Born Ready The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope

Jodie Patterson is a social activist, entrepreneur, and writer. She has been lauded for her activist work by Hillary Clinton, The Advocate, Family Circle, Essence, Cosmopolitan, and Yahoo!, among others. She sits on the board of a number of gender/family/human rights organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, and is a sought-after public speaker addressing a wide range of audiences about identity, gender, beauty, and entrepreneurship. Patterson was appointed by the United Nations as a Champion of Change and, perhaps most impressively, she is a former circus acrobat who performed in the Big Apple Circus. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, where she co-parents her five children with love, education, and family solidarity.

 Charnelle Pinkney Barlow is an illustrator, an expert tea drinker, and a lover of all things doughnuts. She discovered a love for drawing and painting during her childhood in Poughkeepsie, New York, which led her to the world of children's book illustration. She now lives in Indianapolist, Indiana, with her husband Jukabiea.

 “This representation of a Black family and transgender child shines with joy and affirmation… A triumphant declaration of love and identity.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“A heartening true story for children that offers guidance to caretakers.” —Publisher’s Weekly

“Readers will be rooting for Penelope from the first page to the last.” —The Horn Book