About

Tom Tracy Books is founded by the award-winning author and NJ licensed clinical social worker, Tom Tracy.  Tom began writing as a response to the dearth of books that contained families that looked like his - a two dad family with transracially adopted children.  He aspires to have more kids see themselves in the books they are reading while showcasing that heroes can and should be diverse children and families.  

As a gay dad and an adoptive father of two BIPOC daughters, Tom is committed to advancing stories that are inclusive of diverse families, especially lgbt families. While there have been significant improvements in the percentage of published kids books that contain diverse main characters, a gap remains related to the number of published books that reflect lgbt and other "marginalized" populations. That gap widens when you factor in families that are created through non-traditional methods, such as foster care, adoption, surrogacy, and IVF.  Tom’s work helps to fill this representation gap in children's literature. Tom's books not only feature lgbt families, but also include themes around alternative family creation processes and children's mental health.

Tom believes that indie authors hold the key to changing the paradigm   regarding topics addressed through kids books, as these authors have the freedom, flexibility, and drive to tell the stories yet to be told.  As a career social worker and a self-identified member of a historically marginalized community, Tom knows the value of sharing one's lived experiences with others. Authentic story-telling can help others feel seen, accepted, and not alone. Through his story-telling, Tom hopes others will experience a sense of belonging and feel inspired to also tell their own stories.

Tom was born and raised in Southern New Jersey, and has a deep sense of community - when our families, neighbors, farmers, local businesses, and organizations all work together to support one another, it strengthens us individually and as a community. Tom relishes opportunities to connect with the community, and is a frequent guest reader at local elementary schools and libraries, a workshop facilitator, and a speaker for local businesses and children/family oriented non-profits.  Tom has been featured by media outlets, such as CBS-Philly, South Jersey Magazine, and Gay Parent Magazine. He is also a frequently invited guest on national podcasts, including the two-time People’s Choice Podcast Award winner, The Queer Family Podcast.  

Tom, his husband, and their two daughters continue to live in South Jersey, just outside of Philadelphia.  They enjoy camping, traveling to experience new cultures, and, of course, reading together as a family.