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In media representations of families, the typical portrayal often skews toward white, cisgender, heterosexual, and middle-class dynamics. While many families fit this mold, they don’t encompass the full spectrum of family experiences. For activist and author Leah Anderson, representing the vast diversity of families was essential. Thus, she penned the book Ready to Make a Difference: The Inspiring Journey of a Boy Named Jamie, inspired by her own family story.
This picture book features Jamie, a five-year-old who is passionate about skateboarding and dreams of being a superhero. However, Jamie harbors a significant secret: he identifies as a boy and needs his family to acknowledge this truth. With this narrative, Anderson aims to enhance the visibility of trans representation for children and their families. “I hope ‘Ready to Make a Difference’ transcends boundaries. I want people from all backgrounds to read it,” Anderson shared in a recent interview.
Although I don’t personally know anyone who is trans, I strive to raise a child who understands that the world is much larger than his immediate environment. We’ve discussed the gender spectrum for several years, but it can be challenging for him to grasp concepts he hasn’t encountered. Consequently, we’ve turned to books for examples. Finding literature that highlights diverse families can be difficult. Ready to Make a Difference allows Black children—both cis and trans—to see themselves reflected in the story. My child recognizes similarities between himself and Jamie; they both adore their moms, cherish time with friends, and love pretending to be superheroes.
A poignant moment in Ready to Make a Difference occurs when Jamie seeks his mother’s understanding. He leans his head against hers and shares his “superpowers” of insight. This tender exchange beautifully illustrates the vulnerability of both Jamie and his mother, who must reevaluate her perceptions of her child. “I felt like I was free falling, and the one person I could reach out to was my child,” Anderson explained.
Another significant scene involves Jamie revealing his identity to his grandfather. Grandpa Jim quickly embraces this new reality. When I asked Anderson about how this moment unfolded in real life, she candidly responded, “We simply asked him to adjust his language to use male pronouns instead of female ones. In his culture, gender pronouns aren’t commonly used, so it wasn’t a challenge for him.” She acknowledged that Grandpa Jim held onto traditional values, and acceptance took time. However, using language was a way to facilitate understanding.
Insights from Leah Anderson
Here are some additional insights from Leah Anderson regarding her family’s story and its importance. Last year, Jamie requested to be called Jay instead of Jamie, which is how he is referred to outside the context of the book.
What motivated you to share your family’s journey, especially in a children’s book format?
Leah Anderson: I was careful to depict my story in my memoir, The Brave Path: A Family’s Transformation, as an adult narrative. Many parents expressed excitement about sharing it with their children, so I aimed to provide something suitable for young audiences. I wanted to present complex ideas about gender and identity in a child-friendly manner. The context is vital when discussing challenging topics.
Why did you choose to focus on the positive aspects of Jamie’s journey?
Anderson: It was a conscious decision to highlight the uplifting narrative, showcasing the triumph and love within our story. The negative experiences of marginalized communities are frequently recounted, and I wanted to present our truth—one filled with hope and acceptance.
How involved was Jamie in the creation of “Ready to Make a Difference”?
Anderson: This story stems from my family’s experiences, and all my children contributed. I observed their interactions and took notes. When it came time to write the book, they helped with language and ensuring our family’s representation was accurate. The narrative reflects our collective journey, emphasizing that it’s not just about one child, but an entire family transitioning together.
What conversations do you hope “Ready to Make a Difference” will inspire?
Anderson: I hope this book sparks a movement toward radical parenting. We need to address the evolving nature of parenthood and allow flexibility in how we love and support one another. I aspire to contribute to a movement of radical parenting that nurtures our children and communities.
Above all, Anderson hopes Ready to Make a Difference fosters a sense of belonging. “I wrote this for Black trans kids and Black mothers raising trans kids. I want to convey, ‘I see you, I stand with you, and I’m here for you.’
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Summary
Ready to Make a Difference: The Inspiring Journey of a Boy Named Jamie by Leah Anderson is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that celebrates diverse family experiences. Through Jamie’s story, Anderson emphasizes the importance of acceptance and understanding within families, particularly surrounding issues of gender identity. The book aims to inspire discussions about radical parenting and nurture a sense of belonging among Black trans children and their families.