WANDA HEARS THE STARS A Blind Astronomer Listens to the Universe

M.L. Sanchez introduces listeners to Wanda, a real-life Puerto Rican child who, after seeing the magic of the stars on a fishing trip, grows up to be an astrophysicist. She goes to college but, tragically, loses her vision to diabetes. Wanda's determination and dedication, along with her friends and assistants, are rivetingly portrayed by Sanchez. The moment that a friend introduces her to sonification--radio sounds from space that enable her to envision the stars--is beautifully described. Because Wanda observes by hearing patterns and anomalies, she discovers something in the stars no one else has ever noticed. Interspersed Spanish words add a multicultural touch. Audio enables listeners to journey with Wanda while learning scientific terms and benefitting from her refrain: "Never give up!" S.G.B. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2025]