Picture an American storyteller who dined with the Chinese Army, partied with the KGB, and spun tales of pioneer life that captivated young readers—meet Thomas L. Tedrow! A bestselling author of over twenty novels, Tedrow’s historical fiction and family sagas blend adventure, humor, and moral lessons, drawing from his globe-trotting experiences to create stories that resonate with heart and authenticity.
From producing family films to carrying a statue of baby Jesus in a remote Asian village, Tedrow’s life is as colorful as his books. His unique perspective, shaped by a Journalism degree from the University of Florida and a knack for finding adventure, makes him a standout voice in children’s and young adult literature.
The Making of Thomas L. Tedrow
Born on August 22, 1950, Thomas L. Tedrow grew up with a voracious appetite for reading, devouring everything from classic literature to Stephen King’s On Writing. His love for storytelling was honed at the University of Florida, where he earned a B.S. in Public Relations and Journalism. Before becoming a full-time author, Tedrow dipped his toes in publishing, editing Texas Country magazine, and producing films like The Legend of Grizzly Adams. These experiences sharpened his ability to craft compelling narratives that appeal to young readers and families alike.
Thomas L. Tedrow’s Unforgettable Stories
Tedrow’s most celebrated work is The Days of Laura Ingalls Wilder, an eight-book series that continues the legacy of the beloved Little House series. Starting with Missouri Homestead (1992), the series follows Laura, her husband Manly, and daughter Rose as they settle in Mansfield, Missouri. Tedrow’s simple, heartfelt prose mirrors Wilder’s style while tackling turn-of-the-century issues like education and community. In Children of Promise, Laura crusades to improve local schools, showcasing Tedrow’s knack for weaving moral lessons into engaging plots.
Another gem is The Younguns series, a four-book saga set in a small Missouri town. Books like The Younguns of Mansfield and The Legend of the Missouri Mud Monster follow the mischievous Youngun siblings, blending humor with lessons on racism and kindness. Tedrow also ventured into Oz with Dorothy: Return to Oz, a creative but controversial sequel to the 1939 film, infusing it with Christian themes. His standalone work, Death at Chappaquiddick, co-written with Richard L. Tedrow, dives into the Ted Kennedy scandal, showing his versatility beyond children’s fiction.
Tedrow’s style is approachable yet profound, often using historical settings to explore timeless values. His global adventures—dining on camel in Mongolia or singing karaoke with Communists—infuse his stories with a worldly charm, making them both relatable and thought-provoking for young readers.
Why Thomas L. Tedrow Matters
Though not as widely known as some literary giants, Tedrow’s impact lies in his ability to make history accessible and meaningful for young audiences. His books, which have sold hundreds of thousands of copies through Scholastic and Guideposts campaigns, inspire empathy and curiosity. By addressing issues like cultural acceptance in Land of Promise, where Laura navigates tensions with Chinese immigrants, Tedrow encourages readers to embrace diversity and community.
Tedrow’s legacy also extends to his multimedia contributions, from producing family-friendly films to re-releasing his novels as e-books on his website, ensuring new generations can discover his work. His life as a traveler, family man, and storyteller continues to inspire aspiring writers to find stories in the world around them.
- Born: August 22, 1950
- Key Works: Missouri Homestead, The Younguns of Mansfield, Death at Chappaquiddick
- Notable Fact: Produced The Legend of Grizzly Adams
Snag Missouri Homestead and dive into Thomas L. Tedrow’s heartwarming historical fiction today!