Roberto Germán [00:00:00]:
Welcome to Our Classroom. Today we have a special guest, Niurka Ozuna, from the Bronx, New York. Shout out to the BX! Niurka is extremely proud of her Dominican heritage—delo mio! As a Latinx author passionate about sharing her culture through literature, she finds imaginative ways to initiate conversations that educate, build awareness, and promote literacy. Today, we're discussing her first book, *What's Wrong with Grandma? / ¿Qué le Pasa Abuela?*, which serves as a conversation starter on mental health, specifically schizophrenia. This book aims to help families and communities navigate the complex and often difficult discussion around mental health, a topic that remains deeply stigmatized. I’m extremely interested in engaging in this topic as I look around at my elders and community members experiencing different health issues related to mental well-being.
Roberto Germán [00:01:12]:
So I'm eager to learn more, explore, and expand my awareness. Thank you for being here, Niurka.
Niurka Ozuna [00:01:21]:
You're welcome! I'm very happy to be here, and I thank you for having me.
Roberto Germán [00:01:25]:
Oh, my pleasure. Let’s dive in. Mental health can be a sensitive topic, especially when witnessing family members or loved ones changing in behavior and exhibiting unfamiliar actions. What inspired you to write a children’s book about mental health, particularly focusing on a grandmother’s experiences?
Niurka Ozuna [00:01:57]:
It was based on my personal experience of growing up with my mother, who has schizophrenia. The inspiration for *What's Wrong with Grandma?* came from my desire to help children and families navigate this often-stigmatized topic. Mental health challenges like schizophrenia can be difficult to understand at any age, and I realized early on that there weren’t many resources to help children grasp these issues.
Not much material speaks directly to kids about how mental health conditions affect their loved ones, especially a grandparent, who is often seen as a source of wisdom and stability. I wanted to write a story that made it easier for children to process these changes while maintaining a sense of love and connection. Focusing on a grandmother felt natural because grandparents play such a special role in a child’s life.
When their relationship changes due to a mental health condition, it can be confusing and even scary for a child. But it’s also an opportunity for growth and understanding. My goal was to provide a tool for families to address these changes, break down stigma, and show that even in struggle, love remains strong. Writing from a child’s perspective allows young readers to feel seen and heard while helping parents and guardians approach these conversations with care and compassion.
Roberto Germán [00:03:44]:
Why do you think there’s such a strong stigma around mental health, especially in communities of color? How have people responded to your book?
Niurka Ozuna [00:03:57]:
I think the stigma is deeply cultural. In many Latinx communities, we don’t talk about mental health. It’s seen as something to be kept private, sometimes even hidden. Growing up, I was told not to discuss my mother’s condition. There was a lot of fear surrounding the topic—fear of judgment, fear of admitting that someone needed help.
I believe a major part of the stigma comes from a lack of understanding. People often associate mental illness with extreme behaviors they don’t understand. But when we start educating people, we demystify it. For example, I learned through my book journey that schizophrenia can also develop in seniors, which was eye-opening for me. A lawyer who works with elderly clients bought multiple copies of my book to share with families experiencing this.
Roberto Germán [00:06:25]:
How did you approach explaining complex mental health issues to young readers in a way they could understand and empathize with?
Niurka Ozuna [00:06:40]:
I focused on making the concepts relatable. Instead of clinical terms, I used feelings and experiences that children could connect with emotionally. I wanted kids to grasp the changes they might see in their loved ones while still feeling safe.
Empathy is central to my storytelling. By centering the narrative on a grandmother, a character children often associate with comfort, I created an opening for young readers to care and ask questions. My approach encourages curiosity, not fear, and invites families to have open discussions about mental health.
Roberto Germán [00:09:52]:
The cover of your book features children with question marks above their heads, which visually captures their curiosity. Was this intentional?
Niurka Ozuna [00:10:14]:
Absolutely! Curiosity is key. Children naturally ask questions when they see something they don’t understand. I wanted to create a safe space where they could explore those questions rather than feeling afraid or ashamed.
Roberto Germán [00:13:25]:
How did you decide which aspects of schizophrenia to focus on in your book?
Niurka Ozuna [00:13:40]:
I chose to highlight hallucinations and auditory disturbances because these are some of the most recognizable symptoms of schizophrenia. For children, seeing a loved one talk to someone who isn’t there can be confusing and even scary. By addressing these symptoms directly but sensitively, I aimed to demystify them.
Roberto Germán [00:15:41]:
What do you hope readers take away from your book?
Niurka Ozuna [00:16:00]:
I want young readers to know it’s okay to ask questions and express their feelings. Mental health should not be a taboo subject. For parents and guardians, I hope the book serves as a conversation starter. My goal is to normalize discussions about mental health and help break the stigma, one conversation at a time.
Roberto Germán [00:18:14]:
What kind of feedback have you received?
Niurka Ozuna [00:18:29]:
The feedback has been incredibly touching. Families dealing with similar situations have told me how much the book resonated with them. Some parents have used it to start conversations with their children, while others have shared that it encouraged them to seek additional support. One of my former teachers even told me that my book helped him gain a new perspective on caring for his son, who has schizophrenia.
Roberto Germán [00:21:45]:
What message of encouragement do you have for the audience?
Niurka Ozuna [00:21:53]:
*What’s Wrong with Grandma?* is more than just a book; it’s a tool for fostering understanding and empathy. I want families to know that it’s okay to talk about mental health. Love and understanding can bridge even the most difficult conversations.
Roberto Germán [00:23:14]:
If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Niurka Ozuna [00:23:31]:
Maya Angelou. Her wisdom, her storytelling, and her ability to inspire are unparalleled.
Roberto Germán [00:25:35]:
Where can people follow you and learn more about your work?
Niurka Ozuna [00:26:05]:
My books are available on Amazon. You can follow me on Instagram @niurkaozuna or reach out through my company page, @nuogroup. If you want to connect, feel free to call my business line at 914-415-2290.
Roberto Germán [00:30:55]:
There you have it, folks! Support Niurka’s work and continue fostering these important conversations. Grace and peace!
