Wanda Hears the Stars: A Blind Astronomer Listens to the Universe
(Hardback)
Publishing Details
Wanda Hears the Stars: A Blind Astronomer Listens to the Universe
By (Author) Amy S. Hansen
By (author) Wanda Daz Merced
Charlesbridge Publishing,U.S.
Imagine Publishing, Inc
17th September 2025
United States
Classifications
Children
Non Fiction
B
Physical Properties
Hardback
40
Width 216mm, Height 279mm
Description
A nonfiction picture book biography of astrophysicist Wanda Diaz 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. A nonfiction picture book biography of astrophysicist Wanda Diaz 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 Diaz 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 Bio
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 Diaz 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. Rocio 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 Corcumas, a women-led creative studio. She lives with her family in northern Mexico.
