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2026 Schneider Younger Children’s Award — Ages 0 to 8

“This picture book biography with STEM connections and disability representation shares the fascinating story of astronomer Wanda Díaz Merced…Thorough back matter is available in both the English and Spanish versions, including notes from both authors, information about the scientific concepts discussed, a time line of Díaz Merced’s career, and sources for further reading. Readers will walk away inspired by the world around them and Díaz Merced’s creativity and determination.”

—School Library Journal, Starred Review

“This picture-book biography traces the struggle and triumph of a little girl who kept searching until she found a new path to viewing the stars…After Merced lost her sight as a college student, she learned that she could access the stars by tuning into radio waves in space, allowing her to hear what she couldn’t see, part of the process of sonification, explained clearly and compellingly in the text. The digital illustrations, with their startling images of light and dark, enhance the theme. “A Note from Wanda” at book’s end includes her rallying cry, “Science is for everyone!””

—Booklist, Starred Review

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

Written by Amy S. Hansen and Wanda Díaz Merced
Illustrated by Rocio Arreola Mendoza
Published by Charlesbridge

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!

También disponible en Español, Wanda Oye las Estrellas.

Primary ISBN: 9781623544874
Publication Date: August 2025
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Nonfiction, Age 06 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Puerto Rico (Gurabo), United States (Maryland)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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Engagement Materials:

Activity Kit

Source: Charlesbridge