Tanisia “Tee” Moore ain’t just your average storyteller—she’s the heartbeat of African American narratives, lovingly dubbed “your family’s favorite author.” Whether she’s crafting tales for the young under her own name or diving into adult contemporary romance as Nisia Roye, Tee’s stories are woven with the rich tapestry of Black culture and life lessons that resonate.
Her children’s books, including the best-selling duo I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams and When Black Girls Dream Big, both brought to life by the talented Robert Paul, Jr., have captured hearts everywhere. And mark your calendars—for her much-anticipated Wash Day Love, illustrated by CSK honoree Raissa Figueroa, set to drop on March 4, 2025.
Tee’s creativity doesn’t stop there. She’s the mastermind behind the Micah Hudson series, with Micah Hudson: Football Fumble, illustrated by Aeron Cargill, and the upcoming Micah Hudson: A Scientific Spill, illustrated by Sanjay Charlton, hitting shelves in May 2025. Her debut as a co-author with Lyn Miller-Lachmann in the YA nonfiction Film Makers: 15 Groundbreaking Women Directors showcases her versatility. And under her former pen name, Nisia Skyy, she penned the romance novel After the Storm. Stay tuned—more novels are brewing!
But Tee’s story is more than just books. She fiercely champions the idea that motherhood and womanhood go hand in hand. Her podcast, On The Other Side of Momming, and her lifestyle brand, MomTings.com, remind mamas everywhere that nurturing your dreams is just as important as caring for your little ones.
Hailing from Southern California, Tee is a proud alumna of Clark Atlanta University, where she majored in Mass Media Arts and Florida A&M University College of Law. Once a practicing attorney, she’s now living her best life writing and momming full-time in Alabama.
For more on the many flavors of Tee, visit https://linktr.ee/moteellc
Website and Social Media Handles:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tanisiateemoore/
YT: https://www.youtube.com/@thebookoftee
FB: https://www.facebook.com/teemo84
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@tanisiateemoore
The Journey: My path to publication
I blame my children. That’s right. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know if I would have been brave enough to pursue my dream of writing. Motherhood has made me realize I also deserve to go after my dreams. Let me explain.
When I graduated high school in 2002, I left with a 1.99 GPA. Despite my dismal GPA, I was determined to get into college and go to law school. Now listen, I’m aware that my graduating high school GPA didn’t suggest I was law school material, let alone college material. SPOILER ALERT: I did both! And passed two state bar exams on the first try. But I haven’t met a “no” I couldn’t conquer. I applied to all the colleges that I wanted to go. I remember applying to Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University. At the time, there was a section of the application that I had to be filled out by my high school guidance counselor. This Black woman looked me dead in the face and told me that she wouldn’t give me a positive recommendation for either college because of my grades. I left her office feeling defeated but more determined to prove her wrong. It should be no surprise that I didn’t get into either college yet. Despite my poor grades, I was accepted into Alabama A&M University, where I excelled in my studies. After two years, I transferred to Clark Atlanta University. Because I conquer my no’s.
While attending Clark Atlanta University, I would perform spoken word on the Morehouse campus. My nerves would leave on stage as I held my notebook, reading the poem I had scribbled down while waiting to be called on stage. I marveled at the students who performed. Their passion was palpable, causing my inner child to stir. But life. I had things to do. After all, I didn’t grow up having authors visit my schools. I didn’t know that I could pursue writing full-time. So, I maintained my focus on becoming an attorney.
However, after my children, my love for writing came back in full force as I realized I needed something that belonged to me. Becoming a mom almost stripped my identity of self.
After independently publishing my first book, After the Storm, in 2018, I thought I was done with writing. I had checked one of my life goals off of my list. So, on to the next thing, right? Wrong! As I read picture books to my children, I noticed the lack of representation of the books found within mainstream publishing. I was equally perturbed when I found out that a Black person did not write some books that featured a Black character.
So, towards the end of 2019, I decided to write my first children’s book after the birth of my son. Around 2020 I started my query process to find an agent. I was introduced to my first agent through a friend. After signing with her, it became apparent that I hadn’t quite nailed down the art of writing picture books. Like most authors new to writing picture books, I thought it was easy. Only to find out it was anything but easy. At the suggestion of my first agent, I took a picture book course through the writing barn. While the class was beneficial, the relationships I formed within the writing community helped me gain confidence in my writing abilities and sharpen my writing skills.
So when I sat down to write, I Am My Ancestor’s Wildest Dreams, three days after Chadwick Boseman died. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I had cracked the code! I immediately called my best friend, Ebony Mudd, and told her I had written the one. My agent at the time submitted the book to editors at various houses. I found myself in a competitive situation with Scholastic and another publishing house. I had the opportunity to speak with the offering editors. It was apparent they both understood the assignment of this book and had a clear vision of how to make it shine. However, I ultimately decided to go with Scholastic. And the rest, they say, is history.
The Inspiration: Who/What inspires me:
Inspiration can be found anywhere. I have found inspiration from an ESPN special, a social media post, and, of course, my kids—my forever muses.
Regarding who inspires me, I am blessed to be surrounded by a fantastic group of writer friends who champion and push me. Especially when I lost my last two living grandparents, who passed away within two months of each other. My friends gently reminded me that it was okay to step away from the work and give myself time to grieve. Because at the end of the day, the work will be there.
So, thank you, Ebony Mudd, Maisha Oso, Taj McCoy, Jemiscoe Chambers-Black, Ashely Franklin, Janelle Harper, Jasminne Mendez, Stacey Byer, Tanisha Brown, James Williams, K.E. Lewis, Allan Wells, Antwan Eady, Monica Roe, and of course my ladies of The Fold. And to the countless others who admire and inspire me to be my best.
Under the Radar:
There are a lot of amazing Black creators out and coming out with beautiful projects. To name a few:
Stacey Byer– My Grenadian friend! Her art and words are stunning! I am excited for her debut. Will and Krill.
Courtney Lovett– My agency sibling (Team Holograms!) illustrator: The Maggie Diaz series, Basketball Dreams (Chris Paul), Santa’s Gotta Go (Derrick Barnes), The Lion King Circle of Life, and Venus Washington and The Lasagna Drama (Maisha Oso).
Senia Wedlick– I enjoyed meeting her last year at ALA in San Diego. We instantly connected. I am excited about the beautiful work she is putting out for young readers. Her current titles are Naming Ceremony (Jenin Mohammad), The Night Market (Brianna Mukodiri Uchendo), Space for Everyone (Camille Sucre)
Sade Smith– I also had the opportunity to meet her in person at ALA in San Diego. Her titles include Granny’s Kitchen (Ken Daley), Julie and The Mango Tree (Sayada Ramdial), and Super Mom.
The Buzz: Reviews and Media Links
I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams
I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams 2025 Audie Young Listeners Finalist: https://www.audiopub.org/2025audies#younglisteners
SLJ Starred Review for Audiobook
“Moore’s empowering debut celebrates a young Black boy’s unbridled pride and joy for who he is: “I AM FLY. From my crown down to the kicks on my feet … I AM my ancestors’ wildest dreams.” Those ancestors include 10 heroes, from Chadwick Boseman to Charles Drew, from John Lewis to Thurgood Marshall. Already uplifting in print, the audio is an even greater exhilarating enhancement. Spirited, youthfully persuasive Bullock performs a confident narration over a dynamic soundtrack by Matthew Head. The same narration repeats, with a techo-rattle to cue page turns. Moore then reads her bolstering author’s note (“you, my friend, can change the world”), and adds “A Little About These Ancestors” she’s chosen. The final track concludes with artist Paul voicing his “imagination is the seed of greatness”—encouragement; his heroes are 11—MLK is visible only in print.
VERDICT: All libraries should invest in this impeccable collaboration.”
When Black Girls Dream Big
Instant USA Today Bestseller
https://www.usatoday.com/booklist/books/when-black-girls-dream-big/9781338776201/2024-10-23
“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, let Black girls know each time they turn the page that all of their dreams are possible.” Angela Bassett, Actress
“We are standing on the shoulders of giants. In the same vein as her glorious I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams, Tanisia Moore has mixed powerful affirmations with the strength of examples of those who have gone before. Robert Paul has put these children right alongside, holding the hands of, carrying on the work of our the mentors and role models. This is a book that makes you feel stronger just by reading it.” The Southern Bookseller Review/Reviewed by Lisa Yee Swope, Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
“An upbeat manifesto that reflects on inspirational Black women of the past and present. This book opens matter-of-factly with the declaration: “I am dope.” A young Black girl confidently proclaims her royal African ancestry (“A descendant of African kings and queens. / My crown shines bright / in all its glory”). She likens herself to historical icons such as NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, astronaut Mae Jemison, abolitionist Sojourner Truth, and athlete Serena Williams. Paul’s digital art makes effective use of cold-press watercolor paper, evoking the texture and fluidity of watercolors. His warm pastels complement the affirming text as the young narrator sings alongside musician Billie Holiday, writes in a journal with author Jacqueline Woodson, and high-fives Michelle Obama. In his artist’s note, Paul shares that he drew inspiration from his own daughter for the book’s protagonist; he hopes that other young readers will see themselves in her confidence and verve. In her author’s note, Moore states that she wrote the book as a love letter to her younger self; she also includes further information on the women featured throughout. 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
SLJ Review: “A Black child with two puffs of hair declares, “I am dope./ My brown skin glows/ From the sun’s touch./ Magnificent and majestic, that’s me.” This narrator knows who she is and who she can be, thanks to trailblazers like G.O.A.T. Serena Williams, Jacqueline Woodson, Katherine Johnson (of NASA), Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Billie Holiday, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and so many others who are profiled in the back matter, along with an author’s note. Paul’s illustrations have to do some heavy lifting in retaining an almost cartoon-style look to the people in the story while also conveying a wide variety of time frames, facial features, and the integrity of each personality, and he succeeds; 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.
VERDICT A commanding but friendly book about empowerment and self-confidence, and a first purchase.”