intersectional read for STEM fans ages 6-9. Growing up in Puerto Rico, Wanda Díaz Merced wanted to learn everything she could about the stars. But in college she started losing her sight. How could she study what she couldn't see? Wanda found a way. She learned to hear the stars using sonification, which converts data into sounds. Listening to those chimes and drumbeats, she made new discoveries about the universe. Today Wanda is a leading advocate for inclusive science. She and her friend Amy S. Hansen collaborated on this book to inspire children to follow their curiosity no matter the challenges. As Wanda urges, "Never give up!" Wanda Hears the Stars is the perfect picture book biography to inspire any STEM-minded future scientist!

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1623544874
• ISBN13: 9781623544874
• Release Date: August 2025
• Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.7" x 11.2"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 3

Customer Reviews

Encouraging nonfiction

This bilingual biography of astrophysicist Wanda Díaz Merced tells of her learning to listen to the universe, adapt to sightlessness, work, teaching others and the meanings of starbeat and sonification. The most important message is her own-- "Science is for everyone!" and "Never give up. Never!" The illustrations by ROCIO ARREOLA MENDOZA are simple, imaginative and FUN in exploring stars and sounds using brilliant colors. Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age, including ESL, and great for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, waiting room, or your local public library! I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital Galley on Thorium PDF from Charlesbridge via NetGalley. Pub Date Aug 19, 2025 #WandaHearstheStars by @amy_s_hansen and @denarmen about astronomer Wanda Díaz Merced #DisabilityAwareness #WomensHistory #HispanicHeritage #PuertoRico #blindness #diabetes #STEAM #EnglishSpanish #overcomer #keepstriving @charlesbridgepublishing #astronomy @childrensbookcouncil @goodreads #picturebookart #kidlit #picturebook #illustration #biography #childrensbooks #imagination #sensoryinput #bookbub