In today’s media landscape, families are often depicted as white, cisgender, heterosexual, and middle-class. While this representation exists, it fails to encompass the vast array of family experiences. Author and activist Jodie Patterson recognized this gap and sought to highlight the diversity of family dynamics through her book, Born Ready: The Authentic Journey of a Boy Named Penelope. This picture book, inspired by her own family, tells the story of Penelope, a five-year-old who loves skateboarding and ninjas but has a significant truth to reveal: he identifies as a boy and wishes for his family to see him as such. Through this narrative, Patterson is expanding the visibility of trans representation for children and their families.
“I hope ‘Born Ready’ transcends boundaries,” Patterson shared during a conversation. “I want families that don’t identify as trans or Black to engage with it.” As a parent without immediate trans representation in my family, I am dedicated to raising a child aware of the broader world. We’ve discussed the gender spectrum for years, but it can be challenging for him to grasp concepts he cannot visualize. That’s why we turn to books. Finding stories featuring Black families can be tough, but Born Ready provides a reflection of our shared experiences. My son relates to Penelope; they both cherish their mothers, enjoy time with friends, and love pretending to be ninjas.
Moments of Connection
One poignant moment in Born Ready occurs when Penelope seeks his mother’s understanding by pressing his head to hers, sharing his “ninja powers” of comprehension. This tender scene illustrates the vulnerability both Penelope and his mother face as she learns to rethink everything she thought she knew about her child. Patterson explained, “I felt like I was free-falling, and the person I could reach out to was my child.”
Another notable moment is when Penelope confides in his grandfather about his identity. Grandpa G quickly embraces this new reality. Patterson recounted, “We asked him to shift his language from female to male pronouns. In his language, Twi, gender pronouns aren’t used, so it wasn’t a big deal for him. It was a creative way to approach a complex topic.” While Grandpa G held onto traditional African values, acceptance took time, but they found an entry point through language.
The Importance of Representation
Patterson’s son has since chosen the name Penel outside the context of the book. When asked why sharing her family’s story was so significant and why in children’s literature, she said, “I wanted to create something suitable for children. I realized that my memoir focused on adult perspectives, while younger audiences deserve narratives that allow them to explore gender and identity without the weight of adult concerns.”
Patterson intentionally chose to depict an uplifting narrative, steering clear of the negativity often associated with Black and trans experiences. “I wanted to present a story that is joyful and filled with love,” she noted.
Penel contributed to the creation of Born Ready, as Patterson observed and noted moments from her children’s lives. “This story represents our entire family, not just one child,” she explained. “Penel is a guiding force in his community, helping to raise awareness and understanding.”
Encouraging Radical Parenting
Through Born Ready, Patterson hopes to inspire conversations around radical parenting, encouraging flexibility and growth in nurturing relationships. “I wish to see a movement towards radical parenting, where we support each other and adapt our language and understanding,” she said.
Ultimately, Patterson aims for Born Ready to make readers feel less isolated. “I wrote this for Black trans kids and their mothers. I want them to know, ‘I see you, I’m standing up for you and I’m here with you.’”
Further Resources
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In summary, Born Ready: The Authentic Journey of a Boy Named Penelope is a powerful children’s book that expands the representation of diverse families while fostering understanding and acceptance. Jodie Patterson’s work not only narrates her family’s journey but also encourages readers to engage with important conversations about identity and love.