"Uplifting & informative"
- Kirkus Reviews
Winner of the Schneider Family Award (American Library Association) and Best STEM Book Award (National Science Teaching Association, Children's Book Council) Wanda Hears the Stars shares the journey of Wanda Díaz Merced, a blind astrophysicist who uses sound to study the stars.
Recognition for Wanda Hears the Stars
Booklist
Editors' Choice 2025:
Books for Youth
NSTA 2026
Outstanding Science Trade Booksfor Students K-12
Schneider Family Book Award Winner
American Library Association
NSTA-CBC 2026 Best STEM Books
Chicago Public Library's
Best Informational Books for Younger Readers of 2025
& Los mejores libros en español de 2025
Texas Bluebonnet Award
Booklist 2026-2027
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Upcoming Events
DC Science Writers Association, Author Talk with Amy Hansen & James Riordan​​
February 3, 2026, 7:00pm EST, Online
Celebrating the “Unbeatable Determination” of Renowned Blind Astronomer Scientist Dr. Wanda Díaz-Merced
March 2, 2026, 6:30pm EST, Friends School in Baltimore
Resources for Wanda Hears the Stars
Wanda Hears the Stars is a great addition for your classroom curriculum! Check out these additional resources
Teacher's Guide
This guide is designed for grades 3-6, including lesson plans, worksheets and handouts, and alignment with Common Core and National Science Education standards.
STEMLoft Episode with Miranda Cosgrove
Mission Unstoppable with Miranda Cosgrove celebrates women who have become superstars in STEM-related careers. In this episode of STEMLoft, Miranda shares interesting facts from the Wanda storyline.
Sloths and bugs and firebirds...more books to explore ahead!
I am a staff writer at beanz and focus on space science and physics, with an occasional article about dinosaurs.
Cicada Songs:
a short play.
Cicadas are a short-lived, loud insect that show up every 17 years. I asked what would happen if they wanted more from life than just making noise. My short play was produced by College Park Arts Exchange.
