Author Residency: Pittsburgh, PA

Alleanna Harris is a children's book illustrator and artist. As a kid, she would doodle on notebooks in school and on programs in church. She graduated from the University of the Arts with a BFA in animation with honors. Harris lives in New Jersey.

llustrator Residency: New Jersey

"Debut author Denmead takes readers on the journey through the life of American playwright August Wilson... Readers will appreciate the obstacles August overcame to become an iconic playwright... Highlighting Wilson's talent and determination, Denmead helps readers appreciate his genius." - Booklist

"Harris's emotionally resonant illustrations (sketches composed with digital ink pens and finished using digital gouache brushes) support Denmead's lyrical narrative and inspirational tone." - Horn Book

"Finally, the brilliant chronicler of Black life in America, author of the Century Cycle, is the focus of a book accessible to young readers." - Imaginary Elevators

"A meditation on culture, erasure, and what ultimately drives an artist's desire to create, A Song for August is especially and unreservedly recommended for picture book biography collections." - Midwest Book Review

"Denmead's account animates the story of young Wilson...Harris's serene hues skillfully depict Wilson's desire for creativity through visions of wonder and a typewriter." - School Library Journal

"A vibrant biographical portrait of August Wilson's childhood."--LitHub