For Dr. Kelli Rogers, helping her 8-year-old son become a published author was about more than writing a book. It was an opportunity to put into practice the same social work principles she teaches in the classroom: empowerment, self-determination and helping individuals recognize their strengths.
Those principles recently came to life when Lakai Jase Rogers published his first book, “Parker Peters and the Big Game”, a children's story that explores perseverance, teamwork, leadership and faith through the lens of youth sports.
As educators encourage students to continue reading and writing throughout the summer, Lakai's accomplishment highlights the power of storytelling and the importance of creating opportunities for young people to share their voices.
Lakai Rogers, author of "Parker Peters and the Big Game", holds his book for a photo. (Photo by Kelli Rogers)
"I was actually the one who suggested the idea," Kelli Rogers said. "As his mother, I saw something in him that I don't think he fully saw in himself yet. Lakai has always been a storyteller."
A faculty member in The University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work, Kelli said she recognized her son's passion for storytelling through their homeschooling activities. One topic repeatedly emerged in his writing: hockey.
"What inspired me to write “Parker Peters and the Big Game” is I'm homeschooled, and my mom has me do a lot of writing activities," Lakai Rogers said. "One of my favorite things to write about is hockey because it's something I love and play all the time."
After noticing his enthusiasm for the sport and his natural ability to tell stories, Kelli Rogers encouraged him to develop those ideas into a book.
What began as a creative writing project eventually became a published work. Along the way, Lakai Rogers learned lessons about persistence, communication and overcoming challenges.
"The writing process was tough, but my mom kept pushing me to keep going and finish," Lakai said.
One of the biggest challenges involved working with an illustrator to bring the story's characters and scenes to life. Kelli Rogers said those moments became valuable learning opportunities.
"We spent time talking about how to clearly communicate ideas, provide constructive feedback and express himself in a way that others could understand and respond effectively," Kelli Rogers said.
The experience also reflected concepts Kelli Rogers regularly teaches her social work students.
"At its core, social work is about helping people recognize their strengths, find their voice and develop the confidence and tools they need to create change in their own lives and communities," Kelli Rogers said.
Rather than directing the project herself, Kelli Rogers focused on helping Lakai Rogers develop the skills and confidence needed to tell his own story.
"My role was never to write the book for him or dictate his story," she said. "My role was to help him recognize his potential, provide access to resources and create opportunities for him to share his voice with others."
That approach aligns with the strengths-based perspective often emphasized in social work practice. By recognizing and nurturing Lakai's interests, Rogers helped transform his passion for hockey and storytelling into an opportunity to inspire others.
The project also became an exercise in self-determination and youth empowerment. Rogers said she wanted her son to maintain ownership of his ideas and creative vision throughout the process.
There were times when Lakai Rogers reminded her of that responsibility.
"Sometimes we went back and forth about different ideas because she had suggestions, but I had my own ideas, so I had to remind her that this was my book and my story," he said.
For Kelli Rogers, that was an important lesson in amplifying youth voices.
"Too often, adults speak for children rather than creating opportunities for them to speak for themselves," she said. "When we empower young people to share their voices, we help them build confidence, develop leadership skills and recognize that their experiences have value."
Lakai Rogers hopes readers will take away those same lessons.
"I want kids to know that they can do hard things if they keep trying and don't give up," he said. "I also want readers to remember that God is always with them."
The book's message, Kelli Rogers said, extends beyond sports. She hopes Lakai's journey encourages young people to pursue their goals and reminds parents and educators of the impact encouragement can have on a child's development.
Lakai Rogers, author of "Parker Peters and the Big Game" reads his book with a friend. (Photo by Kelli Rogers)
"Sometimes all it takes is one person who sees something in you before you see it in yourself," Kelli Rogers said.
As schools continue promoting literacy and lifelong learning, Lakai's achievement serves as a reminder that reading and writing can be powerful tools for self-expression, confidence and growth. Through one young author's story, the values of empowerment, perseverance and believing in one's potential are helping inspire the next generation to find and use their own voices.