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I AM J

Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Beam
Author's First Name: 
Cris
Publisher: 
Little, Brown
Publication Date: 
2011
2013 Nomination (not yet selected): 

J has always known he was male, but somehow he was born in a female body. Conflicts with parents who refuse to see him clearly cause J to run away, find a school for LGBT students, and begin the counseling necessary for gender reassignment. While J is not always a particularly appealing character, the author's insight into the mind of someone who feels constantly mis-perceived is arresting. The classic teen theme of searching for and building one's own identity is sharpened by J's gender issue. J's journey strains his relationships with friends and family, but the conclusion is hopeful and positive. This could be a significant book, giving insight into an important but little-explored topic. A list of resources is included. 14 and Up. Valerie Diamond

Born in a girl's body, J knows he’s a guy, but even his parents and best friend can't see him for who he really is. In this nuanced portrait, J's search for self includes attending an LGBT-oriented school and investigating gender-reassignment. LGBT resources list appended.

 
 

Comments

Meeting Notes for July

by ladamson - 07/14/2011 - 11:38am
Meeting Notes for July 8

Positive Comments:

  • The author straightforwardly handles this compelling and sensitive topic.
  • The story contains both emotional and practical aspects of what it means to be transgendered.
  • How it feels for one to think so differently of oneself than what society thinks becomes clear in the story’s themes of isolation.
  • The adults are accurately portrayed.

Observations:

  • Parents and educators as well as teens should read this book.
  • The backmatter contains a good resource list.

Concerns:

  • None stated.
vdiamond's picture

Author, Cris Beam, also wrote

by vdiamond - 06/28/2011 - 4:31pm
Author, Cris Beam, also wrote a nonfiction book on transgendered teens, Transparent: Love, Family and Living the T with Transgender Teenagers (Harcourt, 2007).