Being Jazz

My Life as a (Transgender) Teen

By: Jazz Jennings

Narrated by: Jazz Jennings

Teen advocate and trailblazer Jazz Jennings—named one of “The 25 Most Influential Teens” of the year by Time—shares her very public transgender journey, as she inspires people to accept the differences in others while they embrace their own truths.

“[Jazz’s] touching book serves as a rallying cry for understanding and acceptance.”—Bustle

Jazz Jennings is one of the youngest and most prominent voices in the national discussion about gender identity. At the age of five, Jazz transitioned to life as a girl, with the support of her parents. A year later, her parents allowed her to share her incredible journey in her first Barbara Walters interview, aired at a time when the public was much less knowledgeable or accepting of the transgender community. This groundbreaking interview was followed over the years by other high-profile interviews, a documentary, the launch of her YouTube channel, a picture book, and her own reality TV series—I Am Jazz—making her one of the most recognizable activists for transgender teens, children, and adults.

In her remarkable memoir, Jazz reflects on these very public experiences and how they have helped shape the mainstream attitude toward the transgender community. But it hasn’t all been easy. Jazz has faced many challenges, bullying, discrimination, and rejection, yet she perseveres as she educates others about her life as a transgender teen. Through it all, her family has been beside her on this journey, standing together against those who don't understand the true meaning of tolerance and unconditional love. Now Jazz must learn to navigate the physical, social, and emotional upheavals of adolescence—particularly high school—complicated by the unique challenges of being a transgender teen. Making the journey from girl to woman is never easy—especially when you began your life in a boy’s body.

Includes a bonus PDF with family interviews, letters, and Jazz's resources for navigating the transgender experience

PRAISE FOR JAZZ JENNINGS:

“Jazz is one of the transgender community's most important activists.” —Cosmopolitan

“A role model for teens everywhere.” —Seventeen.com

“Wise beyond her years.” —Teen Vogue

Critic reviews

PRAISE FOR JAZZ JENNINGS:

"Jazz is one of the transgender community's most important activists." –Cosmopolitan

"A role model for teens everywhere." –Seventeen.com

"Wise beyond her years." –Teen Vogue

Great story!

This was a great read. I only wish it was longer. Can't wait for her to write mire books as her journey continues.

Being Jazz audio book rocks

Absolutely love this. I'm transgender female and this inspired me. 5 stars for Jazz. 😁

WOW!

Jazz really opened up my eyes and my mind. I haven't understood transgender until now. Great book!

One of the most formative icons

Jazz Jennings has been nothing but herself through all these years people have been trying to get a reaction out of her trying to make her do something else, but she’s always just been herself, she’s funny and happy. She knows how to protect yourself and her book attest to the fact that people can’t break her spirit.

Articulate teen discusses her life as a transgender young person

This young woman gives transgender teens a voice. A good primer for adults trying to understand what it means to be transgender and an excellent book for our transgender young people. Jazz is an advocate for trans rights and a role model for all young people to be themselves regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is a very upbeat and affirming book & it is fun to hear the young authors’s authentic voice on the audiobook.