(Since the creation of this book, the author's son has changed his name to Penel.) (This book was reviewed digitally with 10-by-20-inch double-page spreads viewed at 50.4% of actual size)Ī triumphant declaration of love and identity. This representation of a Black family and transgender child (author Patterson is Penelope’s mother) shines with joy and affirmation. Perseverance also stands out as a significant theme within the narrative, with emphasis placed on Penelope’s diligent practice and refusal to quit leading up to his victory. One thing he speaks up about is that he likes his name: Penelope. The adults in Penelope’s life model care by encouraging him to speak for himself and listening to him when he does. Warmth and pride in identity radiate from the pages, brightened by the expressive, lively illustrations. First-person narration centers Penelope’s feelings and perspective in every stage of his story.

With his family’s support behind him and the strength of his own determination to never give up, Penelope comes out at school and faces a new challenge: competing in a karate tournament. When his mom stops to listen, he tells her about his gender and helps her understand that he doesn’t just feel like a boy, he is one. He stomps through the house, cuts in line, and pounds his fists so they will hear, see, and feel his anger that everyone thinks he’s a girl. Penelope knows who he is and what he likes even if his family is too busy to notice him. Subscribe to our podcast (uploaded every Monday) and listen to past shows on SoundCloud.A Black transgender boy shares his identity and competes in a karate tournament with the encouragement of his family in this picture-book biography. Hear the show streamed live Saturdays at 12:00 pm on WJFF Radio Catskill. The mother of five children, two of whom are self-proclaimed gender nonconformists-one transgender and another genderqueer, Jodie raises her family in Brooklyn, New York. She's the author of two groundbreaking books: THE BOLD WORLD: A Memoir of Family and Transformation, for adult readers, and her newest book, BORN READY: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope, for young readers.Ī social activist and entrepreneur, she was named Family Circle magazine’s 'Most Influential Mom in 2018.' She works closely with a number of gender/family/human rights organizations and is the chair of the board of directors of the Human Rights Campaign. She's on a mission to keep her transgender son-every child-healthy, happy, unscathed by bigotry and alive! An activist mom and advocate for the rights of non-gender-conforming people and their families.

At a time when states are passing legislation to shun and victimize transgender children, my guest on this special Mother's Day program is JODIE PATTERSON.

Born Ready by Jodie Patterson