click to enlarge

I am J
Cris Beam
Find teaching resources
for this book at
From very early on, J knew he was male. Born Jenifer, J hated ruffles and ribbons, preferring jeans and boys' shirts. His behavior left his parents angry, confused, and hurt.

Once puberty began, J quit swim team, wrapped his breasts, and started living as a male. He even ran away from home and enrolled in a school especially for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth.
J's journey from female into male isn't easy. Often confused and full of self-doubt, J copes with his father's rejection, dating issues, and cruelty from those who don't understand. He gathers the information he needs, makes true friends, and learns who he really is.

When he finishes therapy and finally turns eighteen, he can begin the injections that will start to transform his body. The question is...will it make him truly happy?