Special Kids Make Special Friends!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Originally from Monroe, Louisiana, Keia Howell Lane was raised in a large, loving family by her parents, Delles and Shelia Howell. Along with her five siblings, Keia was brought up with strong values of kindness, compassion, and a deep faith in God, which shaped their belief in treating others with respect and empathy.

Keia attended Louisiana State University (LSU), where she played on the women's basketball team. She earned both a BS in Kinesiology and an MS in Sports Management from LSU. For over two decades, she has excelled as an executive sales consultant in the biopharma industry.

With a deep passion for giving back, Keia serves as the board chair for the #BeLikeCJ Foundation and actively volunteers with other charitable organizations. She hopes that her book will inspire children worldwide to embrace love and acceptance toward those who are different, while also raising awareness about common medical and behavioral conditions affecting children.

Keia is married to Malcolm, and their daughter, Harper, is the inspiration behind her first children's book.

Meet Harper

Harper Anani Lane is a bright and loving 6-year-old who adores her friends. As the only child of Malcolm and Keia, she’s surrounded by a large, supportive extended family. From the time she started school at age 3, Harper has always enjoyed learning and making new friends.

While attending PreK at UCP Charter, an inclusive school that embraces children with diverse learning and health needs, Harper’s natural kindness and compassion stood out. Her teachers often shared stories of her thoughtful interactions, particularly with friends who had special needs, which filled her parents with pride. Though Malcolm and Keia strive to model compassion for her, they know Harper has a heart that is innately caring.

Throughout the year, teachers and counselors consistently praised Harper's empathy, which inspired her mom to write this book. Each character is based on one of Harper's real-life friends, celebrating the connections she cherishes.

Harper loves spending time with her family and enjoys being around other kids, creating fun memories. She’s also loves attending church, where she learns about Jesus. Her hobbies include swimming, gymnastics, tennis, track, ballet, drawing, and exploring beaches around the world!