Born Ready: The Real Story of a Boy Named Alex Can Transform the World

In media portrayals of families, the majority are depicted as white, cisgender, heterosexual, and middle-class. While these families exist, they don’t encompass the diverse experiences of all families. For activist and author Mia Johnson, it was crucial to highlight the variety of family dynamics present today. Hence, she penned the book “Born Ready: The Real Story of a Boy Named Alex,” drawing inspiration from her own family. This picture book follows Alex, a five-year-old who enjoys skateboarding and ninja adventures. However, Alex harbors a significant secret: he identifies as a boy and wishes for his family to acknowledge him as such. Through this narrative, Johnson aims to enhance transgender representation for children and their families.

“I hope ‘Born Ready’ transcends boundaries. I want families that might not identify as trans or Black to read it,” Mia Johnson shared.

Although I don’t have any transgender individuals in my immediate family, I strive to raise a child who understands that the world extends beyond his immediate surroundings. We’ve discussed the concept of the gender spectrum for several years, but it can be difficult for him to grasp something he hasn’t seen. That’s why we rely on books for examples. Finding books featuring Black families is challenging. “Born Ready” allows Black children (both cis and trans) to see themselves represented. My son identifies similarities between himself and Alex; they both cherish their mothers, enjoy playing with friends, and love being ninjas.

In “Born Ready,” there’s a poignant moment when Alex needs his mother to understand him fully. He presses his head against hers and shares his “ninja powers” of understanding. This tender moment highlights the vulnerability of both Alex and his mother, who must unlearn preconceived notions about her child. “I was free falling, and the one I could reach out to was my child,” Johnson recounted.

As parents, it can be awkward to ask our children for insights we may lack. “The wisdom of a child is very different. They possess something we need,” she noted.

Another touching moment in “Born Ready” occurs when Alex tells his grandfather he’s a boy. Grandpa Joe readily accepts this new reality in their family. When I inquired about how this conversation unfolded in real life, Johnson candidly explained, “We asked him, ‘Can you adjust your language to use male pronouns instead of female ones?’ In his native language, pronouns aren’t gendered, so it was an easy transition for him. We found a simple way to navigate a complex topic.” She acknowledged that Grandpa Joe held onto his traditional values, and acceptance took time, but using language helped facilitate understanding.

Questions with Mia Johnson

Here are a few more questions we posed to Mia Johnson. Last year, her son requested to be called Alex instead of his original name, which is how he’s referred to outside the book’s context.

Why was sharing your family’s story so important, and why in children’s book form?

Mia Johnson: In my memoir, I wrote about my journey as a 50-year-old Black, cisgender woman because I realized my understanding of life was incomplete. It was very much an adult story. Many parents and adults expressed their eagerness to share my story with their kids and students. Hence, I wanted to create something suitable for children. The context is vital when discussing serious topics, especially polarizing ones.

The motivation behind “Born Ready” was to allow families and classrooms to share this story with young minds. Often, adult conversations focus on issues that may not resonate with younger individuals. I wanted to provide a positive and triumphant narrative without the burdens that adults may attach to discussions about gender and transgender identities.

Was the minimal negativity surrounding Alex’s revelation a deliberate choice?

Mia Johnson: Yes, the decision was made to emphasize the positive, uplifting, and triumphant aspects of the story. Stories highlighting the negative experiences of Black individuals, trans folks, and gender-nonconforming people are prevalent. I wanted to present the truth of our experience, which is rooted in triumph and love.

How involved was Alex in the creation of “Born Ready”?

Mia Johnson: The story is inherently about my family, and all my children contributed in some way. I observed them, documented their experiences, and when it came time to write, they helped with the language and ensuring our skin colors and hair textures were accurately represented. The story reflects the collective transition of the entire family.

Alex embodies a nurturing spirit within his community, raising awareness and consciousness. He teaches us, his grandparents, and his educators, challenging the traditional notions of mothering. If we were to amplify more Black and queer narratives, we would naturally broaden our understanding of family.

What kind of conversations do you hope “Born Ready” inspires for readers?

Mia Johnson: I aspire for this book to ignite a radical parenting movement. We haven’t critically examined parenting in over a decade. Can we embrace radical ideas in how we nurture those we love? Can we be flexible and adapt our language? I hope my work contributes to a movement of radical parenting, or mothering with a capital M, where we grow our children and our communities together. This book is a call to embrace radical parenting, which means supporting others even when it seems unconventional.

Above all, Johnson desires for “Born Ready” to instill a sense of belonging. “I wrote this for Black trans kids and those who are gender nonconforming. I want to convey, ‘I see you, I’m advocating for you, and I’m here alongside you.’”

Additional Resources

For more insights on home insemination and related topics, check out this blog post. Furthermore, if you’re considering starting a family, Make A Mom offers great resources, and Mount Sinai is an excellent source for infertility support.

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Summary

“Born Ready: The Real Story of a Boy Named Alex” by Mia Johnson provides a vital perspective on diversity within families, particularly regarding transgender identities. The narrative encourages understanding and acceptance while aiming to inspire conversations about radical parenting. Through relatable characters and heartfelt moments, it serves as a beacon for Black trans kids and their families, promoting a sense of belonging and empowerment.