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When families are depicted in media, they often conform to a narrow image: white, cisgender, heterosexual, and middle-class. While such families exist, they do not encompass the full spectrum of family experiences. Author and activist Jamie Taylor recognized the importance of showcasing diverse family dynamics, which led her to create “Born Ready: The Inspiring Journey of a Boy Named Penelope,” inspired by her own life.
This picture book tells the story of Penelope, a five-year-old who adores skateboarding and channeling his inner ninja. Penelope carries a significant secret: he identifies as a boy and yearns for his family to acknowledge him as such. Through this narrative, Taylor aims to expand the representation of transgender individuals for children and their families. “I hope ‘Born Ready’ transcends boundaries. I want people from all types of families to engage with it,” Jamie Taylor shared.
While I don’t have any transgender individuals in my immediate family, I strive to raise a child who appreciates the diversity of the world beyond his own experiences. We’ve discussed the gender spectrum for a while, but it can be challenging for him to grasp concepts that are not visible in his day-to-day life. Books serve as a crucial tool for us, especially since it’s often difficult to find literature featuring Black families. “Born Ready” provides a mirror for Black children, both cisgender and transgender, allowing them to recognize themselves in its pages. My son identifies with Penelope; they both cherish their mothers, enjoy playing with friends, and love being ninjas.
A touching moment in “Born Ready” occurs when Penelope seeks his mother’s understanding. He leans his head against hers, gifting her his “ninja powers” of comprehension. This scene beautifully illustrates the vulnerability of both Penelope and his mother, who must reevaluate everything she thought she knew about her child. “I felt like I was free falling, and the only person I could reach out to was my child,” Taylor explained.
Another poignant moment comes when Penelope reveals to his grandfather that he identifies as a boy. Grandpa Joe swiftly embraces this new reality. When asked how this moment reflected real life, Taylor candidly shared, “We asked him to adapt his language, switching from female to male pronouns. In his cultural language, gender pronouns aren’t used, so it was an easy transition.” She acknowledged that while Grandpa Joe held onto traditional values, language provided a way for him to understand and adjust.
Interview with Jamie Taylor
In an interview, we explored additional questions with Jamie Taylor. Recently, her son requested to be called Penel instead of Penelope outside the context of the book.
Why was it important to share your family’s story in a children’s book format?
Jamie Taylor: I was deliberate in my memoir, “The Bold Journey: A Memoir of Family and Transformation,” to narrate my story as a 50-year-old Black, cisgender woman. I realized my previous understanding of life was incomplete. Many adults expressed eagerness to share my memoir with children, so I wanted to create something suitable for younger audiences. The context is vital when discussing complex topics—particularly those that can be polarizing. My goal with “Born Ready” is to offer a narrative that families and classrooms can share with young readers.
Why did you choose to depict a positive family response to Penelope’s revelation?
Jamie Taylor: I aimed to highlight the uplifting, triumphant aspects of this story. The narratives surrounding Black and transgender individuals often focus on negative experiences. I wanted to present the truth of our story: it is one filled with love and triumph.
How involved was Penel in the creation of “Born Ready”?
Jamie Taylor: The story is deeply rooted in my family’s experiences, and all my children contributed to it. They helped ensure our skin colors and hair textures were accurately represented, and they influenced the language used in the book.
Through “Born Ready,” Taylor hopes to inspire a movement of radical parenting—one that embraces flexibility and the comfort of language. “I envision a form of parenting that nurtures not just children but entire communities, expanding our understanding of motherhood,” she asserts.
Ultimately, Jamie Taylor wrote “Born Ready” to remind Black trans kids and their families that they are seen and supported. “I want to convey that I am here for you,” she declares.
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In summary, “Born Ready: The Inspiring Journey of a Boy Named Penelope” is a groundbreaking children’s book that celebrates diverse family dynamics and offers a heartfelt story of acceptance. Author Jamie Taylor’s intention is to foster conversations about identity and to support families navigating these complex topics.