Social Impact Authors: How & Why Author Crystal Gailliard of The Adventures of Quentin Is Helping To Change Our World
Redefine success. Even if you don’t achieve conventional “success,” remember that creating a book that touches even one person is a significant accomplishment. For me, that connection means more than any commercial success.
As part of my series about “authors who are making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Crystal Gailliard. Crystal Gailliard, inspired by her wild imagination and encouraging parents, has always believed in pursuing her dreams. As she started her own family, her father’s unwavering determination despite his health challenges deeply impacted her. Crystal’s book, “The Adventures of Quentin: My Super Grandpa,” is a heartfelt tribute to her father, keeping his spirit alive for her son Quentin.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
When you were younger, was there a book that you read that inspired you to take action or changed your life? Can you share a story about that?
The “Choose Your Own Adventure” books were a favorite of mine growing up. I was thrilled by the ability to shape the story’s direction. Amusingly, I often went beyond the provided options, inventing my own paths, and my mother would assist me in writing them down. With my vivid imagination, these books were an ideal match for me.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Reflecting on my journey, I realize I’m still making mistakes, but that’s an integral part of the process. In hindsight, I wish I had put more effort into building a comprehensive team to support me. My passion for this book series is so strong that I envisioned it in every household, but I didn’t pause to strategically plan the proper steps to achieve that goal.
Can you describe how you aim to make a significant social impact with your book?
Each book in this series tackles important issues in a way that kids can easily understand and digest. The first book, “Adventures of Quentin: My Super Grandpa,” dealt with having a family member with physical disabilities and how these can be seen as superpowers. The newest book, “Adventures of Quentin: My Super Eyes,” highlights Quentin’s struggle with a visual processing issue, causing letters to move and even dance when he tries to read. This story is inspired by my own son’s experience with a visual processing disorder that was only discovered through testing.
Visual eye problems are often mistaken for learning disabilities, which can coexist, and can also be seen as ”behavioral issues” or kids falling asleep in class due to eye strain — one of the first clues we noticed when Quentin was in kindergarten. This book aims to raise awareness among parents about the signs to watch for and to empower children to recognize when something isn’t right and how to communicate their needs to get the necessary help.
Can you share with us the most interesting story that you shared in your book?
It has to be “My Super Grandpa,” which is inspired by the special relationship between my dad and my son. We discovered I was pregnant with my son on my dad’s birthday, and just two weeks later, my dad was hospitalized. He had been a quadriplegic for almost 20 years, and his health began to decline. I vividly remember him waking up in the hospital, placing his hand on my stomach, and expressing his only wish: to meet his grandson. When he finally came home, Quentin would simply look at him, and my dad would gaze back, tubes and all, and they seemed to have an unspoken understanding. That’s how I came up with the idea for the book.
What was the “aha moment” or series of events that made you decide to bring your message to the greater world? Can you share a story about that?
The idea for my new book came to me when I discovered that my son has visual processing issues. This condition was completely new to me, and I struggled to understand it. Despite being only six years old (almost seven), my son’s eye-focusing muscle functions like that of a 40-year-old. Even though he excels in robotics and has exceptional emotional intelligence, addressing his visual needs proved to be challenging.
Our search for help revealed that insurance doesn’t cover vision therapy, which costs around $2,800 for 14 sessions. We were shocked to learn that even with 20/20 vision, one can have a visual processing issue. Regular eye exams failed to detect Quentin’s condition. I realized that there was a significant lack of information about these issues, and insufficient resources for parents to afford necessary treatments. Consider this: private educational testing can cost up to $5,000. How many children might have undiagnosed learning disabilities or other learning-impacting conditions simply because their families can’t afford testing and insurance won’t cover it?
Many of these children either get lost in the education system or give up altogether. If we truly care about children’s education and want to prevent struggles, we must hold insurance companies accountable for covering these essential services.
Without sharing specific names, can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
My son Quentin Amir Gailliard and his doctor, which I can name because she is the doctor in our next story, Dr. Williams.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Insurance can start providing an important bridge in education for children. School systems can’t do it alone. If medical insurance would start to cover testing, therapy, and maybe even other supplemental help, so many kids wouldn’t get lost in the school system.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Leadership, in my view, is embodied by someone who leads by example as they champion a cause. My father was the epitome of such a leader. As an administrator at Cambridge Rindge School, he was deeply passionate about his work with students. For many of them, he was more than just an educator; he became a father figure, an uncle, or sometimes the only supportive adult in their lives.
When my father had an accident that landed him in the hospital and then in rehab, his sole mission was to prove to his students that he would return to them. And he did, in spectacular fashion. With a full police escort from Spaulding Rehab, he surprised his students at their graduation that year.
I can think of no one else who exemplified leadership so comprehensively — as an educational administrator, a civil rights advocate, and most importantly, as a beacon of hope in the hearts of the children he served for years. His unwavering commitment to his students, even in the face of personal adversity, truly set him apart as a remarkable leader.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
1. Patience is key. I learned that rushing to make an impact often leads to skipping crucial steps. Take your time to do things right.
2. Find a reliable, dedicated illustrator you can trust. This partnership is crucial to your book’s success.
3. Continuously improve your craft. Never stop talking about your work, even if others seem tired of hearing it. Remember, this is your creation, and only you can make it truly great.
4. Be prepared for a slow start. It’s okay if things don’t take off immediately. I’m still promoting my first book while having many more ideas waiting to be released.
5. Redefine success. Even if you don’t achieve conventional “success,” remember that creating a book that touches even one person is a significant accomplishment. For me, that connection means more than any commercial success.
This advice I hope encapsulates the importance of patience, strong collaborations, persistent self-improvement, realistic expectations, and finding value in touching readers’ lives.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
The time is now because tomorrow isn’t promised. My dad’s health turned so quickly — one week we were planning a fishing trip, the next he was in the hospital. Life can change in an instant. If there’s something you want to do or somewhere you want to go, don’t wait. Do it now. Don’t let opportunities pass you by, assuming there will always be more time. Seize the moment and make the most of it while you can.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Shaquille O’Neal, or Shaq, exemplifies more than just basketball greatness. He made the savvy decision to employ his parents, ensuring their financial security while building generational wealth. What’s remarkable is how he’s achieved this while remaining incredibly down-to-earth.
Shaq’s approach to brand building and family empowerment is inspiring. I’d love the opportunity to discuss with him how to develop the “Adventures of Quentin” brand. My goal is to create something that not only empowers young people but also brings families closer together. Shaq’s insights on balancing success with humility and leveraging a brand for positive social impact would be invaluable in this endeavor.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Instagram: Adventures of Quentin
https://www.adventuresofquentin.com/
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Social Impact Authors: How & Why Author Crystal Gailliard of The Adventures of Quentin Is Helping… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.