Obie is a transgender tween and Junior Olympic swimmer. When an unjust coach ostracizes him, Obie starts over on a new team. Worries accumulate – can he keep up with the demands of competitive swimming, all while balancing 7th grade, bullies and former friends? Obie eventually finds friends who support him as he establishes his identity, incorporating pieces of his Korean heritage along the way. Research materials help readers who relate explore their own identities.

Schuyler Bailar (he/him) is an internationally renowned inspirational speaker, inclusion advocate, and diversity advisor. A graduate of Harvard University, Schuyler was also the first transgender athlete to compete in any sport on an NCAA Division I men's team. He wrote Obie Is Man Enough for all the kids who don't know where or how to find themselves, trans or not.

Soman Chainani (he/him) began his career as a screenwriter and director, with his films playing at over 150 film festivals around the world. He is known for his popular middle grade series The School for Good and Evil. A graduate of Harvard University and Columbia University’s MFA Film Program, he has been nominated for the Waterstone Prize for Children’s Literature, been named to the Out100, and also received the $100,000 Shasha Grant and the Sun Valley Writer’s Fellowship, both for debut writers. His new book Beasts & Beauty: Dangerous Tales releases September 21, 2021.

Ages 8 to 12

Please note that this event will be recorded and available on P&P's YouTube channel after the event for those unable to attend live due to the Jewish Holiday.