I am J
Cris Beam
J spun. His stomach clenched hard, as though he'd been hit. It was just the neighbour lady, Mercedes. J couldn't muster a hello back, not now; he didn't care that she'd tell his mother he'd been rude. She should know better. Nobody calls me Jeni anymore.
J always felt different. He was certain that eventually everyone would understand who he really was: a boy mistakenly born as a girl. Yet as he grew up, his body began to betray him; eventually J stopped praying to wake up a 'real boy' and started covering up his body, keeping himself invisible - from his family, from his friends...from the world. But after being deserted by the best friend he thought would always be by his side, J decides that he's done hiding - it's time to be who he really is. And this time he is determined not to give up, no matter the cost.
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About Cris Beam
Reviews for I am J
" Easily the best book to date about the complicated condition of being a transsexual teen, not only sharing important information that is artfully woven into the plot but also creating, in J, a multilayered, absolutely believable character whose pain readers will share. Perhaps most importantly, the author brings clarity and charity to a state of being that has too long been misunderstood, ignored, and deplored." - Booklist, starred review
"The novel's greatest strengths are J's voice and his clearly articulated perspective. The tone is believably histrionic, perfectly attuned to adolescence...even readers with little familiarity with transgender issues will find plenty to relate to on an emotional level." - The Bulletin, starred review
"Finally, a book about a transgender teen that gives its central character a life in which gender and transition matter but do not define his existence!" - Kirkus Reviews, starred review A wonderful addition to the few novels that have dared to tackle a subject that has long lived in the cultural margins. . .a tender, surprisingly relatable story. - The Los Angeles Times J's personal frustrations and desires are strongly conveyed, pulling readers into the internal narrative...a gift to transgender teens and an affecting story of self-discovery for all readers. - The Horn Book It is J's authentic voice that keeps this challenging story from simply being a problem novel...Readers should be absorbed by J's struggle to prove 'My gender's not a lie. I am not a lie.' - Publishers Weekly "J is an especially vivid character...the story is believable and effective due to insightful situations, realistic language, and convincing dialogue." - School Library Journal