I am J by Cris Beam 326 pages

The body of literature about transgendered teens is very small. Cris Beam has crafted an amazingly powerful novel sharing with the reader the journey of J starting with his unhappy existence at home and school, to moving out and gaining self-acceptance. From the very beginning J knows that he is a boy trapped in a girl's body. His main concerns is how to be able to start testosterone treatment, how to break the news to his parents and how to craft a relationship with Blue, a sensitive artist who he hopes will accept him. To get treatment he must have parental permission since he is under 18. Mom seems sympathetic, but forces him to move in with his friend, Melissa. She keeps him from talking with his Dad by protesting that it will take time for his Dad to accept the truth about J. This book radiates honesty and impresses upon the reader how important it is that we accept people. Fortunately through therapy and trust, J is able to create a home and a future.