Of course astronomers are not people we see a lot in biographies for children and especially women astronomers. But when you find a book called Wanda Hears the Stars: A Blind Astronomer Listens to the Universe you think, “Did I see that right? A female astronomer?” Then you see the word “blind” and realize she was also blind. What the fudge…..?????
And, yes, we read that right. Amy S. Hansen with Wanda Díaz Merced, and illustrated by Rocio Arreola Mendoza created a book about Merced. She is a woman who learned to listen to the stars and universe. She made strides not only for people like her, but the academic world as well. This (read via an online reader copy) is not due until Summer 2025, but I knew I had to talk about this amazing story about a woman who showed that anyone can see, or hear, the stars. A person who really shows there is no “I can’t” when it comes to education and doing what you love.
This introduction to the little girl who lived in a world where the stars were blocked by the trees, learned to love the magic of space during a childhood trip. She would then spend her life trying to balance her issues with learning (at first school was not easy), her diabetes and eventually even losing her sight, to become a world known astronomer.
Bold, bright illustrations capture the feelings and tones, while being their own character. Things pop off the page, allowing the person to come alive and give you a relatable story of perseverance. Extras are included with more facts and a few photographs