Review: I Am J by Cris Beam (2011)

One of the more recent additions to the small family of transgender teen books, I Am J by Cris Beam is a great read for teens and adults alike. J was born Jennifer, a girl whose parents dreamed of sending her to college, watching her get married, and all the other things parents often want for their little girls. Jennifer, however, hoped that one day, the world would see that there had been a misunderstanding - Jennifer was actually a boy.

J covered himself in baggy clothing to hide the breasts that he wished he didn’t have and tries desperately to stop his monthly period. He has trouble relating to his friends and family, who don’t know his secret and assume he’s a lesbian. J finally runs away from home and enrolls in a school for LGBTQ teens. He learns about testosterone treatments, “T”, a way he can finally become outside what he’s always felt inside and stop feeling the need to hide his body. It is a long and rocky road, though, especially when you’re only 17.

J is a determined character whose troubles are portrayed with depth and sensitivity. Beam’s deep understanding and passion for the struggles of transgender teens shines through in this book, and I would recommend it to... well, just about anyone! Those unfamiliar with trans issues will get an education in this book, and those who are already familiar will find a likeable character to befriend.

Cris Beam is also the author of Transparent: Love, Family and Living the T with Transgender Teenagers, an award-winning YA nonfiction book.

Other YA books featuring transgender teens:
Luna by Julie Ann Peters
Parrotfish by Ellen Wittlinger
Almost Perfect by Brian Katcher