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

A nonfiction picture book biography of astrophysicist Wanda Díaz Merced and how losing her sight didn't stop her from studying the stars.

This 2026 Schneider Family Book Award winner is an inspiring true story of a woman scientist of color and a riveting, intersectional STEM read for ages 6-9.

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!

2026 Schneider Book Award Winner