Being Jazz

May 23, 2016
Coming out as transgender, especially as a child or teen, often means declaring oneself in two arenas. The first is the intimate world of one's family; next comes the broader world of school, teams, and other institutions. Fifteen-year-old Jazz Jennings, a transgender activist and reality-show star who transitioned at age five, knows firsthand how much the first world matters: it makes it possible to take on the second. Her memoir doesn't downplay the teasing, the pain of being forbidden to play on the girls' soccer team, or the difficulty of finding romance, but it always circles back to her family's support. Jennings's account of how they listened to her, educated themselves, let her choose her clothes and toys, formed a nonprofit to support trans kids, and let her become a public face of trans life is both touching and inspiring. The upbeat and sometimes humorous narrative moves swiftly through the details of Jennings's upbringing; for readers looking for a candid introduction to some of the issues facing trans children and teens, this book is an excellent start. Ages 12âup. Agent: Joseph Veltre, Gersh Agency.

Starred review from June 1, 2016
Grades 7-10 *Starred Review* A memoir at the age of 15? Yes, if you happen to be Jazz Jennings, arguably the most well-known trans teen in America and the subject of the reality show I Am Jazz. Though born a boy, Jazz knew from the time she could form a coherent thought that she was a girl. Officially diagnosed at age 3 with what was then called Gender Identity Disorder, Jazzthanks to extraordinarily supportive parentsbegan to come out at age 5. After an article in a local newspaper led to her being interviewed by Barbara Walters (twice!), Jazz became a media presence and, increasingly, an advocate for transgender children's rights. Her stature continued to grow when Time named her (again, twice) one of America's 25 Most Influential Teens. Obviously, Jazz's is not an ordinary life, but it serves as a role model and inspiration for LGBT kids, who will recognize the kinds of problems she has encountered and overcome: not being permitted to use the girls' restroom or to be a member of the girls' soccer teamnot to mention love troubles. She has survived them gracefully, as her well-written, informative, and accessible memoir evidences. Her story is an important addition to the slender but growing body of transgender literature and belongs in every library.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)