Teen advocate and trailblazer Jazz Jennings—named one of “The 25 Most Influential Teens” of the year by Time—shares her very public transgender journey, as she inspires people to accept the differences in others while they embrace their own truths. “[Jazz’s] touching book serves as a rallying cry for understanding and acceptance.”—Bustle Jazz Jennings is one of the youngest and most prominent voices in the national discussion about gender identity. At the age of five, Jazz transitioned to life as a girl, with the support of her parents. A year later, her parents allowed her to share her incredible journey in her first Barbara Walters interview, aired at a time when the public was much less knowledgeable or accepting of the transgender community. This groundbreaking interview was followed over the years by other high-profile interviews, a documentary, the launch of her YouTube channel, a picture book, and her own reality TV series—I Am Jazz—making her one of the most recognizable activists for transgender teens, children, and adults. In her remarkable memoir, Jazz reflects on these very public experiences and how they have helped shape the mainstream attitude toward the transgender community. But it hasn’t all been easy. Jazz has faced many challenges, bullying, discrimination, and rejection, yet she perseveres as she educates others about her life as a transgender teen. Through it all, her family has been beside her on this journey, standing together against those who don't understand the true meaning of tolerance and unconditional love. Now Jazz must learn to navigate the physical, social, and emotional upheavals of adolescence—particularly high school—complicated by the unique challenges of being a transgender teen. Making the journey from girl to woman is never easy—especially when you began your life in a boy’s body. Includes a bonus PDF with family interviews, letters, and Jazz's resources for navigating the transgender experience PRAISE FOR JAZZ JENNINGS: “Jazz is one of the transgender community's most important activists.” —Cosmopolitan “A role model for teens everywhere.” —Seventeen.com “Wise beyond her years.” —Teen Vogue
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“Jennings’ youthful enthusiasm and her acute memories of the difficulties posed by being different from most of her peers make her the perfect choice for telling her own story. She reads quickly, with the familiar cadence and inflection of a teenager, and her story gives new insight into the current conversation on transgender issues.”
— AudioFile
“[Jazz’s] touching book serves as a rallying cry for understanding and acceptance.”
— Bustle“Her story is an important addition to the slender but growing body of transgender literature and belongs in every library.”
— Booklist (starred review)“For readers looking for a candid introduction to some of the issues facing trans children and teens, this book is an excellent start.”
— Publishers Weekly“The teen’s successes and nearly limitless self-confidence and optimism will be reassuring for the family and friends of trans youth.”
— School Library Journal