I Am Jazz

This book is on the banned book list this year! Every year I celebrate banned book week by reading a book off the yearly list. At our library we like to have the freedom to read! I thought this book was well spoken and tackled perhaps a confusing subject for kids, very nicely and respectfully. I didn't particularly like the stereotypical society “boy stuff” and “girl stuff” bits, though I felt it still was a good introduction. ~Ashley

It was nicely illustrated, but after reading some reviews it sounds like they have whitewashed Jazz. I could understand if they based a character off of her, but it is literally about her?

Assigned reading for MLIS 7421: Multicultural Youth Literature.

This was probably the cutest and most delightful children's picture book I've read in a very long time! It tells the true story of Jazz Jennings, a trans girl who knew she was a little girl trapped in a boy's body since she was a toddler. It talks about her family's adjustment period to her transition, her classmates' behaviors towards her - and, most importantly, she touches on the fact that anyone who gives her a chance ends up loving her, and seeing her for the kind and lovely little girl she is. Not only is the story fantastic, but the art is gorgeous, too, and I will absolutely be purchasing a copy of this for my own child!