Tanisia

Moore

Children’s, YA & Adult Author

Podcast Host

Travels from: Birmingham, AL

“Tanisia Moore’s When Black Girls Dream Big is a book that allows its readers to see their beautiful selves depicted throughout its pages. So often, as young people, we are told what we cannot be or cannot do. But these inspiring and hopeful words, combined with Robert Paul Jr.’s magnificently compelling illustrations, lets Black girls know each time they turn the page that all of their dreams are possible.” ― Angela Bassett, Award-winning Actress and Producer

Tanisia “Tee” Moore is a revered voice of African American storytelling known affectionately as “your family’s favorite author.” She writes for young people under her own name and in adult contemporary romance as Nisia Roye. The common thread in all her books is her deep love of sharing life lessons embedded in Black culture.

Tee’s current releases are picture books: I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams and When Black Girls Dream Big, both illustrated by Robert Paul Jr. (Scholastic Press). She also penned Wash Day Love (Scholastic Press) with Corretta Scott King Honoree Raissa Figeroua.

She is also the author of the chapter book “Micah Hudson: Football Fumble,” illustrated by Aaron Cargill. With Lyn Miller-Lachmann, Tee co-authored the YA nonfiction book Film Makers: 15 Groundbreaking Women Directors. In adult contemporary romance, she penned After the Storm. Tee has new novels in the works.

Tee passionately believes that motherhood does not mean giving up womanhood. She hosts a podcast, The Other Side of Momming, and is the force behind MomTings.com, an apparel and lifestyle brand for mamas who need a gentle reminder that they can care for their babies and tend to their dreams.

Originally from Southern California, Tee is a proud alumna of Clark Atlanta University, where she majored in Mass Media Arts with a concentration in radio, and the Florida A&M University College of Law. She is a former intellectual property attorney now writing and momming full-time.

Tanisia's Featured Titles

Wash Day Love

Scholastic Press |

March 4, 2025

Children’s

A joyful, intergenerational celebration of Black hair, family love, and cultural pride in the spirit of Hair Love and Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut.

It’s wash day―Tasha’s least favorite day of the week!

Wash day means stinging eyes, aching back, and water everywhere, even in Tasha’s ears!

But with big sis comforting her, Mama humming to the music, and Granny telling stories of wash days past, the weekly ritual soon becomes more than a weekend chore―it’s a special bonding time for three generations of beautiful Black women.

Wash Day Love will affirm, empower, and reflect the lived experiences of Black children and resonate with families everywhere.

BIPOC Representation, Black Voices, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers

When Black Girls Dream Big

Scholastic Press |

October 15, 2024

Children’s

You have within you infinite promise. How big will YOU dream? This striking companion to I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams celebrates Black female achievement and is perfect for fans of I Am Enough, Little Leaders, and She Persisted.

“Magnificently compelling….Lets Black girls know each time they turn the page that all of their dreams are possible.” ―Angela Bassett, Award-winning Actress and Producer

I AM dope!

My crown shines bright

in all its glory.

When I dream big,

I can do anything!

In this inspiring tribute to Black girl pride and excellence, a young child discovers her place in a radiant heritage. As she meets twelve extraordinary Black women―historic and contemporary heroines who have blazed a trail for her own future success―she internalizes their strength and sets out to change the world in her own way.

Just like them, she can reach her dreams. And readers will discover that they can reach theirs too.

BIPOC Representation, Black Voices, Friendship & Community, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Social & Emotional Development

I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams

Scholastic Press |

September 19, 2023

Children’s

YOU are your ancestors’ wildest dreams. How will you express YOUR greatness? Perfect for fans of I Am Every Good Thing, Little Legends, and All Because You Matter.

“Affirming. . . . A joyful tribute.” — Kirkus Reviews

“A vibrant, heartwarming celebration of Black excellence.” ― School Library Journal

I AM FLY.

From my crown

down to the kicks

on my feet…

I AM my ancestors’ wildest dreams.

In this electrifying anthem to Black boy joy and pride, a young child discovers his place in a distinguished lineage. As he meets ten exceptional Black men–historical and contemporary figures who have paved the way for his own future success–he internalizes their greatness. Just like them, he can reach his dreams. And just like him, you have within you big potential.

BIPOC Representation, Black Voices, Friendship & Community, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Social & Emotional Development

My biggest and wildest dreams: The Journey of Tee

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Tanisia from California.

Little did she know that being an author was possible.

During this presentation I get to share my author journey, how I wanted to marry Willie Norwood, Jr.—a.k.a. Ray—, and how I’m living out my ancestors’—my grandparents—dream for my life.

With this presentation I do a reading of either I AM MY ANCESTORS’ WILDEST DREAMS or WHEN BLACK GIRLS DREAM BIG.

The Power of I Am: How picture books can affirm and heal readers

Books are powerful. They do much more than tell a story. They have the power to heal, to inspire, and to affirm readers of all ages.

In this presentation, selected picture books are used to help readers build up their self-esteem and instill confidence within themselves. As part of the presentation, the audience will create affirmations and participate in confidence building exercises.

Dream. Prep. Do. Rinse and Repeat: Lessons from Joseph on living out our purpose

Creatives are doers and dreamers. But how do we navigate life’s ups and downs without losing sight of our heart’s desires? How do we keep our dreams alive in the face of naysayers? Most importantly, how do we turn those dreams into reality? Having a dream—big or small—is free. But the cost to live it out may take everything we have to execute and live the life we’ve imagined. Sometimes, it takes betting on you!

In this signature keynote, I share with the audience the life of Joseph—yes, that Joseph with the coat of many colors—and how we can all learn a few life lessons from him to help us on our journey. Be ready to walk away fired up to go after your heart’s desires.

“Tee is an inspiration to our students and staff. Our scholars eyes lit up when she entered the gym and they were fully engaged the entire presentation. She also graciously and thoughtfully answered questions from our students, further engaging them in the conversation. She was punctual, prepared for variety of audiences, and very personable to the staff she interacted with.” ― Rochester Prep, 2025

“We had two exceptional programs with Tanisia Moore. The students were very happy to meet with her and engage with the book.” ― Pratt Library, 2023

“Tanisia was amazing at connecting with the students and they were all so happy to receive their own copies of the book. We would love to have her back at any time!” ― Noble Neighbor, 2023

“Tee was gracious, and kind and oh so lovely. The kiddos were engaged, and attentive, and had thoughtful insightful questions. Our events with Tee were nothing less than magical.” ― Country Bookshop, 2023

“Magnificently compelling….Lets Black girls know each time they turn the page that all of their dreams are possible.” ― Angela Bassett, Award-winning Actress and Producer (When Black Girls Dream Big)

“An upbeat manifesto that reflects on inspirational Black women of the past and present. . . warm pastels complement the affirming text. . . This is a loving and enlightening work that will pair well with Vashti Harrison’s Little Leaders books. Be prepared for a confidence surge in all who pick this one up.” ― Kirkus Reviews (When Black Girls Dream Big)

“This is accessible material that amplifies familiar voices and those not often covered. Moore’s note states that this book is a love letter to her childhood self; it is, in fact, a love letter to all children about locating their role models and never thinking or feeling small. A commanding but friendly book about empowerment and self-confidence.” ― School Library Journal (When Black Girls Dream Big)

Tee’s Events Page

Tee’s Podcast Link

Tee’s Press Page

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Read With Jenna, Jr. Summer 2025 Selection (The Today Show) Wash Day Love
USA Today Bestseller, When Black Girls Dream Big
Best Book of 2024 of ALA Black Caucus,When Black Girls Dream Big
I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams is the 2025 Young Listeners Finalist for the Audie Awards
Starred Review for I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams Audiobook – School Library Journal
National Council for Social Studies: Notable Social Studies For Trade Books For Young People: I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams