A review by srivalli
Wanda Hears the Stars: A Blind Astronomer Listens to the Universe by Amy S. Hansen, Wanda Díaz-Merced

emotional informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

5 Stars

Wanda Díaz Merced lived in Puerto Rico. As a child, she fell in love with the stars and wanted to study them. However, due to juvenile diabetes (Type-1), she gradually lost her eyesight. Wanda didn’t want to give up her dream of studying the stars, but how could she achieve it without sight? 

This is a wonderfully kid-friendly biography of the great scientist’s life and how she achieved her dreams. The writing is a blend of English and Spanish words to retain the authenticity of the emotions (we get English translation immediately, so worries for readers). 

The story is simplified but not diluted. Children can still see her struggle, fear, and courage. They can also see the role of friends and mentors who supported Wanda in her journey. 

The last few pages of the book are a gem. Parents should sit with little ones to read and explain those details. We learn more about Wanda and her friendship with the author (it shows in the writing). We also get meanings for tough words and more information/ resources on the topic. 

I absolutely love the illustrations! The colors are rich, vibrant, and earthy; reflecting the Puerto Rico landscape in the beginning and the abundance of the universe later on. You could stare at each page for minutes (I did too)! The text is placed on the sides in 2-3 lines, while the onomatopoeia words dance across the page in a bigger font. 

To summarize, Wanda Hears the Stars is a truly inspiring book and should be shared with every kid, irrespective of whether or not they like STEM. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Kind World Publishing and Consulting, and IBPA, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #WandaHearstheStars