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. 😁

Eloquent and Well Thought Out

Young Ms. Jennings has created a body of work, including her life, of which to be extremely proud. Precocious almost to a fault, she has forged and followed a bigger life than most people four times her current age (which is fifteen.) This book is well written and edited, both traditionally speaking as well as with sound engineering. Informative, spirited and vivid enough to draw out memories of my own from parallel ages in my (non-transgender) life, listening to this book was similar to hanging out with one of my own extremely candid nieces. I definitely recommend listening to this book. One note, Jazz does speak a little bit quickly, but you can always change the speed on the meter while listening, so it's not truly a problem. Other great reads along the same lines are "Raising my Rainbow" and "Raising Ryland."

Word to Jazz, if you're reading this ... Everyone who is as intensely self-aware as you are experiences some degree of an existential crisis manifesting in some way or another. Just remember that your ripple, your legacy already is love.

Inspiring and a Joy to Listen To

I am a huge fan of the show and was very excited for the book. I love Jazz and her entire family. I am an avid advocate for LGBTQ rights and love all the world they are doing. Jazz does a wonderful job telling her story and j encourage anyone with questions about transgender topics to listen to this book. She is an inspiration and I will buy every book and watch every episode of I Am Jazz!

Amazing story- thank you for being YOU Jazz

I absolutely loved hearing your story. I have been involved with the LGBTQ community since 2010. One of the most amazing person in my life is a transgender who knew at a very young age she was born w/ a boy body but a girl brain. she did not socially and partially physically start her transformation till later in life. Momma Sammi is one of the most Amazing people ever. Your book really put new perspective on the issues trans youth face. You have an AMAZINGLY SUPPORTIVE FAMILY. I want to thank them also for everything that they do as well. Your children's book I feel should be part of EVERY SCHOOL CURRICULUM in the world.