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“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 Oye las Estrellas: Una Astrónoma Ciega Escucha al Universo

Written by Amy S. Hansen, Wanda Díaz Merced, and Gabriela Carrión Zayas (Translator)
Illustrated by Rocio Arreola Mendoza
Published by Charlesbridge

Mientras crecía en Puerto Rico, Wanda Díaz Merced quería aprender todo lo que pudiera sobre las estrellas. Pero en la universidad comenzó a perder la vista. ¿Cómo podría estudiar lo que no podía ver?

Wanda encontró una manera. Aprendió a escuchar las estrellas usando la sonificación, estudio que convierte los datos en sonidos. Al escuchar esas campanadas y ritmos de tambor, hizo nuevos descubrimientos sobre el universo.

Hoy día, Wanda es una destacada defensora de la ciencia inclusiva. Ella y su amiga Amy S. Hansen colaboraron en este libro para inspirar a los niños a seguir su curiosidad sin importar los desafíos. Como insta Wanda, “¡Nunca te rindas!”

Wanda Oye las Estrellas es la biografía ilustrada perfecta para inspirar a cualquier futuro científico con mentalidad STEM!

Also available in English, Wanda Hears the Stars.

Primary ISBN: 9781623544881
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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