I Am J

Title: I Am J
Author: Cris Beam
Genre: Multicultural Contemporary Realistic Fiction

You will like this book if:

• You are interested in learning more about people who transgendered.
• You like to read books where the emotions of a character are discussed at length.
• You sometimes feel like people don't understand the real you.
• You prefer books that are very serious.

You will not like this book if:

• It makes you uncomfortable to talk or read about people who are gay or transgendered.
• You like books about action, fantasy, or humor.
• You like books with a lot of dialouge.

Summary: This book follows the journey of J (born as Jenifer).  J was born as a girl but never identified himself as female; he now realizes that the time has come for him to begin living like a man, instead of just looking like one.  There are a range of interesting characters: a supportive best friend, confused parents, and another compassionate transguy.  He finally begins to have a feeling of peace when, after some frightening wandering, he enrolls in a high school for gay and transgender teens.  This book gives readers insight about the struggles transgender teens encounter, the prejudices they face, and the pressure they feel from both others and themselves.  This book contains some mature content.