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

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!

Author: Amy S. Hansen,Wanda Díaz Merced
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Published: 08/19/2025
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 11.20h x 8.70w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781623544874
Audience: Ages 9-12


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 06/13/2025 pg. 1
Kirkus Reviews 07/01/2025
Booklist 07/01/2025 pg. 62

About the Author
Amy S. Hansen is an award-winning science writer who has published more than thirty books. Her favorite part of her job is finding out the answers to mysteries. Sometimes that means interviewing people, traveling to new places, or taking things apart to see how they work. It always means reading a lot!

Wanda Díaz Merced believes that science is for everyone! As a blind astrophysicist, she studies the stars by turning data into sound. She is a leading advocate for multisensorial data, which increases access to information, and has spoken before the UN and given TED talks about the need for more inclusive science.

Rocío Arreola Mendoza is the illustrator of Sea of Constellations, Paula's Patches, and other picture books for children. She is also a freelance illustrator and the co-founder of Cúrcumas, a women-led creative studio. She lives with her family in northern Mexico.