“As an author of primarily children’s books, intergenerational connection is a key theme in my work. I see relationships between older and younger people as vital to weaving together and healing the disparate parts of our communities, creating a sense of connection and belonging that allows us to discover who we are, where we came from, and where we are going.”

Natasha Tarpley

Author
Chicago, IL

Natasha Tarpley started writing when she was 7 years old, and from that very young age understood that stories could shape beliefs and change the world. She is the author of the classic, best-selling picture book, I Love My Hair, which encourages kids to love their unique qualities and which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary; The Harlem Charade, an acclaimed middle grade mystery focusing on art and social justice, as well as other titles for children and adults. 

A former reporter for Fortune magazine, Ms. Tarpley’s work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The LA Times, and Essence magazine among other publications. Ms. Tarpley is the co-founder of Voonderbar! Media, a multicultural children’s media project with a mission to diversify and expand depictions of children of color in literature and other media.

Learn more here about the Encore Public Voices Fellowship, which supports diverse voices focusing on aging, longevity and the intergenerational opportunity.