Wanda Hears the Stars
A Blind Astronomer Listens to the Universe
Published on 19. August 2025
Book
Hardback
40 pages
978-1-62354-487-4 (ISBN)
Description
A nonfiction picture book biography of astrophysicist Wanda Díaz Merced and how losing her sight didn't stop her from studying the stars.
This 2026 Schneider Family Book Award winner is an inspiring true story of a woman scientist of color and a riveting, intersectional STEM read for 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!
2026 Schneider Book Award Winner
This 2026 Schneider Family Book Award winner is an inspiring true story of a woman scientist of color and a riveting, intersectional STEM read for 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!
2026 Schneider Book Award Winner
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
Charlesbridge Publishing,U.S.
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From First Grade to Fourth Grade, Interest Age: From 6 to 9 years
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 284 mm
Width: 221 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight
499 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-62354-487-4 (9781623544874)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
08/2025
Charlesbridge
€9.49
Available for download
Persons
Amy S. Hansen (Author); Wanda Díaz Merced (Author); Rocío Arreola Mendoza (Illustrator)