Book

Wanda Hears the Stars

Name: Wanda Hears the Stars
ISBN: 9781623544874

A Blind Astronomer Listens to the Universe

Amy S. Hansen, Wanda Díaz Merced

Charlesbridge · Print & ebook · August 19, 2025

Reading lane: Science & Tech Biographies for Kids

A nonfiction picture book biography of astrophysicist Wanda Díaz Merced and how losing her sight didn't stop her from studying the stars.

Biographies of Women for Kids Special Needs Science & Tech Biographies for Kids grade

science

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At a Glance

Why This Clicks

Listening to Stars

A picture-book biography makes an inventive path into astronomy, accessibility, and one scientist’s persistence.

Come here for

The surprising link between sound and studying the stars
A story of curiosity that meets a real obstacle

Expect

An accessible biography of astrophysicist Wanda Díaz Merced
Science framed through inclusion, discovery, and listening

Book Details

Authors: Amy S. Hansen, Wanda Díaz Merced
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Published: August 19, 2025
Format: Print & ebook
Theme: Science & Tech Biographies for Kids · Biographies of Women for Kids
Reading lane: Science & Tech Biographies for Kids

Affinity

Publisher Categories

Science & Tech Biographies for Kids
Hispanic & Latino Life (U.S.)
Special Needs

About This Book

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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