Inspired by personal experience and a deep commitment to helping children build confidence and character, L.C. Rogers, the creator of TJ’s Lessons turned everyday childhood moments into powerful teaching tools. Drawing from her own journey through school and parenting, she developed a storytelling approach that meets children where they are—using relatable, real-life situations to spark reflection, conversation and growth.
What began as a search for meaningful, diverse stories for her son has grown into a series designed to help all children see their potential, make thoughtful choices and understand their worth. We sat down with L.C. to learn more about the inspiration behind the series and the impact she hopes it will have on children and families.
What inspired you to create TJ and turn everyday mishaps into meaningful learning moments for kids?
L.C.: When I was growing up in Montgomery County Public Schools, there were times I struggled to find my way. So when my son TJ began showing some of those same signs, low self-esteem and not always making the best choices, I’ll be honest, I panicked.
I didn’t want him to be labeled or carry the stigma that often comes with being seen as a child who isn’t well behaved. From my own experience, I knew that what people see on the outside doesn’t always tell the full story. Many times, there’s something deeper going on.
I wanted to reach him in a different way. Instead of more lectures, I searched for simple, enjoyable stories that would help him reflect on who he is and who he’s capable of becoming. Stories that were relatable, where children could see themselves in the characters, and stories that build character in a meaningful, lasting way.
When I couldn’t find diverse books that delivered those kinds of messages, I decided to write them myself.
How do you balance keeping the stories fun and entertaining while still teaching important values and life lessons?
L.C.: When I began writing TJ’s Lessons, I understood the importance of making the stories enjoyable. After all, children’s attention spans are short, so I had to make sure what I created was something they actually wanted to listen to.
Because our stories are based on real experiences, and TJ was quite the entertaining child, the enjoyment came naturally. That made it easier for the lessons to flow in a way that felt seamless. The balance just worked.
Why was it important for you to make the series diverse and relatable for a wide range of children and families?
L.C.: It was important to me to make TJ’s Lessons diverse because when we began creating the series 14 years ago, there was a noticeable void in children’s literature. While we’ve made progress over the years, there is still work to be done.
I wanted children to be able to see a reflection of themselves in the stories. I also wanted them to recognize how great they are and to believe that, just like TJ, they have the ability to grow, make better choices, and become their best selves.
TJ has always had a good heart, and that’s what this series reflects. These stories are not just for children who may be struggling with behavior. They are for every child. They are about building strong character, helping children realize the greatness within themselves, and giving them the confidence to work toward it. As we always say, it is much easier to shape young minds than to reshape grown ones. We have to start early in the developmental phases, and what more powerful way to do that than through literature.
What kinds of conversations do you hope these books spark between kids and the adults reading with them?
L.C.: Great question!
One of the things that makes the TJ’s Lessons series unique is what’s included in the back of every book. We’ve added carefully selected questions designed to spark meaningful conversations between children and the adults who love them.
My hope in doing this was to open a window for dialogue that not only reinforces comprehension, but also gives children a safe way to talk about things that may not be easy for them to express out loud. Through the TJ’s Lessons stories, they can reflect on moments where they may have struggled too, moments that they feel proud of, or even moments that they don’t feel proud of, and process those feelings without judgement.
It turns one-sided lectures into two-sided, meaningful conversations.
More than anything, I want TJ’s Lessons to plant something lasting in every child who reads it. I want them to see their worth, believe in their greatness, and walk away knowing they have the power to make better choices and shape their own future. Children truly are our future, so we have to care about how they see themselves, how they speak about themselves, and how they make decisions, because one day they will be the ones making decisions for the world. And when a child truly believes in who they are, it doesn’t just change their story, it has the power to change the world.
To learn more about L.C., the real-life inspiration behind TJ, and the TJ’s Lessons book series, visit tjslessons.com.
