I am Jazz by Jessica Herthel, Jazz Jennings

The story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for transkids everywhere

"This is an essential tool for parents and teachers to share with children whether those kids identify as trans or not. I wish I had had a book like this when I was a kid struggling with gender identity questions. I found it deeply moving in its simplicity and honesty."—Laverne Cox (who plays Sophia in “Orange Is the New Black”)

From the time she was two years old, Jazz knew that she had a girl's brain in a boy's body. She loved pink and dressing up as a mermaid and didn't feel like herself in boys' clothing. This confused her family, until they took her to a doctor who said that Jazz was transgender and that she was born that way. Jazz's story is based on her real-life experience and she tells it in a simple, clear way that will be appreciated by picture book readers, their parents, and teachers.

Jessica Herthel is the director of the Stonewall National Education Project, which networks LGBTQ inclusive school districts and develops educational materials for the classroom. She lives in Florida.

Jazz Jennings is fourteen years old. She is an honorary co-founder of the TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation (www.transkidspurplerainbow.org). She has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Network, 20/20 specials with Barbara Walters, and The Rosie Show, and she speaks at schools and conferences across the country.

Shelagh McNicholas has illustrated many books for children, including I Am Jazz, The Perfect Pony, and Little Ballet Star. She lives in England.