Donna Janell Bowman

Donna Janell Bowman is an award-winning author of books for young readers, known for narrative nonfiction and picture book biographies that spotlight historic figures who overcame significant odds. Her works include Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills (co-authored with Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills), Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World About Kindness, Abraham Lincoln’s Dueling Words, and King of the Tightrope: When the Great Blondin Ruled Niagara.

Bowman’s books have received starred reviews, state book awards, and a Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award Honor from the American Library Association, along with recognition from organizations such as NCTE, NCSS, ALSC, the Texas Library Association, and inclusion on “Best of the Year” and Library of Congress Great Reads lists. She holds an MFA in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and lives in Central Texas, where she writes, speaks at schools, and works as an editor and writing coach.