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4 ⭐I think this book is very well done. It‘s not really a biography, more of a this is me and could be you, and that is okay. It‘s a story to read that show differences as natural and accepted. This book is not preachy and is not trying to turn more kids trans (as is sometimes suggested). It is a sweet picture book about a child who experienced something other kids may experience as well.

This was published 8 years ago and has been the focus of challenges and bans ever since, but it‘s only in the past year or two that laws in FL and TX really make you think about why the representation in books like this matters, and what will happen if things get more restrictive. #BBRCPictureBookLetterJ @LibrarianRyan

Continuined Reading #top10challengedbooks I haven't read before Banned Books Week.

Very simplified explanation which is to be expected as it's written for Ages 4 - 8.

I can see why this would have been Trailblazer back went it was written. Also get the more current critiques about white washing of illustrations & gender stereotypes. Perhaps that's example of progress being made.

#bbrc #a2z Letter I #picturebook

A sweet nonfiction memoir about accepting different gender identities, but I feel some of the text actually reinforces gender stereotype. (ex Pink is for girls, superheroes are for boys). BUT, this is Jazz‘s story, saying what is was like for her, and in that way, it is perfect.

I may be sensitive, since I have a cisgender daughter who has been told she likes “boy things”, and I hate that gender stereotyping.

Went to the library to pick up my humongous stack of picture books for @LibrarianRyan ‘s Birth and Beyond Reading Challenge that starts July 1! Doesn‘t this look like fun? 😃

As you can see, for some letters of the alphabet, I couldn‘t pick just one. 😂 #BBRC

I‘m choosing 📚 that are new-to-me, and are inclusive, diverse and/or strong on girl power.

And because I‘m nutty, I already came up with a reading list for the picture book section of the #BBRC reading challenge. I am going to do a theme, choosing picture books that are diverse, inclusive and/or have a girl self-empowerment message.

A Mighty Girl is one of my favorite websites, and the book section is a great resource for this challenge.
https://www.amightygirl.com/books

This book can be sensitive to certain children or families.

A book that is referring to an organization, TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation, that tells a story about transgender. This books teaches children that it is okay to be who you want to be. Jazz, is the co-founder of this organization, and shared her story to all who read. Genre: Nonfiction; Published: 2014; Illustrator: Shelagh McNicholas

“And inside, I am happy. I am having fun. I am proud!”

I especially like that the author addressed any and all relationships that Jazz has: parents, siblings, teachers, friends, etc.

At first I didn‘t understand how this could be a nonfiction book, but I started reading and it made complete sense. The book teaches young children about what being “transgender” is and even all of the struggles a child like this might face.

Nonfiction. This is a great nonfiction book for a young classroom because it still reads like a picture book making it easier for kids to follow along and learn from it. I really enjoyed this little book, it‘s very sweet and engaging.

I am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings and illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas, 2014. This is a very sweet nonfiction text for children. It‘s part biographical and part informational and all engaging. It‘s told like a story and illustrated like a picture book to keep children interested but they are learning about a real person and their real life.

#LiteraryLuck Day 11: You can definitely add this picturebook biography to your #RainbowStack as it explores the life of Jazz Jennings, a transgender child. In a world that thrives on confused states of being, I am glad that there are the likes of Jazz who knew from childhood that she loves pink, mermaids, make up and soccer – among other things. My review: https://wp.me/pDlzr-dt9

This was a super cute and kid friendly way to look at what being trans means for kids. Cute pictures and a cute story bring a real trans girl to life for a young audience. Definitely worth a read.

I‘ve read the critiques about the use of language like “boy clothes” and “girl brain”, and I understand them and find them valid, but this book opened up a conversation, discussion, and great questions from my 5 and 9 year old children, and I don‘t know that it would have it they hadn‘t been able to understand Jazz‘s explanation. And that‘s what this is - one person‘s, one child‘s story. Review continued in comments

In keeping with my #readathon theme of the 'Most Challenged Books', I checked this out from the library. This book resonated with me because my best friend when we were both five/seven years old was just like Jazz (transgender). He moved away, but I think of him often and hope he found acceptance and love.

I Am Jazz is a NF by Jazz Jennings and Jessica Hershel. This book is based on the life of Jazz a transgender child and her transition to be who she really is! This is a great book for parents or teachers with transgender children. http://www.healthiersf.org/LGBTQ/InTheClassroom/docs/curriculum/I%20am%20Jazz.pd... #UCFLAE3414sp17

#ReadBannedBooks especially in our current political climate. http://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/16/well/family/the-banned-books-your-child-should... #freedomtoread #freedomofspeech #firstamendment

Really like this story.

I feel like I'm staring into the void this morning. I haven't made it to the point where I can feel anything but despair so I'm starting small with a contribution to #overthis. Be sure to include the trans community in all the love you're sending out today. And thanks to @lemonlime799 for starting this hashtag!

I love #bannedbooks week in that I get to talk to customers about freedom of speech and hand sell some rad titles. Will I leave our displays up longer than a week? Of course I will.

It's always interesting to read picture books on ALA's Top Ten Challenged Books list. This is #3 for 2015. I'm beefing up my picture book knowledge since I have 2 youngsters & may teach a children's lit class. This is certainly an "issue book." It can be helpful with diversity & LGBTQ discussions.