A Song for August: The Inspiring Life of Playwright August Wilson

An ode to one of America’s foremost Black playwrights, August Wilson, and a meditation on culture, erasure, and what ultimately drives an artist’s desire to create.

August Wilson grew up open to the creative inspiration in everything he encountered: in library books, in music, in artworks, in the lively conversations overheard in the restaurants and barbershops lining the Pittsburgh neighborhood of his childhood. August paid attention. He listened. And when he got older, he got ideas about what to do with everything he’d seen and heard — ideas that would make him one of the greatest playwrights in American history.

Illustrated by Alleanna Harris, written by Sally Denmead.

Published by Levine Querido. Alleanna is represented by Alex Gehringer.

We asked Alleanna about what the book meand to her and why she thinks it’s so important, here’s what she said:

“It was an absolute joy to illustrate the playwright August Wilson’s life. Working with Arthur and Jennifer at Levine Querido was an absolutely amazing experience. They gave me the freedom to illustrate what I was imagining when I read Sally Denmead’s words.

This picture book is important because it centers August Wilson’s childhood. We know about August Wilson as the legendary playwright, but we learn about what happens early in his life and how that inspired him to write. I believe kids can read the book and learn how to look around them and how to use that inspiration to create good things.”

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“A warm introduction to a master of American drama.” – Kirkus

“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

To work with Alleanna, get in contact with her agent Alex Gehringer here.