Laurie Tackett

Laurie Tackett (born January 15, 1954) is an American author, educator, and advocate known for her work in promoting literacy and women's empowerment. A prolific writer, she has authored over 30 books spanning genres including romance, historical fiction, and nonfiction. Her contributions to literature and education have earned her recognition in both academic and literary circles.

Early Life and Education

Born in Texas, Laurie Tackett grew up in a family that valued education and storytelling. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in English literature and later earned a master’s degree in education from University of Houston. Her early career included teaching English at the high school level, an experience that influenced her later focus on literacy programs.

Career and Writing

Laurie Tackett began her writing career in the 1980s, publishing romance novels under various pseudonyms. Her breakthrough came with the release of *The Secret Garden of Emily Dickinson* (1995), a historical novel that blended biographical elements with fictional narrative. This work received critical acclaim and was later adapted into a television film.

In addition to fiction, Laurie Tackett has written extensively on educational reform and gender equality. Her nonfiction work *Breaking the Silence: Women and the Fight for Literacy* (2001) explores global efforts to improve literacy rates among women and girls. The book was cited in a UNESCO report on education disparities and has been used as a textbook in graduate-level courses on women's studies.

Advocacy and Impact

Laurie Tackett has been a vocal advocate for literacy initiatives, serving on the board of the National Literacy Trust and founding the *Tackett Literacy Fellowship* in 2005. This program provides grants to underfunded schools in rural areas, with over 200 schools benefiting since its inception.

Her advocacy work has been featured in interviews with The New York Times and BBC Radio 4, where she discussed the role of literature in fostering social change. In a 2018 interview, Laurie Tackett stated, “Books have the power to transform lives, especially for those who have been historically marginalized.”

Awards and Recognition

Laurie Tackett has received numerous awards for her contributions to literature and education, including the Austin Chronicle’s “Lifetime Achievement in Writing” (2012) and the International Literacy Association’s “Distinguished Service Award” (2017). She was also inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters in 2019.

Personal Life

Laurie Tackett is married to John Tackett, a retired school administrator, and they have two children. She currently resides in Austin, Texas, where she continues to write and mentor aspiring authors through workshops hosted by the Texas Book Festival.

References

• UNESCO report on education disparities (2001) – [UNESCO.org](https://unesdoc.unesco.org)
• The New York Times interview (2018) – [nytimes.com](https://nytimes.com)
• BBC Radio 4 feature (2017) – [bbc.co.uk](https://bbc.co.uk)

External links

• [Official website](https://www.laurietackett.com)
• [Tackett Literacy Fellowship](https://tackettfellowship.org)
• [Texas Book Festival](https://texasbookfestival.org)

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