Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
I Am Jazz
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
29 posts | 26 read | 13 to read
The story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for transkids everywhere "This is an essential tool for parents and teachers to share with children whether those kids identify as trans or not. I wish I had had a book like this when I was a kid struggling with gender identity questions. I found it deeply moving in its simplicity and honesty."Laverne Cox (who plays Sophia in Orange Is the New Black) From the time she was two years old, Jazz knew that she had a girl's brain in a boy's body. She loved pink and dressing up as a mermaid and didn't feel like herself in boys' clothing. This confused her family, until they took her to a doctor who said that Jazz was transgender and that she was born that way. Jazz's story is based on her real-life experience and she tells it in a simple, clear way that will be appreciated by picture book readers, their parents, and teachers.
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
review
LibrarianRyan
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
post image
Pickpick

4 ⭐I think this book is very well done. It‘s not really a biography, more of a this is me and could be you, and that is okay. It‘s a story to read that show differences as natural and accepted. This book is not preachy and is not trying to turn more kids trans (as is sometimes suggested). It is a sweet picture book about a child who experienced something other kids may experience as well.

TheBookgeekFrau She has a show on TLC by the same name. I've seen bits and pieces of it and find her just glorious! 7mo
LibrarianRyan @TheBookgeekFrau I saw an episode or two a few years ago. And yeah. it like a breath of fresh air. 7mo
TheBookgeekFrau @LibrarianRyan If the 90 Day Fiancé mega-multi-verse ever gives me a break I'll watch it through ? But yes, a breath of fresh air! 7mo
35 likes3 comments
blurb
TheBookHippie
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
post image
review
IndoorDame
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
post image
Pickpick

This was published 8 years ago and has been the focus of challenges and bans ever since, but it‘s only in the past year or two that laws in FL and TX really make you think about why the representation in books like this matters, and what will happen if things get more restrictive. #BBRCPictureBookLetterJ @LibrarianRyan

LibrarianRyan I have yet to read this, but i have seen a few of Jazz's specials on TV. I know she had a like a TLC or Discover show at one time. And she is now very active in trans--rights. I believe she is in college and about to graduate. That just makes me feel old. 2y
49 likes3 stack adds1 comment
review
Crinoline_Laphroaig
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
post image
Pickpick

Continuined Reading #top10challengedbooks I haven't read before Banned Books Week.

Very simplified explanation which is to be expected as it's written for Ages 4 - 8.

I can see why this would have been Trailblazer back went it was written. Also get the more current critiques about white washing of illustrations & gender stereotypes. Perhaps that's example of progress being made.

review
alisiakae
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
post image
Pickpick

#bbrc #a2z Letter I #picturebook

A sweet nonfiction memoir about accepting different gender identities, but I feel some of the text actually reinforces gender stereotype. (ex Pink is for girls, superheroes are for boys). BUT, this is Jazz‘s story, saying what is was like for her, and in that way, it is perfect.

I may be sensitive, since I have a cisgender daughter who has been told she likes “boy things”, and I hate that gender stereotyping.

Chrissyreadit Gender stereotyping really gets under my skin too. 5y
alisiakae @Chrissyreadit explaining what it means to be transgender and/or non-binary in a children‘s book is not easy, and that‘s where I sometimes see gender based descriptions for activity/clothing preferences pop up. My favorite #ownvoices children‘s book with a transgender character is this one: 5y
Chrissyreadit I feel this way for all children. The bullying and stereotyping promotes a rhetoric that does not value diverse interests, play or acceptance. I work with so many children who have been harmed. I also wonder about stereotyping and the purpose it serves. 5y
See All 9 Comments
SharonAlger Thanks for the review. I‘m with you; it‘s not enough to merely raise the topic of transgender; it needs to be done well. 5y
TrishB Would George fill the diverse middle grade prompt as my daughter has that book and I‘m still wandering what to read. I hate the gender stereotyping of kids stuff, toys, clothes etc.... 5y
Chrissyreadit @TrishB ohhh! I added it to my stacked but that‘s a good idea for diverse middle grade. 5y
Chrissyreadit @4thhouseontheleft I glad you shared the recommendation. I work in a clinic and we have several children who are transgender. I‘ve also worked with toddlers who are intersex. We need so many tools to support not just acceptance but full community. Yet we still have misogyny, racism, religious bias. The ignorance is exhausting. 5y
alisiakae @TrishB Yes, definitely! 5y
TrishB Cool, thanks 👍🏻 @Chrissyreadit 😘 5y
65 likes2 stack adds9 comments
blurb
alisiakae
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
post image

Went to the library to pick up my humongous stack of picture books for @LibrarianRyan ‘s Birth and Beyond Reading Challenge that starts July 1! Doesn‘t this look like fun? 😃

As you can see, for some letters of the alphabet, I couldn‘t pick just one. 😂 #BBRC

I‘m choosing 📚 that are new-to-me, and are inclusive, diverse and/or strong on girl power.

LibrarianRyan Teahhhh. Nice stack. 👍🏻😁😎 5y
Emilymdxn Amazing! 5y
mrp27 Fantastic stack! 📚📚 5y
Sarahreadstoomuch I‘m off for the weekend, but can‘t wait to pick my books on Monday! Love your stack! 5y
emtobiasz So many good ones! 5y
77 likes5 comments
blurb
alisiakae
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
post image

And because I‘m nutty, I already came up with a reading list for the picture book section of the #BBRC reading challenge. I am going to do a theme, choosing picture books that are diverse, inclusive and/or have a girl self-empowerment message.

A Mighty Girl is one of my favorite websites, and the book section is a great resource for this challenge.
https://www.amightygirl.com/books

LibrarianRyan Yeahhh. I love the mighty girl website. 5y
LibrarianJen I‘ve read a few on your list! I love My Names Not Isabella, and Hanukkah Bear. I hope you enjoy your challenge. 💖 5y
alisiakae @LibrarianJen Hanukkah Bear is the only one I have on the list that I‘ve already read. It‘s one of my daughter‘s favorites. 😃 @LibrarianRyan I use it as a reference any time I buy gifts for kids (including my own child 😆). 5y
Sarahreadstoomuch You are making me feel better about already having pages made in my book journal for this challenge! 5y
85 likes4 comments
quote
lauren_rese
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
post image

blurb
lauren_rese
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel

This book can be sensitive to certain children or families.

review
lauren_rese
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
Pickpick

A book that is referring to an organization, TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation, that tells a story about transgender. This books teaches children that it is okay to be who you want to be. Jazz, is the co-founder of this organization, and shared her story to all who read. Genre: Nonfiction; Published: 2014; Illustrator: Shelagh McNicholas

quote
cjbattiste
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel

“And inside, I am happy. I am having fun. I am proud!”

blurb
cjbattiste
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel

I especially like that the author addressed any and all relationships that Jazz has: parents, siblings, teachers, friends, etc.

review
cjbattiste
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
Pickpick

At first I didn‘t understand how this could be a nonfiction book, but I started reading and it made complete sense. The book teaches young children about what being “transgender” is and even all of the struggles a child like this might face.

quote
cjegolden99
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
post image

blurb
cjegolden99
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel

Nonfiction. This is a great nonfiction book for a young classroom because it still reads like a picture book making it easier for kids to follow along and learn from it. I really enjoyed this little book, it‘s very sweet and engaging.

review
cjegolden99
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
Pickpick

I am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings and illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas, 2014. This is a very sweet nonfiction text for children. It‘s part biographical and part informational and all engaging. It‘s told like a story and illustrated like a picture book to keep children interested but they are learning about a real person and their real life.

review
GatheringBooks
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
post image
Pickpick

#LiteraryLuck Day 11: You can definitely add this picturebook biography to your #RainbowStack as it explores the life of Jazz Jennings, a transgender child. In a world that thrives on confused states of being, I am glad that there are the likes of Jazz who knew from childhood that she loves pink, mermaids, make up and soccer – among other things. My review: https://wp.me/pDlzr-dt9

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks ❤️❤️ 5y
InkedBookworm13 Have you seen her show? It's on TLC. I found it very interesting because up until the release of her show, all transgender public figures and role models were older and had transitioned later in life. 5y
kspenmoll Wonderful post💕💕 5y
69 likes1 stack add3 comments
review
elizabethlk
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
post image
Pickpick

This was a super cute and kid friendly way to look at what being trans means for kids. Cute pictures and a cute story bring a real trans girl to life for a young audience. Definitely worth a read.

review
Krisjericho
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
post image
Pickpick

I‘ve read the critiques about the use of language like “boy clothes” and “girl brain”, and I understand them and find them valid, but this book opened up a conversation, discussion, and great questions from my 5 and 9 year old children, and I don‘t know that it would have it they hadn‘t been able to understand Jazz‘s explanation. And that‘s what this is - one person‘s, one child‘s story. Review continued in comments

Krisjericho I am hoping that this will open many doors for picture books about people all over the gender spectrum, but my kids know what transgender means, and they were easily able to understand that gender is what is in someone‘s brain, thanks to this picture book. My explanations tend to confuse them, and this was the message in the way they needed to hear it. 6y
TheBookHippie 💗I agree. 6y
ScrappyMags I can‘t even imagine what you his will mean to a child who experiences it 💗💗💗 Heck i remember being excited about Judy Blume and my name in a title! 6y
36 likes2 stack adds3 comments
review
Readerann
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
post image
Pickpick

In keeping with my #readathon theme of the 'Most Challenged Books', I checked this out from the library. This book resonated with me because my best friend when we were both five/seven years old was just like Jazz (transgender). He moved away, but I think of him often and hope he found acceptance and love.

review
PriscillaD
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
post image
Pickpick

I Am Jazz is a NF by Jazz Jennings and Jessica Hershel. This book is based on the life of Jazz a transgender child and her transition to be who she really is! This is a great book for parents or teachers with transgender children. http://www.healthiersf.org/LGBTQ/InTheClassroom/docs/curriculum/I%20am%20Jazz.pd... #UCFLAE3414sp17

DrSpalding A nonfiction book about a real person in a _______? 7y
DrSpalding Correct @PriscillaD 📚 7y
1 like3 comments
blurb
BookishMarginalia
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
post image
saresmoore It blows my mind that some of these have been banned! 7y
ephemeralwaltz Junie B. Jones??!! 7y
Seekingtardis I don't even understand!??! Why ban books? What's the point!? That really grinds my gears! 😫 7y
See All 9 Comments
mcipher I used to babysit for Perry Klass's kids!! Random tidbit. I love her and her books. And I'm hoping my son has read everything on this list. What a crazy world... (edited) 7y
Peddler410 Every September I spend the month talking about this with over 1500 middle schoolers! I love the conversations that get started! 7y
Katerina The Diary of Anne Frank is banned in the US?? Is that true? On what grounds? 7y
[DELETED] 1409720085 It cracks me up that Junie B. Jones is on this list. 😂 7y
CouronneDhiver Junie B Jones?! 🤦🏻‍♀️My parents were conservative and we grew up reading most of these titles. Lol 7y
178 likes1 stack add9 comments
review
Skeeterisme
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
Pickpick

Really like this story.

blurb
Broke_Girl_Reads
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
post image

I feel like I'm staring into the void this morning. I haven't made it to the point where I can feel anything but despair so I'm starting small with a contribution to #overthis. Be sure to include the trans community in all the love you're sending out today. And thanks to @lemonlime799 for starting this hashtag!

queerbookreader Right onnnnnn! Thank you. If you want to make a list of books about/by trans people that would be totally cool to see posted. 7y
37 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
OliverDepp
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
post image

I love #bannedbooks week in that I get to talk to customers about freedom of speech and hand sell some rad titles. Will I leave our displays up longer than a week? Of course I will.

review
TheBookHippie
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
post image
Pickpick

Getting ready for banned book week.
I am Jazz is such a beautiful sweet book, very well done and appropriate.

TheBookHippie @MrBook I actually have read most of the banned book list. Most are on my kindle instead of book form. I thought my stack would be higher!!! 8y
MrBook 😎👌🏻 8y
9 likes3 comments
review
TheBookHippie
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
post image
Pickpick

Good read. Jazz and her mom very sweet. Pleasure to meet them both. My daughters friend committed suicide at 16. He was transgender his name was Ian. He was 16. That was 9 years ago. We've made some progress...

review
Ellsbeth
I Am Jazz | Jazz Jennings, Jessica Herthel
post image
Mehso-so

It's always interesting to read picture books on ALA's Top Ten Challenged Books list. This is #3 for 2015. I'm beefing up my picture book knowledge since I have 2 youngsters & may teach a children's lit class. This is certainly an "issue book." It can be helpful with diversity & LGBTQ discussions.