Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen

Reviewed by: Brooke Faulkner - McArthur Public Library, Biddeford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

Fifteen-year-old Jazz Jennings knew as a preschooler that she was a girl and she begins this engaging memoir by describing some of her earliest experiences and then progresses forward chronologically, occasionally adding in some of her present-day thoughts about her younger years. Along the way, she introduces readers to her loving family and describes the process by which they began to understand that she was transgender and how they could best support her. This eventually grew into her mom and dad starting an advocacy project for transgender youth and sharing Jazz's story in the media (she and her family are now the subjects of a reality show on TLC) in order to raise awareness and increase visibility for other kids who are transgender.

In an upbeat tone, Jennings relates experiences with school, friends, romance and family that are laced with humor. She matter of factly describes some of the discrimination she has faced along the way, including her elementary school's insistence that she not be allowed to use the girls' bathroom and the Florida State Soccer Association's unwillingness to allow her to play on a girls' team. She tells stories of cruel remarks and treatment from her peers, but makes clear that she won't allow these to define her or effect her happiness and confidence. She also talks openly and honestly about struggling with depression, which runs in her family.

Though her advocacy work has brought her fame - she was named one of Time Magazine's Most Influential Teens for two years running and discusses meeting public figures like Oprah Winfrey, Barbara Walters and President Obama - Jennings voice is down-to-earth and accessible and this memoir is a poignant and interesting read.

Overall Book Score: very good