TAMLA T.
YOUNG
WRITER. EDUCATOR. PERFORMER.
FOLLOW ME
Tamla T. Young (she/her) is a mom, educator and writer whose journey blends education, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.
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Raised in North America as a child of the Caribbean diaspora, her stories draw from family, culture, and lived experience, enriched by her love of languages, travel, and the arts.
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Her debut picture book, Ready, Set, Mango! (OwlKids Books, 2025), illustrated by Raz Latif, reflects her ability to weave personal experiences into stories that resonate across cultures.
DEBUT BOOK
Two competitive cousins are in for a surprise as they fight to find the perfect fruit. On an island vacation with their auntie, cousins Tee and Dee set out to find mangoes to make smoothies. As the best of friends, but also the worst of rivals, the girls see everything as a competition, and they immediately begin to argue about who can find the perfect mango first.
Packed with atmospheric details that evoke the sights and sounds of island life and inspired by a memory from the author’s own early years, this playful take on childhood rivalries prizes friendship and laughter above fighting and competing.
WRITING
Young, T. (2017). A Journey into Anti-Racism. In: Abdulle, A., Obeyesekere, A.N. (eds) New Framings on Anti-Racism and Resistance. SensePublishers, Rotterdam. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-6300-950-8_6
Chapter 10: A BLACK WOMAN IN EDUCATION: UPLIFTMENT, RESISTANCE, SILENCE, AND VISION. In: In Words of Our Own book series. (Coming Soon)
Education,
Awards & Honours
Bachelor of Arts, Spec. Hons., York University, Ontario / 2006
Bachelor of Education, Faculty of Education, University of Windsor, Ontario / 2011
Master of Education, Social Justice Education, University of Toronto, Ontario / 2019
ETFO Anti-Racism and Activism Award / 2022
Creative Writing Certificate - University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies / 2024
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Selected Recognition & Accolades
Tamla is grateful to have received early-career support and recognition from generous organizations, festivals, mentors, and members of the kidlit community. These opportunities continue to guide and encourage her work as a children’s author.
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PB Rising Stars Honourable Mention (2024)
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PBParty Honourable Mention (2025)
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​Writer's Digest - Featured in the "Breaking IN" column / Spring 2025 Read Here
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Toronto International Festival of Authors – Toronto Lit Up / Spring 2025 Read More ​
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​We Are Teachers - "We Love These 2025 Caribbean Children's for your Classroom Library" / June 2025 Read Here
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Next Chapter Festival - Featured Author (October 2025)
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Banff Centre For Arts & Creativity – Early-Career Children's & YA Writer's Residency (Fall 2025)
Enter the magical world of storytelling and creative writing with a unique school visit from Tamla T. Young, an author who doubles as an elementary school teacher! Tamla is a passionate educator and captivating storyteller, who brings literature to life in the classroom and beyond. With engaging presentations, interactive storytelling sessions, and hands-on activities, Tamla’s school visits inspire young minds, ignite imaginations, and encourage a lifelong love of reading, writing and learning. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to spark creativity and curiosity in your students with a visit from Tamla!