Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen

Since the transgender issue entered politics via NC's HB2 "bathroom bill", I chose this book as an attempt to get some understanding of the issue. I think the book serves that purpose well, offering a frank, presumably realistic, and relatively a-political insight into the struggles of a transgender person. I found it neither preachy nor defensive, it just "tells it like it is." It may be the closest a "straight" person can come to "walking a mile in the other person's shoes."I would wish all our politicians would read a book such as this, or even better, talk to some actual persons with non-typical gender idenitty, before passing legislation in areas in which they have no actual experience.

Jazz's honesty and her willingness to share her experiences along this journey is commendable! Contrary to what haters believe, this is not a "chosen" path, and she is dealing with her life as she sees fit. She is a spokesperson for every transgender person out there- she is blessed to have a supportive family which she realizes is not always the case. At times she is wise beyond her years, and other times she is just a teenage girl trying to navigate life. I enjoyed reading about her journey and I hope, as a school nurse, I can support other children along the way who are just trying to be their "authentic selves!" (as Jazz says!)

I've thought about suicide for many years, and I just have to say, after reading this book, and joining her lives on Facebook, and just reading about Jazz Jennings in general keeps me from suicide. There's more to life than what you think!!!

I am 12 years old and I just finished this book! Honestly pure amazing! It is very entertaining and funny and informative! I LOVE Jazz, she is so inspiring and such a powerful girl! I am pretty in to her show so I was super excited when I found out she had a book! And I was not let down, finished it in 2 days because I couldn't stop reading it! Totally 100% recommend for kids 11+... LOVE! Thank you jazz for inspiring me to be a stronger person!

I stumbled upon this book when it came up under "Recommended for your Kindle" on Amazon's home page. I had never heard of Jazz Jennings. I don't watch much reality TV and her YouTube channel is well beyond my demographic.Jazz's story intrigued me as I don't know or have not met anyone (that I know of) who is transgender. The only thing I have learned is what is reported/portrayed in the mainstream media or what I've read on the internet. I was interested in learning more, especially from someone's firsthand experience. Reading is the next best thing to actually talking/spending time with someone.I read this book in less than a week. It was an easy read filled with a great deal of information regarding Jazz's life thus far and how her family has been involved every step of the way supporting and advocating for her. It would be ideal if more people could be more like Jazz's parents/family/friends. Hopefully through this book (as well as the other avenues Jazz utilizes) will help open some eyes and hearts.I'd highly recommend this book as it was interesting, informative and entertaining. Jazz's parents have raised a wonderful young lady despite the challenges she has had to face and overcome.

This book is a must-read for parents and families who are blessed with gender nonconforming children. I started reading "Being Jazz" after a young gender nonconforming niece/nephew started it. The book is interesting and well written, and it provides a very personal and uplifting account of Jazz learning to adapt to her situation--and of her learning to stand up for her rights. I'm gay, and so understand some of what it's like to grow up different. But Jazz has taught me a lot about what it means, specifically, to grow up as a transgender person. I'm impressed by her resilience and determination and by the support and encouragement that her family has provided as she transitions into her true self.

I told myself that I would incorporate more short stories, more YA reads, and more books featuring transgender protagonists into my reading list this year. Well, this book hits all the buttons although it's totally considered more autobiographical than anything. Jazz is absolutely positively adorable and inspiring, and her parents have done a fantastic job raising her.I think it's important for transgender teens to know that they're not alone, and stories like these are what's needed. Everyone wants to see themselves represented in mainstream culture and Jazz has done well with making her mark on the world at such a young age. Reading her tale in her own words definitely made me a fan. This young lady is going places.

One suspects this was dictated or ghost written to some degree. It has a meandering style and the celebrity stories are pretty dull to kids who don't care about Barbara Walters ("Who is that?" asked my kid) But the narrative is cogent and timely and my ten year old learned a lot from our discussion after we both read it. The genuine personality of a resiliant and brave young lady emerges from the text and she has much to share with the world, for sure.

The first question most will be asking is, what could a 15 year old girl have done with her life to be writing an autobiography?The oblique answer is, this is Jazz Jennings. She took on the world at 6 years old by coming out as transgender. She has successfully stood up to and over came the United States Soccer Federation, successive schools, the press. Co-founded a national organisation, TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation, promoting tolerance and acceptance for transgender children everywhere. She has appeared in a number of TV shows to discuss her issues, including two seasons of a series dedicated to her personally, I Am Jazz. Been granted numerous awards, including Time Magazine's "The 25 Most Influential Teens of 2014". Appeared in TV commercials. Appointed a Grand Marshal in New York City's Gay Pride Parade, Met the President of the United States, written 2 books and somehow managed to achieve first class marks in her school work.So, this young woman has quite a lot to write about.Along with the rest of the world, I first saw her as a typically cute 6 year old girl telling her story on TV. She was starting a remarkable story.She has inspired so many, not just other young people. She's set standard of expectation for society to match up to. A standard of respect and rights for all transgender people. She's taken more flak that most could or should. She's defied convention and shown that those very conventions are grounded, not in any social standard of decency or necessity, but in ignorance and intolerance.The book consists of 20 chapters, each dealing, more or less, with an issue. Many are typical for young people everywhere, such as being subjected to a period of isolation bullying, though it somehow seems more unfair when it happens to someone else.Others, understandably, more personal to her life.It begins describing her struggle to convince, first her mother, then everyone else that she is indeed a girl. Her struggles at school to be accepted. Her meetings with journalists and ultimately, Barbara Walters and the broadcast which brought little Jazz to the world.It goes onto describe her battles to be permitted to play soccer, make friends and be the figurehead behind a major Transgender group, Transkids, Purple Rainbow Foundation.At every stage in her struggles, at ever disappointment, every success, every plan, every surprise, are her mother and father, backing her up, demonstrating what all good parents instinctively know, that children thrive when encouraged and supported.The writing isn't high brow, it's more chatty. Its easy to read, never self indulgent, nor self pitying or overly opinionated. There are times of sudden fun and humour, and times of sudden sadness and sorrow. It is a feel good book, a story of success.More importantly, it's a book about a loving, insightful mother who will go the extra mile for her children, a dad, cautious, thoughtful and who rises like a lion to defend his own and a family that is there for each other.And it's about Jazz.

As a transgender teen myself, I'm very happy see how far Jazz has gotten. Her stories have been inspiring transgender people all over the world and have been instrumental in making the world a better place for everyone.A pleasure to read, this book might take you back to a time of your youth that you might have already forgotten.You’ll be revolted at how much bigotry there is still left in the world to fight against, but also happy for how there’s also so much support.We have to choose better who we want to let in our lives, and stop letting others control us.To Jazz Jennings, please keep inspiring everyone to live their dreams and to become who they truly are. To fight and to be fearless.Thank you.

I bought this for my daughter and this is her review...Omg this book changed my life because I now know some of what Jazz has been through and how she never gave up and she should be proud of her and her parents and siblings because they helped her through some tough times! And I'm sure she is.

A well organised book by Jazz

Just started reading it today