Author Thomas Tracy Author Interview – ~~SPEAK UP TALK RADIO~~ Author & Podcast Services with a Charitable Twist

In 2021, the second year of the global pandemic, Tom Tracy, like so many of us, found a new passion – writing children’s stories. Inspired by his now 5-year-old daughter’s curiosity for the world around her, Tom embarked on his story-telling journey. His first book, Scoochie & Skiddles in Fun at Gramma’s, is a beautiful recounting of creating family memories through imaginative play and creativity. In just a few short months after publication, the book propelled to number one reader/reviewer voted status on Reedsy Discovery during the week of January 10, 2022

Tom’s second book, Scoochie’s Adoption Story, continues to deliver strong messages of family and family diversity; it is certain to delight a wide range of audiences. The book is a tells of Tom and his husband’s experience adopting their oldest daughter, the muse for the main character, Scoochie. Scoochie narrates the story to a group of friends who notice that her family is not the same as theirs. Concepts are presented in ways that are easily understood by younger and older kids, alike. Consistent with the first book, Scoochie’s Adoption Story, uses colorful and thoughtfully designed illustrations to help advance the story. Throughout the book, readers will find families of all types, including multi-abled, heterosexual, same-sex, single parent, and mixed race families.

Tom and his husband, Elliott, have been married for nearly a decade. Their family consists of two daughters of different races who have been brought to them through adoption. As such, it is important to Tom and Elliott to ensure that the girls can see themselves and families like theirs represented in their community, at school, in the media and in print. In their family, Elliott is “Daddy” and Tom is “ODie” – a take on “Other Daddy”.

Tom is a NJ Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked with at-risk youth and individuals living with mental illness for most of his career. Through his work, he has truly come to appreciate the value of sharing one’s lived experience with others through story-telling. Everyone has a story to tell from which someone else can benefit. It is his hope that telling his family’s story will provide meaning and value to others.