Common Sense Media Review
By Mandie Caroll
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Powerful story of affirmation of boy's gender identity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Penelope knows who he is -- a ninja, a karate student, and a boy -- but the people in his life see him as a girl, so he acts out to get their attention. A heart-to-heart with his mom, who immediately affirms his gender identity, means Penelope can start living as a boy in all parts of his life. They make a plan to tell the whole family, and the next school day, he dresses up in his favorite jeans, button down shirt and tie, and goes to school, where he tells classmates and his principal that yes, he is a boy. His family and wider community accept and support him, so Penelope pours his energy into preparing for a big goal: winning gold at his first karate competition. This book is based on the author's son, who now goes by Penel.
Is It Any Good?
This lovely, heartwarming story about the author's son, Penelope, is a testament to the power of love and affirmation. Born Ready is relayed in the first person voice of Penelope himself, which puts his perspective front and center. It's also got many elements young kids will connect with -- from Pen's frustration that the people in his life don't see who he is to his love of skateboards, math, science, and karate to his ninja identity, readers will "get" Penelope from page one. The shift from Pen's coming out as a boy to his hard work preparing for a karate tournament shows the power of what it means to be loved and supported: He can now focus on achieving his big life goals.
The digital illustrations with handmade watercolor accenting are full of expressive faces and dynamic movement (kids will especially appreciate the skateboarding page and karate kicks). Penelope is surrounded by a joyful and affirming Black family and community, an important representation in kid's books. That it's also a true story will leave readers hopeful and inspired by Penelope's affirming world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Penelope's needs and goals in Born Ready. What makes him so angry in the beginning that he acts out? How did the people in his life respond to his declaration, "I am a boy"? What does Penelope focus on after he's told everyone who he really is?
What are some character strengths Penelope shows in this book? When does he show perseverance or communicate well?
What connections can you make with this story? When have you felt misunderstood by friends, family, or teachers? How did you handle the situation?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Activism , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : Crown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : April 20, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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