Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cynthia Green. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Cynthia, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful part of writing my books is that they are in honor of and inspired by my son, who was born with a severe hearing loss. Through my stories, I aim to bring attention to the fact that our differences may shape us, but it’s our shared spirit that connects us all. My books serve as a tribute to those who are navigating life with challenges, celebrating their strength and resilience while fostering understanding and inclusivity. It brings me joy when children with similar challenges as Martell see themselves in his character.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Cynthia Green, a native of Chicago, IL and a single mother of two. I’ve spent the majority of my life working in various fields, and I have recently retired. I wrote “You’re No Different Than Me” after having a dream when my son was about 10 years old (he is now 38). After holding on to my story for many years, I finally had it published after the born of my 1st grandchild. In 2023, I created a series around Martell’s childhood journey, named “Martell’s World”. Although he experienced some adversity growing up with his hearing loss, my stories are loosely based on Martell’s actual experiences, and more from my imagination as a concerned mother. My books are meant to show the growth, and life lessons a child may go through feeling different for any reason. For them to understand that despite apparent differences, everyone shares more similarities than they might realize.
Here’s a summary of Martell’s World Books:
“You’re No Different Than Me”, Martell starts at a new school as the only deaf/hard of hearing student. With the help of an interpreter, he faces the challenge of being stared at by his classmates who have never seen a child their age with hearing aids. Martell teaches them that they have more similarities than differences among them, opening the door to friendship and understanding.
“Martell Got Game”, focuses on Martell’s growing confidence as he tries out for the basketball team, bolstered by the supportive friendship of his friend Kyle. Together, they demonstrate how friendship and self-confidence can help overcome any obstacle.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My mission is to bring awareness and educate young readers about deaf experiences through the eyes of a child. For children to embrace their differences plus to encourage their own self-love. Follow their dreams no matter what obstacles they may face.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
My rewarding aspect for writing these books were for children that wear hearing aids, to be able to see themselves in the Martell character. For them to be able to realize that they’re no different than anyone else. And, finally the most rewarding moment was when my grandson realized that the main character portrayed in my books was his Uncle Martell. Priceless!!!
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