  | Wanda hears the stars : a blind astronomer listens to the universe Author: Hansen, Amy | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
Growing up in Puerto Rico, Wanda Diaz Merced wanted to study the stars. But when she lost her sight, she had to find a new way to work. Through the use of sonification, which turns data into sound, she was able to make a path for herself and other scientists with disabilities.
| Added Entry - Personal Name: | Diaz Merced, Wanda |
| Illustrator: | Arreola Mendoza, Rocio |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (07/01/25)
School Library Journal (+) (06/13/25)
Booklist (+) (00/07/25)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 06/13/2025 Gr 2–5—This picture book biography with STEM connections and disability representation shares the fascinating story of astronomer Wanda Díaz Merced. Growing up in Puerto Rico, Díaz Merced was fascinated by the stars and chased her dream to study them all the way to college. But when she began losing her eyesight due to diabetes, she had to find a new way to see what she had dedicated her whole life to. Not one to give up when faced with a challenge, Díaz Merced threw herself into the field of sonification, where numerical astronomic datasets are turned into sound, revealing new insights into celestial activity. Mendoza's whimsical illustrations amplify the themes of magic and discovery surrounding Díaz Merced's work. 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. VERDICT Readers will walk away inspired by the world around them and Díaz Merced's creativity and determination. Recommended for all libraries.—Maria Bohan - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
