This month’s Author Spotlight highlights DeAnn Wiley, the author of Homegrown, a touching and stunningly illustrated ode to the homes—and loved ones—that raise us.
Your editor, Mark, discovered your work on Twitter and was so taken with your scene he decided to reach out. Why do you think people are so taken by these stories and one of your most memorable responses?
DeAnn: I believe it’s a mixture of familiarity, need for connection and nostalgia. One of the best things about my art is how many people see themselves and their lives in my scenes. I have so many people who ask, “You’re from Detroit? That house in your art looks just like my grandma’s house. She lives in Detroit!”; or when people say, “we must be family cause that’s exactly what we used to do!”. My art makes people think about some of the fondest moments in their lives. That’s my absolute favorite.
Why did you choose to not name the main character?
DeAnn Wiley: I wanted the reader to be immersed fully into the story as if they were reading about themselves. It didn’t feel right to give the main character a name because in a way, she’s not fictional, she is me, my sisters, my cousins. I wanted the focus to be about your (the audience’s) experience rather than the character’s.
If there was one thing you wanted your readers to take away from this book, what would it be?
DeAnn: That home doesn’t have to be physical and we create home through so many different avenues. Our culture, traditions, customs, language are things that can travel where we are, that nobody can take away from us. As someone who was once homeless, has been evicted at a young age, lived with family members, moved frequently (I went to 3 high schools), it was important for me to show that home is so much more than the physical building.
What is a favorite memory that you have at home that stays with you to this day?
DeAnn: I actually have several! My mom did an amazing job at creating traditions that turned into the best memories. We did movie and junk food nights, game nights, karaoke. My favorite was getting new pajamas every Christmas Eve. I remember I got this Barbie nightgown and I thought I was that girl! It came with a little tulle robe with pink feathers on the hem and sleeves and little pink plastic heels. I click clacked all over the house in those heels. I still get new pajamas every Christmas Eve and it’s a tradition that I plan to keep forever.
Do you have a favorite spread in the book?
DeAnn: My favorite spread is the sleepover spread. I used to have sleepovers with my cousins all the time and it was always the best. We used to stay up all night singing, dancing, and skating in the basement. We used to have great time.
Tell us about a librarian or educator who made an impact on you.
DeAnn: Well unfortunately I moved so much as a kid, I don’t remember any specific teachers. But what I do remember is discovering a love for reading from visiting the library. My mom would take us to the main library in downtown Detroit every weekend. We would stay there for hours and I would pick out about 8-10 books. The librarian would be like “you know you can come back for some later” and my mom would say “trust me, she’s going to read every one of those!” The library was just an amazing place to be and so I’m extra honored to be able to potentially spark that same passion in children.
What was your favorite book when you were a young reader?
DeAnn: My favorite books were Cam Jensen books! It was about a little girl who had photogenic memory and it would help her solve these mysteries in her town. My fav was Cam Jenson and the Mystery of the Dinosaur Bones. It made me want to be a palaeontologist for a long time. Also have to give a mention to “If you Give a Moose a Muffin”.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects in the works?
DeAnn: I’m currently working on my second author-illustrator book tentatively titled “Double Dutch Queens”. I’m really excited about it because it’s about the pressure to always be “good” at everything you do and how that can create all this anxiety and doubt. A feeling I’m very familiar with, but just like the main character, I find a way to let go of that pressure and just jump in! I hope readers can relate to the journey of building confidence and trying new things! I’m also excited about Marley’s Pride which comes out in April, written by the amazing Joelle Retener. It combines two of my passions which is LGBTQIA+ representation and mental health advocacy!
About DeAnn Wiley:
DeAnn Wiley is a self-taught illustrator with a master’s degree in counseling psychology born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She advocates for social justice from the intersection of multiple identities—Black, Woman, Queer, and Disabled— and she stands in solidarity with other marginalized communities outside of her own. When she’s not painting, she’s learning, growing, and healing, with each phase of her journey depicted in her art. She is the illustrator of Sarah Rising and the Sunday Adventures series; Homegrown is her author-illustrator debut.
About the Book:
Homegrown
Ages 4-8
Out Now!
A touching and stunningly illustrated ode to the homes—and loved ones—that raise us, perfect for fans of Black Is a Rainbow Color, Saturday, and Last Stop on Market Street.
While her mother puts the finishing touches on her twists, a young girl asks what it means to be “homegrown”. Touring precious memories and lively rooms warmed by family, Mama and Granny explain that home isn’t just a place, but rather a reflection of people who support and love one another.
With lush, cozy illustrations, Homegrown is a beautiful author-illustrator debut picture book that reminds us to lift up the places—and people—we call home.
