The following version of this book was used to create the guide: Bailar, Schuyler. Obie is Man Enough. Penguin Random House LLC, 2021.

Schuyler Bailar's young adult novel Obie is Man Enough is written from the main character Obie's first person point of view and in the present tense. The novel traces Obie's work to claim ownership of his identity after coming out as transgender to his family, school, community, and swim team. The following summary abides by the same formal rules as the novel itself.

When Obie is in fifth grade, he comes out as transgender to his family. Mom, Dad, his brother Jae-sung, and his paternal grandmother Halmoni are all supportive of Obie. However, after Obie starts transitioning when he is in middle school, he starts to face adversity for who he is. His parents have met with the school. However, although Principal Franklin is understanding, not all of Obie's teachers and classmates are as gracious.

For years, Obie has spent the majority of his time swimming. He is on the Barracudas swim team. His childhood best friends, Lucy and Clyde, are also apart of this group. Obie has come to believe that his coach, Coach Bolton, sees and understands him. However, when he tells Bolton that he wants to move from the girls' team to the boys' team, Bolton ridicules and belittles him. He then goes so far as to kick Obie off the team.

Dad helps Obie find a new team with the Manta Ray Aquatics group. Coach Larkin has a different style than Bolton, but Obie likes her because she insists that her team is inclusive. His new teammates are different, too, but he quickly befriends two of the boys in particular, Pooch and Mikey.

Roughly six months into his time with the Manta Ray team, Obie runs into Clyde in the school bathroom. Although they were once close, Clyde has become Obie's enemy ever since he transitioned. In the bathroom, Clyde verbally and physically attacks Obie, ultimately sending him to the hospital. Because of the stitches, Obie cannot swim for several weeks.

In spite of his injury, Obie keeps cross-training. He is determined to compete in the upcoming invitational. Once the race finally arrives, Obie does well and qualifies for the Junior Olympics, or JOs.

Although Obie's family is proud of him, Obie still feels alone. He particularly misses his friend Lucy and does not understand why she is ignoring him. He soon learns she is hanging out with girls who once bullied her.

Obie's English teacher Mrs. Salmani meets with Obie about his recent essay assignment. She is so impressed and moved by Obie's piece, she wants Obie to submit it to a contest. Because Obie has written about being transgender, he is initially afraid of making the essay so public. However, with Jae-sung's encouragement, he decides to submit the piece.

Meanwhile, Obie begins to date a girl named Charlotte, or Charlie. He met her through the local deli where he and Dad often go. Obie likes Charlie, but he is not ready to tell her that he is transgender. He is therefore horrified when Clyde outs him to her while he and Charlie are at the movies. Instead of rejecting Obie as he expects, Charlie assures him that she still wants to be together. She likes him for who he is.

Obie submits his final draft to the essay contest. After spending afternoons making kimchi with Halmoni, he has learned more about his Korean background. He has included this facet of his cultural and ancestral identity into his essay, too. He shares the piece with Charlie.

Obie competes in JOs. He places fourth. Initially, Obie is convinced he has failed. However, while cooling down after the meet, Obie realizes that he is proud of himself. He has also found acceptance from his support system and discovered a sense of belonging in himself.