Wanda Hears the Stars
| Author | Wanda Díaz-Merced and Amy S. Hansen |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Rocio Arreola Mendoza |
| Language | English, Spanish |
| Publisher | Charlesbridge |
| Publication date | August 19, 2025 |
| ISBN | 9781623544874 |
Wanda Hears the Stars: A Blind Astronomer Listens to the Universe is a 2025 non-fiction picture book written by Wanda Díaz-Merced and Amy S. Hansen and illustrated by Rocio Arreola Mendoza. It follows the story of how Díaz-Merced learned to use sonification, which converts data sets into sound, to continue her research into stars after losing her vision due to diabetes.
A Spanish edition, Wanda oye las estrellas: Una astrónoma ciega escucha al universo, was released the same day as the English book.[1]
Reception
Kirkus Reviews gave a positive review, noting the "onomatopoeia-adorned" language and "dark, jewel-toned hues" used to represent the night sky, and concluded the book was "Uplifting and informative".[2] School Library Journal reviewed Wanda oye las estrellas.[1]
The book won the 2026 Schneider Family Book Award for best young children's title.[3] Mathical Books, a website covering children's literature with mathematical themes run by the Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute, included it in its 2026 Mathical Honor Book list.[4]
References
- 1 2 Bohan, Maria. "Wanda oye las estrellas: Una astrónoma ciega escucha al universo". School Library Journal. Retrieved 2026-08-09.
- ↑ WANDA HEARS THE STARS | Kirkus Reviews.
- ↑ "2026 Schneider Family Book Awards recipients named | ALA". www.ala.org. Retrieved 2026-08-09.
- ↑ Prize, Mathical Book (2026-02-19). "2026 Mathical Winners Announced". Mathical Book Prize. Retrieved 2026-08-09.